First 24 Hours in Xian: A Travelers Survival Guide

Landing at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport felt like stepping into a storybook—one where ancient history bumps shoulders with modern chaos. As a first-time visitor, I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed: "How do I get to the city center?" "Is English spoken here?" "What do I eat first?" But after figuring it out (and surviving a few rookie mistakes), I’ve broken down everything you need to know for your first hours in Xi'an. This isn’t a fluffy travel blog—it’s the nitty-gritty stuff that’ll make your trip smoother.

First 24 Hours in Xian: A Travelers Survival Guide

Step 1: Getting from the Airport to the City (No Panic Allowed)

Xi'an has two main airport transport options: metro, airport bus, or taxi/ride-hailing. Here’s the lowdown on each, so you can pick what fits your budget and luggage situation.

Option 1: Metro (Cheapest & Most Efficient)

• Line 14 is your best friend. It’s direct, clean, and takes you straight to the city center.
  • Cost: ~5-7 RMB (less than $1).
  • Time: 45-60 minutes (depending on your final stop).
  • Route: From the airport, take Line 14 north to North Railway Station (北客站), then transfer to Line 2 (the main line that hits all key spots: Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda).
  • Pro Tip: Download the Metroman app (or use Google Maps) to navigate metro lines. Signs in English are clear, but having a backup never hurts.

Option 2: Airport Bus (Convenient for Late Arrivals)

• Bus Route 1: Goes to Bell Tower (钟楼), the heart of the city.
  • Cost: 25 RMB (~$3.50).
  • Time: 60-90 minutes (traffic-dependent).
  • Where to catch it: Outside the arrival halls of T1 and T2 terminals. Look for the blue-and-white buses with "Bell Tower" in English.
  • Note: Buses run until 10:30 PM, so if your flight lands late, this is safer than hailing a taxi.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Quick but Pricier)

• Taxi:
  • Cost: ~100-150 RMB ($15-22) to the city center (Bell Tower area).
  • Where to wait: Follow the "Taxi" signs outside the terminal. Do not accept rides from people approaching you inside—these are often unlicensed and overpriced.
  • Pro Tip: Insist the driver uses the meter. If they refuse, find another taxi.
• Ride-Hailing (Didi):
  • China’s version of Uber. Download the Didi app (link your payment method beforehand).
  • Cost: Similar to taxis, but often cheaper, and you can see the fare upfront.
  • Note: If you don’t have a Chinese phone number, ask your hotel/restaurant staff to book a Didi for you (they can use their account).

Step 2: Checking In & Stashing Your Luggage

Most hotels in Xi’an allow early check-in (if rooms are ready), but if you land at 6 AM like I did, your room might not be available. Don’t drag your bags around—use left-luggage services!

• At the Airport: The left-luggage office is in the Arrival Hall (T1 and T2). Cost: ~20 RMB per bag per 24 hours.
• In the City:
  • Bell Tower Station: There’s a left-luggage office inside the metro station (convenient if you’re taking the metro from the airport).
  • Your Hotel: Even if check-in isn’t ready, many hotels will hold your bags for free. Just ask at reception.

I stayed at a hostel near the Muslim Quarter (more on that later), and they let me drop my bags at 8 AM while I explored—game-changer.

Step 3: Sorting Out Money & Communication

Money:

• Cash is Still King (Sometimes): While WeChat pay and Alipay are everywhere (even street vendors use them), some small shops or markets (like the Muslim Quarter’s back alleys) only take cash.
• ATMs: Withdraw RMB at the airport or bank ATMs (ICBC, China Construction Bank) in the city. Your home bank card will work, but notify your bank first to avoid blocks.
• Exchange: Avoid exchanging currency at the airport—rates are terrible. Use ATMs instead.

Communication:

• SIM Card: Buy one at the airport’s China Mobile/China Unicom counter. A "tourist SIM" with 10GB of data costs ~100 RMB ($15) and lasts 30 days. You’ll need your passport to register.
• eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM (check with your carrier), you can activate one online before you leave—no need to queue at the airport.
• Translation Apps: Download iFly Translate or Google Translate (download the Chinese language pack offline). Works wonders for menus, signs, or bargaining.

