City Guide

Xi'an Travel Guide

China

5.0M
Population
$117
Daily Budget
75
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

Interactive Map

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Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Xi'an

Arriving

  • Xi'an Xianyang International Airport · 40 kmAirport Shuttle Bus and Taxi
  • Main stationsXi'an Railway Station

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • NetworksChina Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day
  • Weak signalSome rural outskirts
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Useful apps

  • TransportCity Metro App and Didi Chuxing
  • Food deliveryMeituan and Ele.me
  • AttractionsXi'an Travel Guide

Top Attractions

1
Terracotta Army
Famous archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized figures.
3h $25
2
Xi'an City Wall
One of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering stunning views.
2h $10

Best Areas to Stay

City Center
Convenient access to major attractions and public transport.
TouristsBusiness
High-tech Zone
Modern amenities and quieter environment.
BusinessFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays to avoid crowds
Custom:Bargaining is common in markets; respect local dining etiquette.
Common Mistakes
  • Not trying local street food
  • Underestimating travel times

Food & Drink

Must Try:Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Muslim QuarterDefachang Restaurant

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Walkability:75/100
MetroBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthJul33°C average high
Coolest monthJan-3°C average low
Wettest monthSep97 mm of rain
Driest monthDec3 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan4.9-3.162
Feb9.20.393
Mar16.66.1193
Apr23.011.6354
May27.616.4596
Jun32.121.0656
Jul32.823.4857
Aug30.922.2917
Sep25.417.3979
Oct19.711.5537
Nov12.94.8224
Dec6.8-1.531

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Jinghe, 19 km from Xi'an).

Xi'an travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Xi'an?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Xi'an. Average daytime highs range from about 5°C in January to 33°C in July.

How much does a day in Xi'an cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Xi'an?

Public transport includes metro and bus and is rated good. Walkability scores 75/100.

Which airport serves Xi'an?

The nearest airport is Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, about 40 km away. Transfer options include airport shuttle bus and taxi.

Is Xi'an safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for overcharging taxi fares. Areas generally considered safe include City Center and High-tech Zone. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Xi'an?

4G/5G coverage is provided by China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, rated good. Plan for about 1.5 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A China travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Xi'an?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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