A Student’s Budget Guide to Xi’an: Stretching Yuan, History, and Fun

Hey there, fellow student travelers! If you’re anything like me—always on the hunt for a destination that’s rich in culture, light on your wallet, and packed with stories—Xi’an should be top of your list. As a student who’s spent months backpacking across China, I can tell you: Xi’an is a goldmine for those of us living on a student budget. It’s where ancient history bumps into modern life, where every street corner has a snack stall, and where being a student actually gets you perks (yes, even beyond campus discounts!). Let me break down how I explored Xi’an as a student, from saving money on trains to scoring cheap dumplings, so you can do it too—without stressing your bank account.

Before You Go: Your Student Pre-Game Plan

First things first: prep like a student. That means leveraging your student status—it’s your secret weapon here.

A Student’s Budget Guide to Xi’an: Stretching Yuan, History, and Fun

Pack Your Student Card (Seriously, Don’t Forget It!)
Every student ID in China (and many international ones) gets you discounts at almost every tourist spot: the Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Walls—you name it. I saved over 100 RMB just by flashing my student card at a few sites. Pro tip: If your school ID has a “student” sticker in both Chinese (学生) and English, even better. Some places might ask to see it alongside your passport, so keep them handy.

Book Trains Early (Student Tickets Are a Game-Changer)
Getting to Xi’an as a student? High-speed trains are your best friend. China’s railway system offers student discounts—usually 75% off the full price—for hard sleeper (硬卧) and soft sleeper (软卧) tickets on G/D trains (the fast ones). I booked my Beijing-to-Xi’an ticket a week in advance and paid just 220 RMB instead of 380. Download the “12306” app (China’s official railway app) to snag these tickets—they sell out fast, especially during holidays.

Set a Daily Budget (and Stick to It)
Xi’an is cheap, but it’s easy to overspend on souvenirs or fancy tours. As a student, I aimed for 150-200 RMB/day: 40-50 RMB for a dorm bed, 30-40 RMB for meals, 20-30 RMB for transport, and the rest for tickets and snacks. Adjust based on your style—you can go cheaper if you skip paid tours or eat at street stalls!

Getting Around Xi’an: Student-Style Transport

Xi’an’s public transport is a dream for budget travelers. Subways are clean, cheap, and cover all major spots, and buses are even cheaper (1-2 RMB per ride). But my favorite? Bikes.

Bike Rentals: 2 RMB/Hour
You’ll see shared bikes everywhere—Meituan, HelloMobike, or local brands. Download one of their apps (WeChat mini-programs work great too), scan the QR code, and ride. I biked from the city center to the City Walls in 20 minutes—cost? Less than 5 RMB. Bonus: Biking lets you explore hidden alleys you’d miss on a bus. Just remember to park in designated spots, or you’ll get fined (learned that the hard way!).

Subway: 2-6 RMB per Ride
The subway is fastest for long distances. A ride from Xi’an North Railway Station to the Bell Tower (downtown) is 3 RMB. Student cards work here too—ask the station staff to link your student ID to a “交通卡” (transport card) for 10% off.

Where to Stay: Hostels That Feel Like Home

Hostels in Xi’an are not just cheap—they’re social hubs. I stayed at two spots that were perfect for students:

Xi’an International Youth Hostel (Near Bell Tower)
Dorm beds: 50-70 RMB/night. This place is legendary. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower, has a rooftop terrace with city views, and organizes free walking tours (tip-based). I met students from France, Japan, and Australia here—we swapped travel stories and even went to a local dumpling-making class together. The staff speaks English and will help you book cheap tours (skip the overpriced agency ones!).

Backpacker Youth Hostel (Near Muslim Quarter)
Dorm beds: 40-60 RMB/night. Smaller and cozier, this hostel is steps away from the Muslim Quarter’s food stalls. I loved the “communal kitchen” here—bought cheap ingredients at the nearby market and cooked dinner with new friends. Saved a ton of money, and it was way more fun than eating alone!

Pro Tip: Book hostels on Hostelworld or WeChat (search “青旅” + “西安”). Many offer “student discounts” if you message them directly—just say, “I’m a student, can I get a cheaper bed?”

Must-See Spots: Student-Friendly (and Budget-Smart) Attractions

Xi’an has so much history, but you don’t need to splurge on expensive tours to see it. Here’s how I did it:

Terracotta Army: 120 RMB (Student Price)
Yes, it’s crowded, but it’s worth it. To save money:

• Skip the “private guide” (they charge 200+ RMB). Instead, rent an audio guide at the entrance (30 RMB, student price) or download the “官方导览” app (free, with English).
• Take the tourist bus from the train station (5 RMB) instead of a taxi (60+ RMB).
• Go early (8 AM) to beat the tour groups. I had the pits almost to myself—perfect for photos!

