Summary:
- ✅ Complete 4-day, 96-hour Xi’an itinerary with a crowd-beating Terracotta Army route
- ✅ Full guide to the 240-hour visa-free transit rule for US citizens, essential apps, and payment setup
- ✅ Local food picks, ticket booking hacks, transport and accommodation tips to avoid tourist traps
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Why Xi’an Belongs on Your First China Trip
Let’s be real: Xi’an is not just another stop on your first China trip. This is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, the eastern end of the Silk Road, and home to the Terracotta Army—one of the most jaw-dropping archaeological discoveries on the planet. If Beijing shows you China’s political heart, Xi’an is where the country’s history literally rises out of the ground.
For first-time US travelers, Xi’an hits a sweet spot. The city is compact, the food is legendary, and the main sights are concentrated enough that a 4-day visit gives you a genuine deep dive without feeling like you’re racing a clock.
Before you book anything, check the complete China visa-free transit collection — it covers every port, every rule, and how to avoid the mistakes that get people denied at the airport. You can also browse all free China city guides here to plan your full trip.
This Xi’an travel guide is built specifically for Americans traveling on the 240-hour visa-free transit policy who have about 96 hours in the city. No group tour needed. No Chinese language skills required. Just the exact steps, routes, and local hacks I wish someone had given me before my first visit.
Pre-Trip Prep for US Travelers
Visa Policy: 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit for US Citizens
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy (also called the 10-day visa-free transit) allows US citizens to enter through select ports—including Xi’an Xianyang International Airport—and stay in the approved area (Shaanxi province) for up to 10 days without a visa.
How it works:
- You must hold a valid US passport with at least 3 months of validity.
- You must have an onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours from the same or another approved port.
- Your stay is limited to the administrative area listed on your entry permit. For Xi’an, this is Shaanxi province.
- The 240-hour countdown starts from midnight of the day after you enter. For example, if you land at 3 PM on July 5, your 10 days start counting from midnight on July 6.
- You cannot extend the stay or leave the approved area without a Chinese visa.
Pro Tip: Print or screenshot the official 240-hour visa-free transit policy page in English. Some airline check-in agents outside China are still unfamiliar with the newer 240-hour rule, and having the policy on hand saves you a stressful 20 minutes at the counter.
Official reference: China National Immigration Administration 240-hour visa-free transit policy
Need the complete visa-free policy checklist?
Download the free Xi’an PDF guide — it includes a printable one-page visa policy summary with all deadlines and compliance rules. Get the PDF here →
Payment & Money: What Actually Works
Cash is rarely king in China, and Xi’an is no exception. You’ll need mobile payment for most purchases, from street food to museum tickets.
Set up Alipay before you leave:
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register with your US phone number.
- Go to Account → Bank Cards → Add Card.
- Add a Visa or Mastercard. Alipay supports foreign credit cards for most transactions, but small vendors may still require a Chinese bank card or a debit card.
- Verify your identity with a passport photo.
How much cash to bring:
¥200–¥400 (about $30–60) is plenty as backup. Some small street stalls only take WeChat Pay, and a few machines still reject foreign cards. Keep small bills—¥10 and ¥20 notes are easiest to use.
Pro Tip: If Alipay gives you trouble, don’t panic. The e-wallet trick works great: ask your hotel front desk to transfer money to your Alipay e-wallet in exchange for cash. I did this once at a noodle shop where the QR code simply refused my foreign card. Two minutes later, problem solved.
Struggling with Alipay setup?
The PDF guide includes step-by-step Alipay installation screenshots and the exact buttons to tap to add your US card. Read the PDF here →
Internet & Communication
eSIM (easiest):
Use an eSIM provider like RORO eSIM, RedteaGO, or Airalo. Install before departure, activate on arrival. Data-only plans work fine for maps, translation, and messaging. Prices start around $5–10 for a week. RORO even ships a free physical SIM to your hotel if your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Local SIM + VPN (budget option):
If you want a local number for DiDi or other services, buy a SIM at the airport or any China Unicom/China Mobile store. You’ll need your passport. Then install a reliable VPN (Astrill is stable but pricey; Spark is cheaper and works well) on your phone before you enter China—Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. are blocked without it.
