Xi’an on a Budget: How the Unlimited Pass Saved My Trip and Yours!

First things first: I’m not a “plan-every-minute” traveler. I like to wander, get lost, and stumble upon hidden gems—but when I landed in Xi’an, I was overwhelmed. The city’s history hits you like a wall: the Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter… the list goes on. My wallet, however, was not ready for 150 RMB here, 80 RMB there, plus entrance fees for every little site. I was about to skip half the attractions to save money when a fellow traveler at my hostel mentioned the “Xi’an Unlimited Pass.” “It’s a game-changer,” she said. “Saved me like, 500 RMB in three days.” Spoiler alert: she was right. Let me break down exactly what this pass is, how to use it, and why it’s a must for any Xi’an trip—especially if you’re budget-conscious but want to see everything.

Xi’an on a Budget: How the Unlimited Pass Saved My Trip and Yours!

What Even Is the Xi’an Unlimited Pass?

Officially called the “Xi’an Tourism Unlimited Pass” (西安旅游通票), it’s a prepaid card (or digital pass) that gives you unlimited access to a ton of Xi’an’s top attractions—no per-ticket fees, no long lines (mostly). Think of it like a city-wide museum pass, but for everything from ancient tombs to city walls.

Here’s the key: it comes in different tiers based on how many days you want it to last. I went for the 3-Day Pass (around 280 RMB), which was perfect for my trip. There’s also a 2-Day (220 RMB) and 5-Day (380 RMB) option if you’re staying longer. The pass covers most of the “must-sees,” but not all—more on that later.

What’s Actually Included? (The Good Stuff)

This is where the pass shines. Before I bought it, I made a list of all the places I wanted to visit, and the pass covered almost all of them. Here’s what’s on it (double-check the official website before you go, as some sites rotate in/out):

• Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace: This is the big one. The Terracotta Warriors alone cost 150 RMB, and Huaqing Palace (the hot springs where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei hung out) is another 120 RMB. Together, that’s 270 RMB—more than the entire 3-day pass. Getting both for “free” (well, included in the pass) was worth it.
• Ancient City Wall: One of Xi’an’s icons. Walking or biking the 14km wall costs 54 RMB, but with the pass, it’s free. I went twice—once at sunrise (magical, almost no crowds) and once at sunset to see the city lights.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum: The pagoda itself is 50 RMB, but the real gem is the museum next door. Shaanxi History Museum has thousands of artifacts, from bronze age vessels to Tang Dynasty pottery. Normally, it’s 35 RMB (and you need to book in advance!), but the pass gets you in free. Pro tip: Arrive right when it opens (9 AM) to avoid the lines.
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Another pagoda, but smaller and quieter than the Big Wild Goose. Great for photos and a quick escape from the city buzz.
• Xingqing Palace Park: A beautiful, peaceful park with ponds, pavilions, and even some ancient ruins. Entry is 30 RMB, but with the pass, it’s free. I spent an afternoon here just reading on a bench—so relaxing.
• Stele Forest Museum: If you love calligraphy or ancient Chinese history, this is a must. It’s a maze of stone tablets with inscriptions from the Han to Qing dynasties. Normally 75 RMB, but free with the pass.

That’s already over 600 RMB in entrance fees—covered by a 280 RMB pass. Even if you only visit half these sites, you’re saving money.

How to Buy It (No Scams, Promise!)

I almost fell for a “discount” pass from a street vendor (big mistake—stick to official sources!). Here’s the safe way:

1. Online: The easiest way. Go to the official “Xi’an Tourism” website (or their WeChat Mini Program, “西安旅游通票”). You can pay with Alipay or WeChat, and they’ll send you a QR code. Just show it at the entrance of each site—no physical card needed.
2. At Tourist Information Centers: There’s one at Xi’an North Railway Station and another near the Bell Tower. If you’re not comfortable buying online, this is a good backup. They’ll give you a physical card.
3. At Your Hotel/Hostel: Many hotels in the city center sell the pass too—just make sure it’s the official one (it should have the Xi’an Tourism logo).

I bought mine online the night before I started sightseeing. Took 2 minutes to activate, and I was good to go.

