Xi’an with Kids: A Family Travel Guide with Practical Tips for Smooth Entries

Last fall, my family of four—me, my husband, and our two kids, aged 8 and 10—spent five days in Xi’an. We’d always wanted to explore the “City of Eternal Peace,” but traveling with kids means practicality is key: we needed smooth entries to attractions, kid-friendly food, and activities that wouldn’t leave anyone (especially the little ones) bored. If you’re planning a family trip to Xi’an, here’s everything we learned—no fluff, just real tips to make your journey stress-free and fun.

Xi’an with Kids: A Family Travel Guide with Practical Tips for Smooth Entries

Getting to Xi’an: Family-Friendly Transport

First things first: how to get there. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is about 45 minutes from downtown. We landed in the evening and opted for the airport express train (Airport Metro Line 14 + Line 2), which cost ¥25 per person and dropped us right at our hotel near the Bell Tower. It was hassle-free—no traffic, no negotiating taxi fares—and the kids loved the train ride (pro tip: bring small snacks to keep them occupied during transfers).

If you’re arriving by train, Xi’an Railway Station is centrally located, and the metro is equally convenient. Taxis are available too, but agree on the fare upfront (or use a ride-hailing app like Didi, which has English options).

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

We stayed in the Bell Tower area, and it was perfect for families. It’s walkable to many attractions, has plenty of restaurants, and is well-connected by metro. Our hotel had family rooms with bunk beds, which the kids adored, and it provided free breakfast (a lifesaver with picky eaters!).

Other good options:

• Muslim Quarter: Great for foodies, but it gets crowded, so if you have young kids, pick a quieter side street.
• High-tech Zone (Gaoxin): Quieter, with modern malls and parks—good if you want a more relaxed vibe.
• Near Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Close to cultural sites and the university area, which has green spaces for kids to run around.

Book hotels with family-friendly amenities: a fridge for snacks, a kettle for warm milk, and maybe even a small play area. Many hotels in Xi’an offer these—just ask when booking!

Top Attractions: Family Entry Tips & What to Expect

Xi’an’s highlights are history-heavy, but with a little planning, they’re totally kid-friendly. Here’s our list of must-sees, with details on family entries (this is the big one!):

Terracotta Army (兵马俑)

Why go: It’s Xi’an’s crown jewel, and the kids will be amazed by the life-sized clay warriors.
Family entry tip:

• Tickets: Buy online in advance (official website or WeChat Mini Program “陕西文旅一码通”) to skip the massive ticket lines. A family ticket (2 adults + 1 child) costs ¥330 (child under 1.2m is free).
• Stroller-friendly: The site is huge, so bring a stroller or rent one on-site (¥50).
• Kid-friendly hack: Hire a guide! Ours used stories (“These warriors were buried to protect the emperor in the afterlife—like ancient bodyguards!”) to keep the kids engaged. It’s worth the ¥200 for a private guide.
• Timing: Go early (opens at 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.

Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙)

Why go: Ride bikes, walk, or take a cart—you can’t miss this 14th-century fortification.
Family entry tip:

• Tickets: ¥54 per adult, ¥27 per child (6-18 years), free under 6. Buy at the gate or online.
• Best for families: Rent a family bike (seats for 2-3 kids, ¥100/2 hours). We cycled with our 8-year-old steering and 10-year-old on the back seat—it was the highlight of our trip!
• Pro tip: Start at the South Gate (Yongning Gate), which is the most accessible. There are snack stalls inside the wall if kids get hungry.

Muslim Quarter (回民街) & Great Mosque (大清真寺)

Why go: Food, culture, and vibrant street life—kids will love the sights and smells.
Family entry tip:

• Great Mosque: ¥25 per adult, free for kids. It’s peaceful, with beautiful gardens, and the kids enjoyed spotting the “dragon” carvings on the walls.
• Muslim Quarter: Entry is free, but go early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds. For food, stick to stalls with high turnover (fresh food = less risk). Kid-approved snacks: roujiamo (Chinese hamburger, skip the spicy version), tanghulu (candied hawthorns), and sugar painting (artists make animals with hot syrup—kids can watch and eat!).
• Caution: Some streets are narrow and crowded; hold hands or use a harness for little ones.

Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆)

Why go: Home to 370,000+ artifacts, including Tang Dynasty gold and the famous “Horses Treading on a Flying Flying Horse of Gansu.”
Family entry tip:

• Tickets: FREE, but you MUST book in advance (3-7 days ahead) on their official website or WeChat. They limit daily visitors, so don’t wait!
• Family-friendly: Rent an audio guide (¥30) with a kids’ channel—ours had fun stories about “ancient toys” and “emperor’s hats.”
• Timing: Go in the morning (opens at 9 AM) when kids are fresh. The museum is big, so pick 2-3 halls (e.g., Tang Dynasty Hall is a must).

Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园)

Why go: A theme park-style Tang Dynasty park with shows, gardens, and boat rides.
Family entry tip:

• Tickets: ¥120 per adult, ¥60 per child (1.4m+), free under 1.4m. Buy online to save ¥10.
• Kid highlights: The Tang Dynasty Show (check schedule; daytime shows are shorter and less intense) and boat rides on the lake (¥50/boat, fits 4). The kids loved the “ancient costumes” photo booth—renting robes (¥50/set) made them feel like princes and princesses.

Eating Out: Kid-Approved Food & Where to Find It

Xi’an’s food is spicy, but there are plenty of kid-friendly options. Here’s what worked for us:

• Breakfast: Yang Rou Pao Mo (bread soaked in lamb soup)—ask for “no spice” (少辣). Our kids loved dipping the bread in the warm broth.
• Lunch: Biang Biang Noodles—wide, chewy noodles with customizable toppings. We ordered “mild” (微辣) and added extra vegetables.
• Dinner: Hot Pot (火锅)—pick a “clear broth” (清汤锅) base for kids, and let them cook their own veggies and meat (supervise closely!).
• Snacks: Ice cream from Muslim Quarter—try the rose or red bean flavors; they’re not spicy and super refreshing.

Family restaurant tip: Look for places with pictures on the menu (great for non-Chinese speakers) or English translations. The restaurant Zangmi Laomian (藏味老面) near the Muslim Quarter has a kids’ menu and high chairs.

Practical Tips for Families

• Weather: Xi’an is hot in summer (up to 35°C) and cold in winter (below 0°C). Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are best. Pack layers—even in fall, mornings and evenings are cool.
• Transport: Metro is the easiest way to get around (¥2-5 per ride). Taxis are cheap, but use Didi (set “child seat” if needed). Buses are crowded, so avoid with little kids.
• Packing:
  • Stroller (or lightweight carrier for toddlers).
  • Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and small snacks (kids get hangry!).
  • Sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles (tap water is safe to drink after boiling).
• Bathrooms: Most attractions have clean toilets, but bring your own toilet paper (some public restrooms don’t supply it).

Final Thoughts

Xi’an is a city where history comes alive, and with a little planning, it’s perfect for families. The key is balancing “must-see” sights with downtime—let the kids ride bikes on the wall, eat candied hawthorns, and giggle at the Terracotta Army’s funny hairstyles. By booking tickets in advance, choosing family-friendly spots, and keeping the kids fed and happy, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

Now go—your family’s Xi’an adventure awaits!