Pro Tip: I recommend a local SIM + VPN combo if you plan to book tickets on Chinese platforms. Many official WeChat mini-programs require a Chinese phone number for SMS verification. A local SIM lets you do this without asking strangers for help.
Essential Apps for Xi’an
| App | Purpose | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Amap (高德地图) | Navigation, metro, walking, ride-hailing | Switch language to English in Settings. Download offline maps for Xi’an before you leave. |
| DiDi (滴滴出行) | Ride-hailing | English version available. Link your foreign card in the app. |
| Trip.com | Train/flight tickets, attraction tickets, hotels | English interface, accepts foreign cards. Good for booking Terracotta Army tickets if official site confuses you. |
| Alipay (支付宝) | Mobile payment, metro card, translation, shared bikes, ride-hailing | Add your Visa or Mastercard before arrival. |
| WeChat (微信) | Communication, booking some tickets, e-wallet | Download before you go; add contacts you meet locally. |
| Google Translate / Papago / Pleco | Translation | Download offline Chinese language pack. Use camera translation for menus and signs. |
Need installation guides for each app?
Our PDF includes clickable links to every app store page, plus VPN setup tutorials (including a cheap China-friendly option). Download the PDF here → Or read the full app guide online for free → https://dolphinunion.com/free-china-travel-guides/
Pre-Trip Essentials
- Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and clear skies. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is cold but manageable.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk 5–8 miles per day, much of it on uneven stone surfaces at the Terracotta Army site. I made the mistake of wearing new sneakers and spent the next two days with blisters.
- Book major tickets in advance. The Terracotta Army, Shaanxi History Museum, and Song of Everlasting Sorrow sell out fast. We’ll cover exact booking methods in the itinerary below.
Your Ultimate 96-Hour (4-Day) Xi’an Itinerary
This itinerary is paced for first-time visitors who want to see the icons without feeling like they’re in a race. You can shift days, but keep Day 2 as written—the Terracotta Army route is designed to dodge the worst crowds.
Day 1: Xi’an City Wall + Muslim Quarter + Old City Vibes
Start your trip with a walk back in time.
Morning: Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙)
The best-preserved ancient city wall in China wraps around the old city center. The South Gate (Yongningmen, 永宁门) is the main entrance and the best starting point.
- Ticket price: ¥54
- Bike rental: ¥45 per bike for 180 minutes (single bike), ¥90 for tandem
- Walking: 2–3 km section recommended; South Gate to East Gate has the best views
- Time needed: 2–3 hours including photo stops
- Avoid the mistake: Don’t rent a tandem bike unless you’re both experienced riders. The wall surface is bumpy, and it’s easy to fall. I saw a couple wipe out near the West Gate, and it looked painful.
Pro Tip: Go early (8:30–9:00 AM) to avoid the midday heat and the biggest tourist groups. The wall opens at 8:00 AM, and the morning light makes for great photos.
Afternoon: Muslim Quarter (回民街)
Just south of the wall’s North Gate, the Muslim Quarter is a maze of food stalls, spice shops, and narrow lanes. Don’t just walk the main street—get lost in the side alleys like Beiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, and Sajinqiao.
- Must-try street food:
- Roujiamo (肉夹馍) – Chinese “burger” with slow-cooked pork or beef in a crispy flatbread. Try Lao Anjia Paomo or Sun Qinghai Preserved Beef and Lamb.
- Liangpi (凉皮) – Cold skin noodles in a spicy, tangy sauce.
- Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍) – Crumbled flatbread in rich lamb soup. Lao Li’s Mingming Meatball Spicy Soup near Sajinqiao is a local breakfast legend.
- Persimmon cakes (柿子饼) – Sweet, fried persimmon pastries. Liu Ming’s Persimmon Paste Tower is a must.
