Xian as a Foreign Tourist: My Practical Tips for Getting Around with a Business Car

I landed in Xi’an with a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a first-time visitor to China, I’d heard endless stories about the Terracotta Army, the ancient city walls, and the bustling Muslim Quarter—but I was also nervous about navigating a city where my Mandarin skills were limited to “nǐ hǎo” and “xiè xie.” After a week of exploring, I can say this: booking a business car with an English-speaking driver was the best decision I made. It turned potential stress into smooth, memorable experiences. Here’s why it worked for me—and how you can make it work for you.

Xian as a Foreign Tourist: My Practical Tips for Getting Around with a Business Car

Why a Business Car? (Not Just for Business Travelers!)

Before my trip, I assumed “business car” was for, well, business. But after researching, I realized it’s a game-changer for tourists too. Xi’an is huge—spread over 9,983 square kilometers—with major attractions scattered far apart. The subway is great for downtown, but it doesn’t reach places like the Terracotta Army (1 hour from the city center) or the Famen Temple (2 hours away). Taxis are an option, but I’d read stories of drivers taking long routes or struggling with English. Buses? Too confusing with limited English signs.

A business car, I learned, is essentially a private car with a professional driver—often one who speaks basic English and knows the city like the back of their hand. It’s affordable, flexible, and way less stressful than juggling public transport with a luggage bag and a map.

How I Booked Mine: Step-by-Step

I used a combination of apps and local recommendations to book my business car. Here’s what worked:

1. Start with Reputable Apps: I checked Chinese tourism platforms like Fliggy (飞猪) and Ctrip (携程), which have English versions. I searched for “private car with English driver in Xi’an” and filtered for highly rated providers (look for 4.5+ stars). I found one called “Xi’an Easy Travel” that offered a 7-seater SUV with an English-speaking driver for ¥600/day (including fuel and tolls).

2. Confirm the Details: Before paying, I messaged the driver directly (the app connected us) to confirm:

   • English fluency (I asked, “Can you help with basic translation at restaurants/attractions?”)
   • Inclusions (fuel, tolls, parking—some charge extra for parking fees)
   • Flexibility (“Can we change the itinerary last minute if we want to stay longer at a site?”)
   • Pickup/drop-off points (I arranged for airport pickup, hotel stops, and a final drop-off at the train station).

3. Have a Backup Plan: I also saved the contact info of a second company recommended by my hotel—just in case the first fell through.

My Typical Day: How the Business Car Made Life Easy

Let me walk you through a day exploring the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace to show you how practical this was.

Morning: Airport Pickup & First Stop
My flight landed at 7 AM, and my driver, Mr. Li (I’ll call him that—he was friendly and patient), was waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign with my name. He helped me load my luggage into the spacious SUV and drove me to my hotel in downtown Xi’an (30 minutes, no traffic). After checking in, he asked, “Where would you like to go first?” I’d planned the Terracotta Army, so he said, “Perfect! I’ll pick you up at 9 AM—let’s beat the crowds.”

Pro Tip: Mr. Li suggested starting early (9 AM) to avoid the tour buses that arrive around 10:30 AM. We got to the Terracotta Army right when it opened, and we practically had the pits to ourselves. No pushing, no waiting—just me, 8,000-year-old soldiers, and a driver who waited patiently (he even took a nap in the car while I explored!).

Midday: Lunch & Flexibility
After the Terracotta Army, Mr. Li asked, “Would you like to try local food? I know a great restaurant near Huaqing Palace—tourists don’t go there, but the dumplings are amazing.” I said yes, and he drove us 10 minutes to a family-run place where the menu had English translations. He helped me order biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Xi’an’s “hamburger”), and even taught me how to say “xiè xie” (thank you) to the owner.

Afternoon: Hidden Gems & No Stress
Next, we headed to Huaqing Palace, a Tang Dynasty royal bath complex. Mr. Li dropped me at the entrance and said, “I’ll wait here—text me when you’re done.” Two hours later, I messaged him, and he was right there. No hailing a taxi, no worrying about getting lost.

On the way back to the city, I mentioned I wanted to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. He said, “Sure, it’s on the way—let’s stop for 30 minutes.” We drove past, and he even suggested the best photo spot (a park across the street with a clear view).

Evening: Drop-Off & Relax
He dropped me at my hotel around 6 PM, and I didn’t have to think about transportation for dinner. I just walked to the Muslim Quarter—10 minutes away—and explored without worrying about how to get back.

Cost Breakdown: Was It Worth It?

I booked the car for 3 days (8 hours/day) to cover all my top attractions:

• Day 1: Airport → Hotel → Terracotta Army → Huaqing Palace → Hotel
• Day 2: City Wall → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Muslim Quarter → Shaanxi History Museum
• Day 3: Famen Temple → Airport

Total cost: ¥1,800 (≈$250 USD). At first, I thought this was steep, but when I calculated the cost of individual taxis (¥150 each way to the Terracotta Army = ¥300/day) plus the stress of figuring out routes, it was a steal. Plus, the convenience and local tips were priceless.

Tips for a Smooth Business Car Experience

1. Negotiate the Itinerary: Tell your driver what you want to see, but be open to suggestions. Mr. Li recommended skipping a crowded market and visiting a quieter temple instead—it was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

2. Bring a Power Bank: You’ll be taking lots of photos, and your phone might die. Mr. Li let me charge my phone in the car, but a power bank is always smart.

3. Tip Your Driver: It’s not mandatory, but Mr. Li went above and beyond (he helped me bargain at a market and told me which snacks to try). I gave him ¥200 ($28) at the end—he was really grateful.

4. Download Offline Maps: Just in case! Google Maps works in most parts of Xi’an, but having Baidu Maps (the Chinese version) as a backup helps.

5. Learn Basic Phrases: Even though your driver speaks English, learning “duō shǎo qián?” (how much?) and “nǎ lǐ yǒu cèsuǒ?” (where is the bathroom?) makes interactions easier.

Final Thoughts: Why This Changed My Trip

Xi’an is a city of layers—ancient history, modern energy, and hidden foodie gems. Navigating it alone would have been overwhelming, but with a business car, I could relax and soak it all in. My driver wasn’t just a driver—he was a local guide, a translator, and a friend.

If you’re a foreign traveler visiting Xi’an, skip the stress and book a business car. It’s affordable, flexible, and lets you focus on what matters: exploring the Terracotta Army, walking the city walls, and eating way too many dumplings. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

Xi’an isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. And with the right ride, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.