Step 4: First Meal—What to Eat (And Where)

By the time I sorted my hotel, it was 11 AM, and I was starving. Xi’an is a food paradise, but if you wander straight to the main Muslim Quarter (回民街), you’ll pay tourist prices. Here’s where to go for authentic, cheap eats:

Breakfast/Lunch: Must-Try Dishes

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): "Chinese hamburger." Crispy bread stuffed with slow-coored pork (or beef). Where to go: Lao Sun Jirou Mo (老孙肉夹馍) near the Bell Tower—5 RMB per bun, and the meat falls apart it’s so tender.
• Yang Rou Pao Mo (羊肉泡馍): "Pita bread soaked in lamb soup." Tear the bread into small pieces, add it to the hot soup with meat and veggies. Pro tip: Ask for "páo mō" (泡馍) at the counter—they’ll give you dough and a bowl to tear it in. Where to go: Tong Xiang Lou (同祥楼) in the Muslim Quarter—15 RMB per bowl, and the broth is rich but not greasy.
• Biangbiang Noodles (biángbiang面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil, garlic, and veggies. Where to go: Lao Sun Jia Biangbiang Mian (老孙家biangbiang面) near the South Gate—12 RMB for a large portion. Add lamb if you’re hungry (extra 10 RMB).

Avoid the Tourist Trap:

The main Muslim Quarter (from the Drum Tower to the East Gate) is fun for people-watching, but food is overpriced. Walk 5 minutes into the side alleys (like Da Pi Yuan or Sai Jie)—same food, half the price. I bought a jianbing (Chinese crepe) for 6 RMB in an alleyway; on the main street, it was 15 RMB.

Step 5: First Afternoon—Getting Your Bearings

After lunch, it’s time to explore. Xi’an’s old city is compact and walkable, but here’s a simple route to avoid getting lost:

Bell Tower (钟楼):

Start here. It’s the center of Xi’an, built in 1384. Climb to the top (50 RMB) for panoramic views of the city. If you’re short on time, just admire it from outside—it’s lit up at night, and the neon lights against the ancient architecture is stunning.

Muslim Quarter (回民街):

Walk from the Bell Tower north to the Muslim Quarter. Don’t just eat—explore. The side streets have spice shops (buy cumin or star anise as souvenirs), lantern stores, and tiny mosques (like the Great Mosque, a peaceful oasis in the chaos).

Drum Tower (鼓楼):

At the north end of the Muslim Quarter. It’s next to the Bell Tower, but quieter. Climb it (50 RMB) to see the old city’s rooftops, then stay for the evening drum performance (7:30 PM, 50 RMB).

Step 6: Evening—Dinner & Night Vibes

By now, you’ll be tired but wired—Xi’an’s energy at night is contagious.

Dinner:

Head to Sai Jie (赛街), a night market near the Muslim Quarter. It’s less crowded than the main strip, and the food is insanely good. Try:

• Mala Tang (麻辣烫): Spicy hot pot with skewers of meat, veggies, and tofu. 20 RMB fills you up.
• Roujiamo Again: Yes, it’s that good. Grab a second one from a street vendor (5 RMB).
• Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Candied hawthorns on a stick. The perfect sweet ending to your first day.

Night Stroll:

Walk to the City Wall (城墙). It’s lit up until 10 PM, and you can even rent a bike (45 RMB/hour) to ride along the top. If biking’s not your thing, just walk the South Gate section—it’s the most scenic.

Final Pro Tips for Your First Day

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk more than you think.
2. Carry a Power Bank: Your phone will die from taking photos and using maps.
3. Bargain (Politely): In markets, offer 50-70% of the asking price. If the seller laughs, you’re in the right place.
4. Stay Hydrated: Xi’an is dry, and the spice will make you thirsty. Buy bottled water (2 RMB) from any convenience store (7-Eleven is everywhere).

By the end of my first day, I was exhausted but hooked. Xi’an isn’t just a city—it’s a living museum, a food adventure, and a warm welcome into Chinese culture. Follow this guide, and you’ll spend less time stressing and more time falling in love with this incredible place. Now go—your roujiamo is waiting.