Your First 24 Hours in Xian: An Arrivals Guide for Travelers

Landing in Xi'an felt like stepping into a living history book. As someone who’d spent months dreaming of the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient city walls, I was both excited and a little overwhelmed—especially after a 14-hour flight. But by the time I’d navigated my first taxi, slurped down a bowl of yangrou paomo (mutton soup), and watched the sunset from the Bell Tower, I’d figured out the rhythm of this city. If you’re arriving soon, let me save you some trial-and-error. Here’s your no-fuss guide to surviving (and loving) your first day in Xi'an.

Your First 24 Hours in Xian: An Arrivals Guide for Travelers

Step 1: Getting from the Airport/Train Station to Your Hotel

Xi’an has two main entry points: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and Xi’an North Railway Station (high-speed rail hub). Here’s how to get to the city center without stress:

From the Airport (XIY):

• Airport Express Bus (Easiest for Budget Travelers): Look for the “Airport Express Bus” signs outside Arrivals. Line 5 goes straight to Xi’an Railway Station (downtown), taking ~50 minutes and costing ¥25. Line 3 drops you at Xiaozhan (near Big Wild Goose Pagoda), closer to southern attractions. Buses run 6:00 AM–11:00 PM, and you pay cash on board.
• Metro (Cheapest & Most Efficient): Take the Airport城际铁路 (Inter-city Railway) to Beikezhanyouzhan (North Railway Station Hub), then transfer to Metro Line 2 (direct to Bell Tower, Xiaozhan, etc.). Total cost ~¥8, travel time ~1 hour. Pro tip: Buy a “长安通” (Chang’an Tong) card at the metro station—you can recharge it and use it on buses, metro, and even convenience stores.
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Convenient but Watch for Scams): Official taxis are yellow; insist on using the meter. A ride to the Bell Tower area should cost ¥80–100 (including highway fees). If you prefer ride-hailing, use Didi (China’s Uber)—set it to “Premium” to avoid unlicensed cars. Avoid random drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall!

From Xi’an North Railway Station:

• Metro (Best Option): Line 2 runs directly to the city center (Bell Tower, South Gate, etc.). ¥3–6, 20–30 minutes.
• Bus: Bus 33, 105, or 39 go to downtown; look for stops near the Bell Tower. ¥2, but traffic can be slow.
• Taxi: ¥15–25 to the Bell Tower area—short and cheap!

Step 2: Where to Stay (Neighborhoods That Make Sense)

Xi’an’s neighborhoods are distinct, so pick one based on your vibe:

• Bell Tower/Dongdajie (East Street) (Best for First-Timers): Staying here puts you in the heart of the action. You’ll be a 5-minute walk from the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and the Muslim Street food scene. It’s pricier (mid-range hotels start at ¥400/night), but the convenience is worth it. I stayed at the Hanting Hotel Bell Tower Branch—clean, central, and ¥350/night.
• Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) (Best for Foodies): If you prioritize eating over sightseeing, stay here. You’ll wake up to the smell of roasting meat and fresh bread. Hostels like Muslim Quarter Youth Hostel (¥80/night for a dorm) or budget hotels (¥200–300) line the narrow lanes. Warning: It gets noisy at night, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• Xiaozhan/Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Best for Culture Lovers): Quieter than the center, with more traditional hotels near the pagoda. Great if you plan to spend a day exploring the Shaanxi History Museum (free tickets book up fast—more on that later). The Ji Hotel near the pagoda is luxurious, but budget options like Hanting Express (¥250/night) work too.

Step 3: Your First Day Itinerary (Low-Key & Iconic)

Don’t try to cram in too much on arrival day. Jet lag is real, and Xi’an’s best experiences are savored slowly. Here’s a relaxed plan:

Afternoon: Settle In & Explore the Bell Tower

Drop your bags, then head straight to the Bell Tower (Zhong Lou). It’s the symbol of Xi’an, standing at the intersection of the city’s four main streets. You can climb to the top (¥40) for panoramic views of the old city—worth it for photos, but skip if you’re short on time. Pro tip: Go at 4 PM; the afternoon light is golden, and the pre-dinner crowds are smaller.

