Xi'an travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Xi'an's public transport backbone is its rapidly expanding metro network — 12 lines in service as of 2026, covering the Bell Tower, City Wall, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda areas — supplemented by an extensive bus network, metered taxis, the Didi ride-hailing app, and high-speed rail radiating out from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan, Chengdu, Beijing, and beyond. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) sits about 45 km (28 miles) northwest of downtown and connects directly to the city via Metro Line 14. Cash use is minimal — Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate fare payment — though single-ride paper tickets and a rechargeable Chang'an Tong transit card remain available for visitors without a Chinese bank account.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link an international card before arrival — most transit, taxis, and even street vendors are near-cashless
Google Maps, Google services, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in mainland China; install a VPN before arrival or rely on Amap/Baidu Maps and Didi
Buy a Chang'an Tong transit card at any metro station for tap-to-ride convenience across metro and bus, refundable at the end of the trip
The Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and Huashan are all significant day trips (1-2+ hours each way) — budget a full day for each rather than combining them
Rush hour (roughly 07:30-09:00 and 17:30-19:00) makes central interchanges near the Bell Tower and Beikezhan crowded — allow extra time
Security screening (bag X-ray) is required to enter every metro station and major tourist site, adding a few minutes to journeys
For the Terracotta Army, use the official Tourist Line 5/306 bus from Xi'an Railway Station's east square rather than unofficial minibuses or touts offering direct 'tours' near the station exit