City Walls: 54 RMB (Student Price)
The ancient walls are a must-do. Instead of walking (2+ hours), rent a bike—50 RMB for 100 minutes (student price). I cycled with a friend, stopping to take selfies and watch the sunset over the city. So peaceful, and way more fun than walking.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 50 RMB (Student Price)
This 7th-century pagoda is free to enter the grounds, but climbing it costs 50 RMB (student price). The view of Xi’an’s skyline is amazing, and there’s a beautiful park around it—perfect for a picnic. Pack some snacks from the market (see below) and spend an afternoon here.

Muslim Quarter: FREE!
Yes, you read that right. The Muslim Quarter is a maze of streets filled with food, souvenirs, and culture. It’s free to wander, and you can spend hours here without spending much. More on that in the food section!

Eating Like a Local: Cheap, Delicious, and Unforgettable

Xi’an is a foodie paradise, and you don’t need to eat at fancy restaurants to eat well. Here’s my student-approved food guide:

Street Food: 5-10 RMB per Snack
The Muslim Quarter is ground zero for cheap eats. Don’t miss:

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger.” 10 RMB for a juicy pork-filled bun. I tried the one at “老李家肉夹馍” (Old Li’s Roujiamo)—locals line up, but it’s worth it.
• Biangbiang Noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, chewy noodles with chili oil and veggies. 15 RMB per bowl. “贾三清真灌汤包子” (Jia’s Muslim Soup Dumplings) has great versions—order it “加辣” (extra spicy) if you can handle it.
• Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup (泡馍): Tear bread into a bowl, add lamb soup, and eat. 20 RMB per bowl. It’s a messy experience, but so good. “同盛祥” (Tongshengxiang) is famous, but the small stall next to the mosque is just as good and half the price.

Student Cafeteria Hacks
Xi’an has tons of universities, and their cafeterias are cheap and delicious. If you have a friend studying here, ask them to take you! If not, some universities (like Xi’an Jiaotong University) let non-students enter with a small fee (5-10 RMB). I had a 10 RMB bowl of noodles with beef at XJTU—way better than most restaurants and a fraction of the price.

Night Markets: 20-30 RMB per Meal
Hui Min Night Market (回民夜市) comes alive after 7 PM. Grab a stick of “烤面筋” (grilled gluten, 5 RMB), a “凉皮” (cold noodles, 8 RMB), and a “酸梅汤” (sour plum drink, 5 RMB). Total? Less than 20 RMB, and you’ll eat like a king.

Saving Money: Student Hacks That Actually Work

Beyond student discounts, here’s how I stretched my yuan:

Eat Where Locals Eat
Avoid restaurants with big English menus—they’re overpriced. Instead, look for stalls with long lines of locals. If they’re eating there, it’s good (and cheap). I followed a group of aunties to a tiny noodle shop near the City Walls—paid 12 RMB for a bowl of noodles that was better than any “tourist spot” meal.

Use Apps for Deals
WeChat’s “Meituan” (美团) and “Dianping” (大众点评) are like Yelp for China—they have student discounts, coupons, and combo deals. I got 30% off a dumpling-making class on Dianping and bought a “meal deal” (noodles + drink) for 15 RMB on Meituan. Pro tip: Download these apps before you go—they’re in Chinese, but you can use translate.

Carry Cash (But Not Too Much)
Most places take WeChat Pay (微信支付) or Alipay (支付宝), but small street stalls might only take cash. I carried 100 RMB in small bills (1s, 5s, 10s) for snacks and tips. Also, some hostels or small shops don’t accept foreign cards—cash saves you from awkward moments.

Culture & Connections: More Than Just a Tourist

One of the best parts of traveling as a student is meeting people. Xi’an’s hostels and universities are full of friendly faces. Here’s how to connect:

Join Hostel Events
Many hostels organize free or cheap activities: dumpling-making classes, calligraphy workshops, or group trips to nearby cities (like Luoyang’s Longmen Grottoes). I joined a dumpling-making class at my hostel—paid 50 RMB for ingredients and a lesson, and left with a full stomach and new friends from Canada and Japan.

Visit University Campuses
Xi’an’s universities (like Shaanxi Normal University or Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology) have beautiful campuses and are open to visitors. I went to XJTU’s campus and stumbled upon a student art fair—bought a hand-painted postcard for 10 RMB and chatted with a student about life in Xi’an. It’s a great way to see local student life.

Learn Basic Chinese
You don’t need to be fluent, but a few phrases go a long way. “谢谢” (xièxiè, thank you), “多少钱” (duōshao qián, how much?), and “学生优惠” (xuéshēng yōuhuì, student discount) will make locals smile. I practiced with street vendors—they were happy to help, and I even got a free dumpling once for trying!

Final Thoughts: Xi’an, a Student’s Dream

Xi’an is more than just a history book—it’s a living, breathing city where you can eat 10 RMB noodles, bike on ancient walls, and chat with students from around the world, all without breaking the bank. As a student, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs (and your yuan) and dive deep into Chinese culture.

So grab your student ID, book that train ticket, and get ready for an adventure. Xi’an’s waiting—and trust me, it’s worth every yuan.

Happy travels, fellow students! 🚴‍♂️🍜🏺