From the Bell Tower, wander down Dongdajie (East Street), a pedestrian mall lined with shops selling everything from silk to souvenirs. Ignore the “tourist traps” (like overpriced jade) and pop into a bingshuibing (ice pancake) stall—sweet, crispy, and a Xi’an classic.

Evening: Muslim Quarter Food Fest

When hunger hits, walk 10 minutes to the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street). Forget the fancy restaurants—this place is all about street food. Here’s what you must try (and where to find it):

• Yangrou Paomo (Mutton Soup): The city’s most famous dish. Break a flatbread into pieces, dunk it in a rich mutton broth, and add pickled garlic. Xiaoyisai Paomo (near the Drum Tower) is a local favorite—¥15/bowl.
• Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Crispy bread stuffed with spiced beef or pork. Lao Sun Ji Roujiamo (on Huimin Street) has been around for 100 years—¥8 each.
• Biangbiang Noodles: Thick, wide noodles tossed with chili oil, garlic, and veggies. The name is so complex it’s unpronounceable (hence the emoji-like character on menus). Qinqiang Biangbiang Noodles (near the Muslim Quarter entrance) serves massive portions for ¥12.
• Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles): Chewy wheat noodles in a tangy, spicy sauce with cucumber and bean sprouts. Perfect for hot days. Tian Liangpi (a stall with a long line) is the undisputed king—¥10.

Warning: The Muslim Quarter gets packed after 7 PM. Go at 5:30 PM to eat like a local; come back at 8 PM to soak up the atmosphere (lanterns light up, and musicians play traditional instruments).

Night: Drum Tower & Night Market

After dinner, stroll to the Drum Tower (Gulou), just across from the Muslim Quarter. It’s less crowded than the Bell Tower, and the view of the lit-up old city is magical (¥30 to climb). Behind it, the Drum Tower Night Market sells trinkets, tea, and more street food—try sugar paintings (artists pour hot syrup into shapes like dragons) and chuan’r (kebabs).

Step 4: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Language: Most young people speak basic English, but older vendors may not. Download a translation app (like Google Translate with offline Chinese packs) and learn a few phrases: “谢谢” (xièxiè, thank you), “多少钱?” (duōshao qián? how much?), and “这个不要” (zhège bú yào, I don’t want this).
• Water & Weather: Xi’an is dry, so carry a water bottle (tap water isn’t drinkable—buy bottled water for ¥1–2). Summers are scorching (35°C+), winters are freezing (-5°C). Dress in layers!
• Scams: Ignore anyone offering “cheap jade,” “private Terracotta Warrior tours,” or “help” with “broken” ATMs. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is.
• Tickets for Big Attractions: For the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum, book tickets online in advance. WeChat’s “Trip.com” or “Klook” app works well—Terracotta Army tickets are ¥120 (skip the “VIP” packages), and the museum is free but requires a timed ticket (book 3 days ahead).

Step 5: What to Do Tomorrow (If You’re Up for It)

If you’re fresh after day one, here’s a plan:

• Morning: Terracotta Army (take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then shuttle bus to the site). Go at 8 AM to beat crowds.
• Afternoon: City Wall (rent a bike for ¥45/hour and cycle the 14km loop—best done in the late afternoon when it’s cooler).
• Evening: Tang Dynasty Dinner Show (at the Tang Paradise park). It’s touristy, but the dancing and music are spectacular—¥280–580 including dinner.

Xi’an isn’t just a city—it’s a journey through time. By the end of my first day, I’d already fallen for its mix of ancient history and modern buzz. Take it slow, eat everything, and let the city surprise you. You’ll leave planning your next trip before you’ve even boarded the plane.

Safe travels, and enjoy the ride! 🚂🍜