Transit Essentials
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main gateway to Northwest China. It connects Xi'an to major cities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Airports
- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): Located about 40km northwest of the city center. It's a modern airport with good transport links.
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage is available in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 departure halls. Prices are reasonable, around 20-40 RMB per day.
Curated Itineraries
📅 1 Day: The Warriors
The absolute must-see.
- 09:00: Take a taxi or airport bus to the Terracotta Warriors museum (about 1 hour from airport).
- 10:30: Explore Pit 1, 2, and 3. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized soldiers.
- 13:30: Head to the city center.
- 15:00: Walk around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower square.
- 17:00: Head back to the airport.
📅 2 Days: Ancient Capital
Experience the history and the food.
- Day 1: Visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning. In the afternoon, rent a bike and cycle on top of the Ancient City Wall (14km loop). Evening food tour in the Muslim Quarter.
- Day 2: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the surrounding park. Explore the Shaanxi History Museum (book tickets in advance!).
📅 3 Days: Mountain & History
A mix of nature and culture.
- Day 1 & 2: Follow the 2-Day itinerary.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Mount Huashan (famous for its plank walk). It's a high-speed train ride away. Or, visit the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum near the airport.
Getting Around Xi'an
🚇 Metro & Transport to Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an Metro has 9 lines. Key lines: Line 2 (North-South, Bell Tower to train station), Line 3 & 4 (connecting major areas). Fares: ¥2-7.
To Terracotta Warriors: Take public bus 914 or 915 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour) OR book a day tour with transport included (¥150-300).
🚕 Taxis
Starting fare: ¥9 for 2 km. Airport to city center: ¥120-150. Most drivers don't speak English.
🚄 High-Speed Rail
Xi'an North Station connects to Beijing (4.5 hrs, ¥515), Chengdu (3 hrs, ¥263), Lanzhou (3 hrs).
Budget Breakdown
Budget: ¥180-300/day | Mid-Range: ¥450-800/day | Luxury: ¥1,200+/day
Terracotta Warriors entry: ¥120. City Wall bike rental: ¥45. Muslim Quarter street food: ¥20-40 per meal. Xi'an is very affordable!
Culinary Delights
Must-Try Dishes
- Roujiamo: Often called the "Chinese Hamburger". Chopped spiced meat in a crispy flatbread.
- Biangbiang Noodles: Thick, hand-pulled belt noodles topped with chili oil and veggies. The name comes from the sound of slapping the dough!
- Yangrou Paomo: Crumbled flatbread soaked in a rich mutton soup. A local comfort food.
Where to Eat
The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is the place to be for street food. For a sit-down meal, try First Noodle Under the Sun.
Where to Stay
- Bell Tower Area: The absolute center. Walking distance to the Muslim Quarter and City Wall.
- South Gate (Yongning Gate): Near the City Wall entrance, great nightlife and bars.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: More modern area, great for evening strolls by the fountain.
Xi'an Transit FAQ
How far are the Terracotta Warriors?
They are about 40km east of the city center, and about an hour drive from the airport. It's best to allocate at least half a day.
Is the Muslim Quarter safe?
Yes, it's very safe and lively! It gets very crowded in the evenings, so watch your belongings, but it's a friendly atmosphere.