Xian City Guide

Xi'an serves as a living museum of China's imperial past, once acting as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The city's most famous resident is the Terracotta Army, an awe-inspiring collection of thousands of life-sized figures buried with the first emperor. Within the city center, the ancient City Wall offers a unique perspective of the urban landscape, perfect for a sunset bicycle ride to see how the past and present coexist.

Beyond the history, the sensory experience of Xi'an is best captured in the Muslim Quarter. This vibrant neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets filled with the aroma of cumin-spiced lamb skewers and freshly baked bread. Nearby, the Great Mosque showcases a stunning blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture. For a moment of tranquility, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a testament to the city's long-standing connection to Buddhist heritage and scholarly pursuits.

While the Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall are essential stops, Xi'an reveals its true soul in the quiet corners where history meets daily life. For an authentic taste of the city’s famous food culture, skip the main tourist thoroughfares and head to Daxuexi Alley. This narrow lane in the Muslim Quarter remains a residential heart, where locals buy fresh naan and gather at one of the city’s oldest, most understated mosques.

In the evenings, locals frequent Shuncheng Alley. Running parallel to the inner base of the ancient City Wall, this stretch is a sanctuary of small craft beer bars, intimate folk music venues, and quiet tea houses. It offers a peaceful, atmospheric alternative to the neon-lit commercial districts. For those intrigued by the Silk Road’s commercial legacy, the Tang West Market Museum is a hidden gem. Built directly over the excavated remains of the original Tang Dynasty market, it provides a tangible connection to the merchants who once traversed the globe to trade in this very spot.

Xi’an is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers. Violent crime is rare, and the city maintains a visible yet non-intrusive police presence, particularly in major tourist hubs. Visitors can generally feel comfortable exploring the streets after dark, whether walking through the bustling Muslim Quarter or enjoying the illuminated City Wall. As with any major urban center, exercising standard precautions will ensure a smooth and worry-free experience.

While the environment is secure, it is wise to remain vigilant against petty theft in crowded areas such as public buses or busy markets. Keep personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. Additionally, navigating the city's traffic requires focus, as drivers may not always yield to pedestrians. Utilizing marked crosswalks and staying alert when crossing busy intersections will help keep your journey safe and enjoyable.

Xi'an's modern subway system is the most efficient way to navigate the city, offering a clean and fast alternative to the often-congested streets. With lines connecting the North Railway Station to the historic center and major attractions like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the metro is both intuitive and affordable, with fares typically costing between 2 and 8 CNY. For shorter distances or a more scenic route, the extensive bus network covers almost every corner of the city for a flat rate of 2 CNY.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful throughout Xi'an. While traditional taxis are easy to hail, using Didi—the local equivalent of Uber—is highly recommended for its English interface and transparent pricing. A trip from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to the city center usually costs between 120 and 150 CNY and takes roughly 60 minutes depending on traffic. Within the city, most short taxi hops will stay under 20 CNY.

For a more intimate look at the city’s rich history, walking and cycling are excellent choices. The area within the ancient city walls is relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly, especially around the vibrant Muslim Quarter. A favorite local experience is renting a bicycle to ride the full 14-kilometer loop atop the City Wall, which costs approximately 45 CNY for a two-hour rental and provides unparalleled views of the old and new city.

Xi'an offers a sophisticated blend of ancient heritage and modern luxury, catering to every style of shopper. For high-end retail, the shimmering SKP Xi'an near the South Gate is the city's premier destination, housing international couture and luxury brands in an opulent setting. Nearby, South Avenue serves as a traditional hub for upscale department stores and flagship boutiques, while the Saga Shopping Mall in Xiaozhai provides a massive variety of popular fashion labels and electronics for mid-range budgets.

For a truly local experience, the narrow, fragrant lanes of the Muslim Quarter are perfect for hunting down traditional Shaanxi crafts. This is the best place to find famous local products such as Terracotta Warrior replicas, intricate paper cuttings, and delicate shadow puppets. These markets offer a lively atmosphere where bargaining is expected and unique treasures are abundant.

Beyond souvenirs, those looking for bargain prices on textiles and everyday goods should explore the wholesale markets around Kangfu Road. Whether you are seeking a silk scarf or a piece of history to take home, the city's commercial landscape seamlessly bridges the gap between its imperial past and its cosmopolitan present.

Tipping is not a traditional practice in Xian, and it is generally not expected at local restaurants, tea houses, or when taking taxis. In many cases, staff may even attempt to return extra change, believing it was left behind by mistake. For high-end international hotels or luxury dining establishments, a service charge of 10% to 15% is often already included in the final bill, making additional gratuities unnecessary.

The exception to this rule typically applies to private tour guides and drivers who assist with excursions to sites like the Terracotta Army. A tip of 50 to 100 Renminbi (CNY) per day is a gracious way to show appreciation for excellent service. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan, with an exchange rate of approximately 7.2 CNY to 1 USD. While not required, these small gestures of gratitude for exceptional help are always received with a warm smile.

The ideal months to visit Xian are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these shoulder seasons, the weather is temperate and comfortable for outdoor exploration of the Terracotta Warriors or cycling atop the Ancient City Walls. Spring brings delicate blossoms to the city’s parks, while autumn offers crisp air and the stunning golden hues of ancient gingko trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for historical sightseeing.

Travelers should weigh the trade-offs of the extreme seasons; summer brings intense heat and humidity, while winter is cold and dry but offers the lowest hotel prices and thinnest crowds. To avoid peak congestion and premium pricing, it is essential to stay clear of major national holidays like the October Golden Week. Visiting during the shoulder months provides the best balance of manageable foot traffic and pleasant conditions for discovering this ancient capital.