Using the Pass: Tips and Tricks (The Stuff They Don’t Tell You)

Okay, so you have the pass—now what? Here’s what I learned the hard way:

Check Opening Hours and Reservation Requirements
Some sites require advance reservations even with the pass. The Shaanxi History Museum, for example, only lets 6,000 people in per day, and you need to book on their official WeChat account 3 days in advance. I almost missed it because I thought the pass would get me straight in—nope! Do your homework: before you go, check each site’s WeChat or website to see if you need to reserve.

Start Early (Like, 8 AM Early)
Xi’an gets crowded. For the Terracotta Army, I got there at 8 AM (they open at 8:30), and there were maybe 20 people there. By 10 AM, the line was wrapped around the block. Same with the Ancient City Wall—sunrise is quiet, and the lighting is perfect for photos.

Pair Sites That Are Close Together
The pass saves you money, but it also saves time. Group nearby attractions to avoid backtracking. For example:

• Day 1: Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace (they’re next to each other, about 40 minutes from downtown).
• Day 2: Ancient City Wall + Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Shaanxi History Museum (all within the city center, easy to walk or take a short bus ride).
• Day 3: Small Wild Goose Pagoda + Xingqing Palace Park + Stele Forest Museum (also downtown, close to each other).

This way, you’re not wasting half your day on buses.

Bring Your ID (and a Power Bank)
You’ll need to scan your ID at most entrances, even with the pass. Also, you’ll be taking a lot of photos (obviously), so a power bank is non-negotiable. Nothing worse than your phone dying when you’re trying to snap a pic of the Terracotta Warriors.

Don’t Forget About the “Extras”
The pass covers entrance fees, but not everything. For example:

• At the Terracotta Army, the audio guide (100 RMB) is not included. I rented one, and it was totally worth it—explains the history of each pit way better than just reading signs.
• At the Ancient City Wall, bike rental (45 RMB for 2 hours) is extra. But honestly, biking the wall is one of the best things to do in Xi’an—so worth the extra cost.
• Some smaller sites, like the Muslim Quarter’s Great Mosque (25 RMB), aren’t included. But the mosque is free if you just want to wander the quarter (which you should—eat all the lamb skewers!).

Who Is This Pass Really For?

Let’s be real: the Xi’an Unlimited Pass isn’t for everyone. Here’s when it’s a must-buy:

• Budget Travelers: If you’re on a tight budget, this pass will save you a ton. I met a couple who skipped the pass and ended up spending over 800 RMB on tickets—they regretted it.
• First-Time Visitors: If it’s your first time in Xi’an, you’ll want to hit all the big sites. The pass makes it easy—no “Should I skip this to save money?” stress.
• History Buffs: If you love ancient history, the pass covers everything from the Terracotta Army (Qin Dynasty) to the Stele Forest (Han to Qing Dynasties). You could spend a week just on these sites.

When not to buy it? If you’re only staying 1-2 days and just want to hit the Muslim Quarter and the Ancient City Wall, you might not save enough. But for 3+ days? It’s a no-brainer.

My Honest Take: Did It Really Save Me?

Yes. Here’s my math:

• 3-Day Pass: 280 RMB
• Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace: 270 RMB
• Ancient City Wall: 54 RMB
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 50 RMB
• Shaanxi History Museum: 35 RMB
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda: 30 RMB
• Xingqing Palace Park: 30 RMB
• Stele Forest Museum: 75 RMB

Total without pass: 544 RMB. With pass: 280 RMB. I saved 264 RMB—and that’s before factoring in the time I saved not buying tickets at each site. Plus, I got to visit places I might have skipped (like Xingqing Palace Park) because they were “free” with the pass. And let’s be real: saving money means more money for food—and Xi’an’s food is not to be missed. Roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), biangbiang noodles, lamb paomo… I ate like a king because of the pass.

Final Thoughts: Just Get It

The Xi’an Unlimited Pass is one of the best travel purchases I’ve ever made. It’s practical, saves you money and time, and lets you focus on what matters: exploring this incredible city. Just remember to check reservation requirements, start early, and pair your smartly. Whether you’re a history nerd, a foodie, or just someone who wants to see Xi’an without breaking the bank, this pass is your ticket to an unforgettable trip.

So, next time you’re in Xi’an, skip the ticket lines and grab the pass. Your wallet (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.