Xi'an travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Xi'an is a very safe city by global standards, with visible policing, widespread CCTV coverage, and airport-style security screening at metro stations and major sites including the Terracotta Army and City Wall. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Visitors are far more likely to run into a tea-house overcharging scam near the Bell Tower or an unofficial 'Terracotta Army' tour that reroutes to a fake museum than any physical threat. Two practical issues affect most travelers regardless of scams: China's internet restrictions (the 'Great Firewall'), which block Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western apps unless a VPN is installed before arrival, and the fact that real-name, passport-linked advance booking is mandatory for major sites like the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk — Xi'an Has Low Rates Of Violent Crime And Heavy Policing Around Its Major Sights, Making It One Of The Safer Large Chinese Cities For Tourists. The Main Practical Concerns Are Tourist-Targeted Scams Around The Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, And Terracotta Army, Occasional Pickpocketing In Crowded Areas, And Internet Access Restrictions Rather Than Personal Safety.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Install a reliable VPN before arriving in China — Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western news sites are blocked without one
Carry a passport or a photocopy at all times; police can request ID checks, and airport-style security screening is required to enter the metro system and major sites daily
Book Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum tickets through the official online channel days in advance — real-name booking tied to a passport is mandatory, and on-site ticket windows have been removed
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before the trip, since much of daily life (taxis, small shops, vending machines) is effectively cashless
Save the accommodation's name and address in Chinese characters (screenshot or business card) to show taxi drivers or in case of getting lost
Decline unsolicited invitations to tea ceremonies, 'free' guided tours, or unofficial Terracotta Army transport from overly friendly strangers near the Bell Tower and tourist pickup points
Dress in warm layers for winter visits (temperatures regularly approach or fall below freezing December-February) and carry water and sun protection for hot, humid summer sightseeing at outdoor sites like the Terracotta Army and City Wall
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Water safety
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- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled or boiled water is standard practice, and hotels typically provide complimentary bottled water or a kettle.
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- Vaccinations
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- No special vaccinations are mandatory for tourists, but routine vaccinations plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended by travel clinics for China. Check with a travel health provider 4-6 weeks before departure.
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- Air quality
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- Xi'an can experience haze and elevated pollution levels, particularly during winter heating season (mid-November to mid-March) and on still days. Checking a real-time AQI app is worthwhile, especially for travelers with respiratory conditions.
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- Travel insurance
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- Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended, as costs at well-equipped hospitals can be high and are billed directly to the patient.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (green cross sign) are widespread; English-language support varies, so having medication names or conditions translated in advance is helpful.
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- Summer heat and Terracotta Army fatigue
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- Summer heat and humidity (June-August, 25-35°C/77-95°F) combined with the extensive outdoor walking at the Terracotta Army site and along the City Wall raises heatstroke and dehydration risk — carry water and pace visits around midday, and plan for freezing winter temperatures on the opposite end of the year.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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