My First Trip to Xian: A Practical Travel Guide for Newcomers

I touched down in Xi’an at 6 AM, bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement. As a first-time visitor to China, I’d spent weeks researching—histories, dumplings, must-see attractions—but nothing prepares you for the reality of stepping into a city where every street corner feels like a postcard. After a week of navigating markets, museums, and millennia-old ruins, I’ve learned a lot—some the easy way, some the hard way. If you’re planning your first trip to Xi’an, let me share what actually helps, from getting connected to eating like a local.

Before You Go: The China SIM Card Non-Negotiable

Let’s start with the most practical thing: internet. If you’re coming from abroad, your home carrier’s plan will either cost a fortune or not work at all. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I landed, phone dead, no maps, no way to call my hotel. Solution? Buy a Chinese SIM card immediately.

You can get one at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport ( terminal 1 and 2 both have China Mobile/China Unicom counters) or at train stations. I went with China Mobile because it has the best 5G coverage in Xi’an. For tourists, they offer “Travel SIMs” with 30GB of high-speed data, valid for 30 days, for around ¥100 (about $14). You’ll need your passport to register—this is mandatory in China, so don’t forget it!

My First Trip to Xian: A Practical Travel Guide for Newcomers

Why is this so crucial? Everything in China runs on apps: WeChat for messaging, Alipay for payments, Didi (Uber) for taxis, and apps like Baidu Maps for navigation (Google Maps doesn’t work here). Without data, you’re basically lost—literally and figuratively. Pro tip: Activate your SIM card before you leave the airport counter; the staff will help you set up mobile data and download essential apps.

Getting Around Xi’an: Trains, Buses, and Bikes

Xi’an’s public transport is efficient, but as a first-timer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what worked for me:

From the Airport to the City

• Airport Express Bus: The cheapest option (¥25, about $3.5). Bus lines 5-6 run from 6 AM to 11 PM, dropping you at major spots like Xi’an Railway Station, Bell Tower, or South Gate (near the city wall). I took this to my hotel—it’s straightforward, just follow the signs for “Airport Bus” in the arrivals hall.
• Metro: Line 14 connects the airport directly to North Railway Station (transfer to Line 2 for the city center). It’s ¥6-10, depending on your stop, and takes about 40 minutes. Clean, fast, and no traffic jams—ideal if you’re traveling light.
• Didi (Chinese Uber): If you’re tired after a long flight, use Didi. Download the app, link your Chinese bank card or Alipay, and set your destination. A ride to the city center (Bell Tower area) costs ¥80-100 ($11-14). Avoid unlicensed taxis—they’ll overcharge you.

In the City

• Metro: Xi’an’s metro network covers all major attractions: Line 1 to Bell Tower, Line 2 to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Line 3 to Terracotta Army. A single ride costs ¥2-6, and you can buy a rechargeable card at any station (deposit ¥20, refundable when you leave).
• Buses: Cheaper than metro (¥1-2), but buses can be crowded during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Use Baidu Maps to plan your route—it shows real-time bus arrivals and stops.
• Bikes: Xi’an is bike-friendly! Shared bikes (Meituan or Hello Bike) are everywhere—just scan the QR code with Alipay or WeChat to unlock one (¥1-2 per 30 minutes). I cycled along the city wall one evening; the views of the lit-up pagodas were magical.

Where to Stay: Neighborhoods for Every Budget

Picking the right neighborhood makes a huge difference. I stayed three nights in the Bell Tower area (市中心) and two in Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔). Here’s the breakdown:

• Bell Tower (Zhonglou): The heart of Xi’an. It’s walking distance to the Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower, and South Gate. Lots of hotels, restaurants, and—you guessed it—7-Elevens (a lifesaver for snacks). Great for first-timers who want to be in the action. I stayed at a budget hotel (¥200/night, $28) with clean rooms and a helpful front desk.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Quieter, more residential, but close to the Terracotta Army (metro Line 3 takes you there in 30 mins). The area around the pagoda has cute cafes and night markets. Perfect if you prefer a relaxed vibe over the hustle of the city center.
• Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street): Stay here if food is your priority. Wake up to the smell of roasting lamb and steaming dumplings. Hostels are cheap (¥80-150/night, $11-21), but it can be noisy at night.

Book ahead, especially during peak season (April-May, September-October). I used Booking.com and Agoda—no issues, but some smaller hotels might ask you to pay in cash.

Must-See Attractions: Skip the Lines, See the Real Stuff

Xi’an is a history buff’s dream, but some attractions are overcrowded. Here’s how to navigate them like a pro:

Terracotta Army (兵马俑)

• Why go: The “Eighth Wonder of the World,” no exaggeration. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, each with unique faces, buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
• Logistics: It’s 30km east of Xi’an. Take metro Line 9 to “Huaqing Pool” station, then switch to Bus 5 or 914/915 (¥5-7) to the Terracotta Army entrance. Buy tickets online (¥120, $17) to skip the ticket queue—trust me, the line can be 2 hours long!
• Pro tip: Hire a guide! I booked one at the entrance for ¥100 ($14) for a 2-hour tour. Without one, I’d have just stared at clay figures—my guide explained the history of each pit, the emperor’s obsession with immortality, and how the warriors were made. Totally worth it.

Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙)

• Why go: The best-preserved ancient city wall in China, 14km long, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Rent a bike and cycle around it—you’ll see the city laid out below, with old gates and modern skyscrapers side by side.
• Logistics: Enter at South Gate (永宁门) for the easiest access. Bikes cost ¥45 for 3 hours (deposit ¥200). Go at sunset—the light on the wall is golden, and the views of the Bell Tower and city lights are stunning.
• Pro tip: If you don’t want to bike, walk a section. I walked from South Gate to East Gate—about 2km—and stopped for tea at a tower halfway.

Muslim Quarter (回民街)

• Why go: Not just one street, but a maze of alleys filled with food stalls, souvenirs, and mosques. It’s chaotic, loud, and incredible.
• What to eat: Don’t miss the “Big Burger” (肉夹馍, Roujiamo)—shredded pork in a crispy bun (¥15, $2). Try lamb skewers (羊肉串, ¥3 each) and Biangbiang noodles (裤带面, ¥20)—wide, chewy noodles with chili oil and veggies. Wash it down with pomegranate juice (石榴汁, ¥10) or a cold beer.
• Pro tip: Avoid the “tourist traps” near the main entrance (Huimin Street). Turn into the smaller alleys (like Beiyuanmen) for cheaper, more authentic food. I found a tiny shop selling suan tangzi (酸汤子)—sour, spicy noodle soup—for ¥8, and it was the best meal I had in Xi’an.

Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆)

• Why go: Home to over 370,000 artifacts, including Tang Dynasty gold, bronze vessels, and—you guessed it—Terracotta Army miniatures.
• Logistics: Book tickets online 3 days in advance! The museum is free, but tickets sell out fast. I used the official WeChat account (“陕西历史博物馆预约”) to book a morning slot. If you miss the free tickets, paid tickets (¥30, $4) are available for special exhibitions.
• Pro tip: Hire a guide here too. The museum is huge, and a guide will help you focus on the highlights (like the Tang Dynasty tri-colored pottery).

Food Beyond the Muslim Quarter: Eat Like a Local

Xi’an’s food is a mix of Central Asian and Chinese flavors, thanks to the Silk Road. Here are my top picks:

• Yang Rou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): “Soaked bread in lamb soup.” You break a flatbread into pieces, then the restaurant staff simmers it with lamb, broth, and vegetables. It’s messy, delicious, and a local favorite. I tried it at “La Sun Ji” (老孙家), a famous chain—¥40 ($6).
• Cold Skin Noodles (凉皮, Liangpi): Thin, chewy noodles served with chili oil, vinegar, and bean sprouts. Perfect for a hot day. I bought mine from a street vendor near the Bell Tower for ¥8 ($1.15).
• Hulatang (胡辣汤): Spicy, peppery soup with beef, potatoes, and noodles. An Xi’an breakfast staple—bold, warming, and not for the faint of heart. I had it at a tiny shop next to my hotel; cost ¥10 ($1.40).
• Sweet Treats: Don’t miss honey peaches (蜜桃, ¥5 each) or rose ice cream (玫瑰冰激凌, ¥15). I bought ice cream from a street vendor near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda—sweet, floral, and the perfect cooldown after a day of walking.

Practical Tips That Saved My Trip

• Payment: China is cashless. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay—link your Chinese bank card (if you have a SIM, you can set this up) or use a foreign credit card (some places accept it, but not all). Small vendors might only take cash, so carry ¥200-300 in small bills.
• Language: Most young people speak basic English, but older vendors might not. Download a translation app like “iFlyTranslate” or “Google Translate” (with Chinese SIM, it works offline). I used it to ask “How much is this?” and “Where is the metro?”—it saved me multiple times.
• Safety: Xi’an is very safe, even at night. But in crowded places like the Muslim Quarter, watch your phone and wallet—pickpockets are common. I kept my phone in a front pocket and used a crossbody bag.
• Weather: Xi’an has four distinct seasons. I went in October—days were 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for walking. In summer, it’s hot (35°C+, 95°F+), so bring a hat and sunscreen. In winter, it’s cold (-5°C, 23°F) and dry—pack a warm coat.

Final Thoughts

Xi’an is more than just a city—it’s a journey through time. Walking on a 600-year-old wall, eating noodles from a stall that’s been around for decades, standing face-to-face with 2,000-year-old soldiers—these moments stay with you. And with a good SIM card, a bit of planning, and an open mind, you’ll navigate it like a pro.

So pack your bags, download those apps, and get ready to fall in love with Xi’an. It’s a city that feels ancient but vibrantly alive—and it’s waiting for you.