Evening:
Stay in the old city for dinner. Try Biangbiang noodles (油泼面)—wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil. Yifenli Noodle House does a killer triple-combo oil-splashed version for ¥28.
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station for the South Gate. Walk to the Muslim Quarter from the Bell Tower (about 10 minutes).
Want every food stop with exact Amap navigation links?
Download the PDF — it includes clickable map pins for every restaurant listed above, so you can navigate directly from your hotel. Get the PDF here → Or read the full food guide online for free → https://dolphinunion.com/free-china-travel-guides/
Day 2: Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace + Song of Everlasting Sorrow
This is the big day. Follow this exact order to avoid the worst crowds.
Getting to the Terracotta Army:
| Option | Duration | Cost (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro + Bus | 1.5–2 hrs | ¥15–20 | Metro Line 6 → Textile City, Line 9 → Huaqingchi, then Bus 602/613 to Terracotta Army |
| DiDi/taxi | 50–60 min | ¥100–150 | Door-to-door, easiest. Use Amap’s ride-hailing for English |
| Tourist shuttle bus | 1 hr 48 min | One-way ¥30, round-trip ¥50 | Leaves from Bell Tower area at 9:00 and 11:00 AM |
My recommendation: Subway to Huaqingchi Station, then a short taxi (¥14) to the Terracotta Army. Best value for time and money.
Terracotta Army ticket booking:
Book 7–8 days in advance on Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program. The combo ticket for Huaqing Palace and the Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (which includes both Lishan Garden and the Terracotta Warriors) is ¥120. You must enter with your passport.
- Ticket price: ¥120 (includes Lishan Garden and Terracotta Warriors)
- Opening hours: Peak season 8:30–18:30, off-season 8:30–17:00
Recommended route: Lishan Garden first, then the pits
The Terracotta Army complex has two main sites: Lishan Garden (丽山园, the Emperor’s Mausoleum) and the three excavation pits. Most visitors rush straight to Pit 1, causing insane crowds until mid-afternoon. Instead:
- Arrive at 8:30 AM (opens at 8:30). From the main entrance, take the free shuttle to Lishan Garden first. You’ll have the place nearly to yourself.
- Spend 1–1.5 hours exploring the mausoleum and the bronze chariot exhibition. This is where the true scale of the emperor’s ambition hits you.
- Take the free shuttle back to the main museum area around 10:30 AM.
- Now visit Pit 1 (the massive one you see in all photos). By 11:00, the early tour groups have started to thin out, and you’ll get a better view.
- Then see Pit 2 and Pit 3 (smaller, but with interesting details like the kneeling archer and the command post).
Common tourist mistakes:
- Don’t buy tickets from scalpers outside the gate.
- Don’t skip Lishan Garden—it’s included in your ticket and often completely empty.
- Don’t try to see everything in one hour. Allow 3–4 hours for the whole site.
- Don’t take taxis solicited by roadside touts. Use official taxi stands or DiDi.
Pro Tip: The Terracotta Army pits have no air-conditioning. Bring water, wear a hat, and avoid visiting on national holidays if possible. Also, if you’re late for your booked time slot, don’t stress—the time slots are flexible in practice, except for the very last slot of the day.
Need the exact step-by-step ticket booking flow with screenshots?
Our PDF includes both the official Chinese mini-program walkthrough and the Trip.com alternative — complete with button-by-button instructions. Download the PDF here →
Afternoon: Huaqing Palace (华清宫)
A beautiful Tang-dynasty hot spring palace complex at the foot of Mount Li.
- Ticket price: ¥120 (separate from the combo ticket)
- Opening hours: Peak season 7:00–19:00, off-season 7:30–18:00
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Highlights: The imperial bathhouse ruins, the “Nine Dragon Pool,” and the site of the 1936 Xi’an Incident
- Getting there: Free shuttle from the Terracotta Army (runs until 5 PM) or a short taxi ride (¥20–30)
Evening: “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” (长恨歌) performance
This large-scale outdoor performance tells the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei against the backdrop of the real Huaqing Palace and Mount Li.
