Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Xian
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $20-68 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Xian
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, basic hotels in older districts
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food stalls, local noodle shops, market vendors, convenience store meals
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, subway, shared bikes, walking to most attractions
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free temple visits, city wall walking sections, parks, occasional paid museum entry
Currency: ¥ Chinese Yuan (CNY) - prices shown in USD equivalent
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Xian
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local Muslim Quarter food stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use the efficient subway system instead of taxis for 70-85% savings on transportation
Visit free sections of the ancient city wall and temples before paying for premium attractions
Book accommodation outside the immediate tourist zone for 30-50% lower rates with easy subway access
Shop at local markets and convenience stores for snacks and water rather than tourist areas (50-70% savings)
Take public buses to Terracotta Warriors site instead of private tours for significant transport savings
Visit during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using the excellent subway system (300-400% more expensive)
Eating only in tourist zones near major attractions (typically 100-150% markup over local areas)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons without comparing options (often 50-100% higher rates)
Buying water and snacks from tourist sites instead of local shops (200-300% markup)