Things to Do in Xian

About Xian

In Xi'an, the weight of thirteen dynasties settles into your bones as you walk streets where emperors once dreamed of immortality. This ancient capital whispers stories through morning mist that drifts across the City Wall, where cyclists trace the footsteps of Ming dynasty guards. The rhythm here moves between two worlds—the reverent hush of tourists discovering the Terracotta Warriors for the first time, and the cheerful chaos of Muslim Quarter vendors calling out in melodic Shaanxi dialect. Steam rises from countless noodle bowls as locals slurp hand-pulled biangbiang noodles, their faces lit by red lanterns that have illuminated these narrow alleys for centuries. Every temple bell that echoes across the city, every incense spiral that curls skyward, every ancient pagoda that pierces the modern skyline reminds you that in Xi'an, the past isn't preserved behind glass—it lives and breathes in every dumpling shared, every prayer whispered, every sunrise that bathes the ancient walls in golden light.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Chang'an Tong card for seamless subway and bus travel (¥20 deposit). The metro efficiently connects major sites, while shared bikes are perfect for exploring the City Wall. Book high-speed trains to Beijing/Shanghai well in advance during holidays.

Money: Bring cash as many local restaurants and street vendors don't accept cards. ATMs are abundant near tourist areas. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted—set up through your hotel concierge if you have a Chinese bank account.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering mosque prayer halls in the Muslim Quarter. Don't touch or lean on artifacts at historical sites. Photography is prohibited inside the Terracotta Warriors museum pits—security is strict about enforcement.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local eateries with high turnover for street food. Avoid raw vegetables and drink bottled water. Muslim Quarter offers safe, delicious options. Try roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and hand-pulled noodles from vendors with long local queues.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers Xi'an at its most enchanting, with temperatures ranging 15-25°C and minimal rainfall (40-60mm monthly). Cherry blossoms bloom around the City Wall, creating perfect photography conditions. Expect 20-30% higher accommodation rates during this peak season. Summer (June-August) brings sweltering heat (28-35°C) and occasional heavy rainfall (80-120mm), but fewer crowds and 25% lower prices make it budget-friendly for hardy travelers. The Ghost Festival in August adds cultural intrigue. Autumn (September-November) rivals spring with comfortable 18-26°C temperatures and stunning fall foliage. October's Golden Week (Oct 1-7) sees massive crowds and 40% price increases—avoid unless you enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing. Winter (December-March) is cold (2-12°C) with occasional snow, but offers the most authentic local experience with 35% lower rates. Chinese New Year (late January/February) brings spectacular celebrations but transportation challenges. Shoulder seasons (late March and late November) provide the sweet spot of decent weather, moderate crowds, and reasonable pricing for savvy travelers seeking Xi'an's magic without the masses.