- Worth it? Yes, if you enjoy visual spectacles. The stage, lighting, and water effects are stunning.
- Performance times: 7:10 PM and 8:35 PM. I recommend the 8:35 PM show so you have time for dinner and a relaxed afternoon.
- Ticket prices: Middle Section ¥408; East & West Section A ¥338; East & West Section B ¥298. I suggest East & West Section A for the best value.
- Booking: Book 10 days or more in advance on Trip.com. Shows run from late March to October. Dress warmly if going in spring or autumn evenings.
Pro Tip: Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when you pick up your ticket on-site. Arrive at least 30 minutes early at the manual ticket counter to get a better seat.
Worried about getting a good seat?
The PDF includes a seat map and the exact best-value sections to book, plus a direct link to Trip.com for reserving. Download the PDF here →
Dinner:
Eat near Huaqing Palace before the show. Lao Xi’an Restaurant is a solid choice for classic Shaanxi dishes like Gourd Chicken and Roujiamo.
Day 3: Museums + Giant Wild Goose Pagoda + Great Tang All-Day Mall
Morning: Shaanxi History Museum vs. Xi’an Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆) is one of the best museums in China, but tickets are extremely hard to get—especially for foreigners.
- Ticket price: Free (6,000 tickets daily: 3,000 morning, 3,000 afternoon)
- Release times: 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM Beijing time
- Book ahead: 6 days in advance
- Ticket hack: Set an alarm and book at the exact release time. Tickets vanish in seconds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Alternative: If you can’t get a Shaanxi History Museum ticket, go to the Xi’an Museum (西安博物院) inside the Small Wild Goose Pagoda complex.
- Ticket price: Free
- Daily limit: 15,000 people (much easier to book)
- Reserve: 3–5 days ahead
- Release times: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM
- Closing days: Xi’an Museum closed Tuesdays; Shaanxi History Museum closed Mondays
Pro Tip: If you have your heart set on the Shaanxi History Museum, try booking a paid temporary exhibition ticket (¥30–270) through Trip.com. It includes entry to the core museum and is much easier to get than the free ticket. I once spent two days refreshing the official WeChat page for a friend and failed. A paid ticket took 30 seconds.
Tired of refreshing the official page?
Our PDF includes the hidden paid-ticket trick, exact release times, and direct official mini-program entry links. Download the PDF here →
Afternoon: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Great Tang All-Day Mall
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) – Ticket: ¥30, climb the pagoda: ¥25 (separate, optional). Climb for a panoramic view of modern and ancient Xi’an. The surrounding Daci’en Temple is peaceful and worth a walk.
- Lunch: Head to MixC City (万象城) near the pagoda for a break. Great air-conditioning, clean bathrooms, and familiar Western chains if you’re missing home. Try O’eat Viaggio for a decent steak or Entrance Tianwu for pastries.
- Evening: Great Tang All-Day Mall (大唐不夜城) – This 2.1 km pedestrian street south of the pagoda comes alive at night with free performances, light shows, and street performers dressed in Tang-dynasty costumes.
- Performance schedule: Multiple shows throughout the evening starting at 7:00 PM. Main shows include the Zhenguan Reign, Chang’an Music and Dance, and the Roly-Poly Little Sister. The Great Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain is also a must-see.
- Best viewing spot: Stand near the pagoda’s south gate for the water and light show. For street performances, walk the length of the mall and catch whatever looks interesting.
Transport: Metro Line 2 or 3 to Dayanta Station. The museum and pagoda are walkable from each other.
Day 4 (Departure Day): Flexible Backup Options
If your flight or train leaves in the evening, you have half a day to explore.
Option 1: Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔)
Quick 2-hour stop with a lovely garden. The pagoda has an interesting “Mystery of Divine Reunion” story—it cracked in a great earthquake in 1556 and supposedly “healed” itself over time.
