Things to Do in Xi'an

About Xi'an

Xi'an whispers tales of ancient emperors through morning mist that dances over weathered city walls, where bicycle bells chime against the backdrop of towering pagodas and bustling night markets. This former capital of thirteen dynasties pulses with an intoxicating rhythm—where steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles are savored in shadow of the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and where traditional courtyard homes nestle between gleaming modern towers. Here, every cobblestone seems to echo with the footsteps of Silk Road merchants, every temple gate frames stories of Buddhist pilgrims, and every sunset paints the ancient ramparts in golden hues that have remained unchanged for centuries. Xi'an doesn't merely showcase China's imperial past; it lives and breathes it, inviting travelers to lose themselves in labyrinthine hutongs where dumplings sizzle in century-old restaurants, to climb watchtowers that once guarded the world's most important trade route, and to discover that in this remarkable city, history isn't preserved behind glass—it's woven easyly into the busy tapestry of daily life.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Xi'an Metro card for easy subway travel (¥2-4 per ride). Download the DiDi app for reliable taxis. Rent bikes from city stations using Alipay. The airport shuttle bus (Line 2) runs every 20 minutes to Bell Tower for ¥26.

Money: China is cashless—set up Alipay or WeChat Pay through your hotel concierge before exploring. Keep ¥200-500 cash for small vendors and temples. Notify banks of travel dates. ATMs charge ¥15-25 per withdrawal.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering temples. Don't point directly at Buddha statues or touch artifacts. Dress modestly at religious sites. Learn basic greetings: 'Ni hao' (hello) and 'Xie xie' (thank you). Bow slightly when receiving business cards.

Food Safety: Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits. Try xiaolongbao at Defachang Restaurant and authentic biangbiang noodles in Muslim Quarter. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Street food is generally safe if freshly cooked.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers Xi'an's most enchanting weather, with temperatures ranging 15-25°C (59-77°F) and minimal rainfall (40-60mm monthly). Cherry blossoms bloom in early April, creating perfect conditions for exploring the City Wall and outdoor sites, though expect 20-30% higher accommodation prices during peak season. Summer (June-August) brings sweltering heat (25-35°C/77-95°F) and occasional downpours (80-100mm rainfall), but this off-season offers 30-40% savings on hotels and fewer crowds at the Terracotta Warriors. Autumn (September-November) rivals spring with comfortable 18-28°C (64-82°F) temperatures and golden foliage, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually September) when mooncake traditions flourish in local markets. Winter (December-February) presents the greatest value with 40-50% discounts, despite chilly 0-10°C (32-50°F) temperatures and occasional snow that transforms ancient architecture into winter wonderlands. Chinese New Year (late January/early February) brings busy celebrations but also closures and premium pricing. Adventure travelers should embrace summer's intensity, culture enthusiasts will love autumn's festivals, budget-conscious visitors benefit from winter rates, while photographers and general tourists find spring's mild weather and blooming landscapes ideal for capturing Xi'an's timeless beauty.