Option 2: Tang Dynasty Sleepless City (大唐西市)
A quieter, more local version of the Great Tang All-Day Mall. Great for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Option 3: Hanyang Mausoleum (汉阳陵)
A fascinating underground museum where you walk on glass above actual excavation pits. Less crowded and very atmospheric.
Option 4: Food crawl in Sajin Bridge (洒金桥)
Dedicate your last few hours to eating. Sajin Bridge is the local alternative to the touristy Muslim Quarter main street. Less signage in English, but the food is cheaper and more authentic.
Getting to the airport:
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport: 40–50 min by DiDi from city center (¥120–150). Airport Express bus ¥25 from Bell Tower area every 30 min. Metro Line 14 also connects to the airport but takes longer. Leave at least 2 hours before your international flight.
Xi’an Food Guide: What & Where to Eat
Xi’an is a food city first, a history city second. Here’s what you need to try.
Must-Eat Local Dishes
| Dish | What It Is | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Roujiamo (肉夹馍) | Crispy flatbread stuffed with slow-braised pork or beef | It’s a Chinese burger, but better. The bread is flaky, the meat is rich. |
| Liangpi (凉皮) | Cold noodles in a spicy, vinegary sauce | Refreshing on a hot day. Order “la” (spicy) if you like heat. |
| Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍) | Crumbled flatbread in lamb soup | A Xi’an classic. You break the bread yourself, then they cook it. |
| Biangbiang Noodles (油泼面) | Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and garlic | The name comes from the sound the noodles make when pulled. |
| Pita bread soaked in lamb soup (水盆羊肉) | A clear lamb broth with flatbread on the side | Lighter than Paomo, perfect for breakfast or a cold day. |
Where to Eat
- Muslim Quarter (回民街) – Great for a first taste, but don’t eat at the stalls right on the main drag. Walk two blocks in any direction and prices drop by 30–50%.
- Sajin Bridge (洒金桥) – The local favorite. Fewer English menus, but the food is more authentic. Look for crowded shops with locals waiting in line. Must-try: Lao Li’s Mingming Meatball Spicy Soup (¥9), Ma Wenzhang’s Fatty Rice Cake (¥5), and Yang Zhao Potstickers (¥18).
- Near the Terracotta Army – Avoid the tourist restaurants outside the gate. Chenshi Tangwei (¥28 for oil-splashed noodles) is a decent local option.
- MixC Mall (万象城) – For a break from Chinese food, this mall has everything from Western chains to hotpot.
Pro Tip: Don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap (¥2–3) and available everywhere. Most restaurants serve hot tea or boiled water for free. Also, if a place is empty and the next one is packed with locals, go to the crowded one—that’s the real signal.
Want every restaurant with Amap navigation pins and English dish names?
The PDF food guide includes all recommended spots, exact prices, and one-tap navigation. Download the PDF here → Or read the complete food section online for free → https://dolphinunion.com/free-china-travel-guides/
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Getting Around Xi’an
| Transport | Cost | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | ¥2–5 | Clean, bilingual signs. Use Amap English mode. Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:30–7:00 PM). |
| DiDi (ride-hailing) | Fares from ¥10 | Works with foreign cards. Use in-app chat if driver calls. |
| Shared bikes | ¥1.5 per 30 min | Requires Alipay or WeChat Pay. Not recommended without local SIM. |
| Walking | Free | Old city is compact; wear comfortable shoes. |
Where to Stay
Stay near the Bell Tower (钟楼). It’s the geographic center of the city, with metro lines 1 and 2 crossing there. You’ll be within walking distance of the City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and dozens of restaurants.
- Budget: Feiman Hotel (扉缦酒店) near Bell Tower Metro Exit B—clean, convenient, and literally right at the subway entrance.
- Mid-range: Ibis Hotel Bell Tower Branch (宜必思酒店西安钟楼地铁站店)—international standard, reliable.
- Backpacker: Backpacker’s Decade Hostel (背包十年青年旅舍)—social, affordable, great for solo travelers.
Need hotel recommendations with map links and booking discounts?
Download the PDF — it includes our recommended hotels with direct Trip.com booking links and an Amap navigation pin for each. Get the PDF here →
Ticket Booking Summary
| Attraction | Difficulty | Book Ahead | Ticket Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Army (incl. Lishan Garden) | Easy | 7–8 days | ¥120 |
| Huaqing Palace + Terracotta combo | Easy | 7–8 days | ¥240 |
| Shaanxi History Museum | Extremely hard | 6 days | Free |
| Xi’an Museum | Easy | 3–5 days | Free |
| City Wall | Walk-in | None | ¥54 |
| Huaqing Palace | Easy | 1 day | ¥120 |
| Song of Everlasting Sorrow | Moderate | 10+ days | ¥298–408 |
Pro Tip: Always book through official channels or Trip.com. Never buy tickets from random people outside the attraction.
Language & Communication
- Download Google Translate Chinese language pack for offline use.
- Use camera translation for menus and signs.
- Learn these phrases:
- Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好)
- Thank you: Xièxie (谢谢)
- Where is…?: … zài nǎlǐ? (…在哪里?)
- I don’t understand: Wǒ tīng bù dǒng (我听不懂)
- How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱?)
Common First-Trip Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Trying to see too much in one day. Xi’an sights are spread out. Stick to the 96-hour plan.
- Not booking the Terracotta Army in advance. Book 7–8 days ahead.
- Relying on Google Maps. Use Amap.
- Not setting up Alipay before arrival. You’ll waste hours at the airport.
- Drinking tap water or eating unwashed fruit. Stick to bottled water and cooked food.
- Forgetting museum closing days. Shaanxi History Museum closed Mondays; Xi’an Museum closed Tuesdays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can US citizens really enter Xi’an without a visa under the 240-hour policy?
A: Yes. US citizens can enter through Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and stay in Shaanxi province for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, as long as you have an onward ticket to a third country or region. For a complete breakdown, browse all our free China guides → https://dolphinunion.com/free-china-travel-guides/
Q: How much does the Terracotta Army ticket cost?
A: Ticket price: ¥120 for the Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (includes Lishan Garden and Terracotta Warriors). A combo ticket with Huaqing Palace is ¥240.
Q: What’s the best time of day to visit the Terracotta Army?
A: Arrive at 8:30 AM when it opens, go to Lishan Garden first, then visit the pits around 10:30–11:00 AM. This reverse order helps you avoid the morning tour group rush.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay or credit cards directly in China?
A: Not reliably. Mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat are the standard. Link your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before your trip, and carry a small amount of cash as backup.
Q: How far in advance should I book the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance?
A: At least 10 days in advance, especially during peak season. Tickets sell out fast, and the best seats go early.
Q: Is Xi’an safe for first-time US tourists?
A: Yes, Xi’an is very safe for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded areas, use official taxis or DiDi, and don’t fall for obvious scams.
Q: Can I stay longer than 240 hours if I want to?
A: No. The 240-hour visa-free transit cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Xi’an is the kind of city that changes how you understand China. You’ll stand in front of 8,000 life-sized warriors, cycle on a 600-year-old wall, and eat noodles that have been made the same way for a thousand years. And because Xi’an is compact and walkable, you can do all of this in just four days without feeling rushed.
If you’re ready to plan your trip with confidence:
Summary:
- ✅ Complete 4-day, 96-hour Xi’an itinerary with a crowd-beating Terracotta Army route
- ✅ Full guide to the 240-hour visa-free transit rule for US citizens, essential apps, and payment setup
- ✅ Local food picks, ticket booking hacks, transport and accommodation tips to avoid tourist traps
Trusted by 20,000+ travelers. Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Download the Free 96-Hour Interactive Xi’an PDF Guide →
Built-in Amap navigation links, offline maps, and a day-by-day itinerary you can open right on your phone. No copying Chinese addresses—just tap and go.
📖 Prefer reading instead of downloading? Read the full Xi’an guide online for free →
Or get a customized Xi’an itinerary if you’d rather have every stop planned for you.
