Peng Gao
What's Inside
Three hours. That's how long my group stood in the wrong queue at the Terracotta Warriors last month. Not because we were late—we had the wrong tickets.
Most packing lists for Xi'an tell you to bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Boring. I've been guiding foreigners in this city for 8 years, and I can tell you: the stuff that actually ruins trips isn't forgetting a hat. It's showing up without the right payment app, a data plan, or knowing which gate to use.
Here's my no-BS Xi'an packing list—built from real screw-ups, so you don't repeat them.
The 5 Non-Negotiables for Your Xi'an Packing List
Skip these five items and you might as well stay home.
1. Your Passport & Photocopies
Obvious, right? But I've had clients leave their passport at the hotel safe and miss the train. Keep a physical copy in your day bag, and a digital backup on your phone. Train stations check passports at the gate—no exceptions.
2. WeChat & Alipay (Preloaded!)
Xi'an is a cashless city. Even the street food guy expects a QR code scan. You must install WeChat and Alipay before arriving and link an international card. Pro tip: use a travel card like Wise or Revolut to avoid high fees. The registration process takes time—do it at home. Here's a step-by-step guide from Trip.com (they cover the WeChat wallet setup).
3. A VPN That Works
Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp—blocked without a VPN. I use ExpressVPN, installed before departure. Test it before you land. Without it, you can't access maps or translation apps.
4. Power Bank (10,000mAh Minimum)
You'll be on your phone scanning QR codes, navigating, and translating. Battery dies fast. Rental power banks are rare outside malls. I recommend Anker 20000mAh—it charges my phone twice.
5. A Lightweight Daypack
The Terracotta Warriors site is huge. You'll walk 15,000 steps easily. A small backpack with water, snacks, and your photocopies saves hours. Avoid shoulder bags—they get heavy.
What to Wear in Xi'an: Layer Like a Local
Xi'an has dramatic temperature swings. Spring mornings can be 5°C, afternoons 25°C. Forget summer—it's brutal. Here's my go-to layering system:
| Season | Base Layer | Mid Layer | Outer | Footwear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Long-sleeve tee | Light fleece | Windproof jacket | Sneakers with grip |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Quick-dry t-shirt | None | Sun hoodie (UPF 50) | Breathable walking shoes |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Long-sleeve shirt | Cardigan | Light down vest | Ankle boots |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Thermal underwear | Sweater | Heavy down coat | Insulated boots |
Don't forget: A scarf. It's useful for dusty sites and covering shoulders at temples. And a waterproof shell—Xi'an rain is unpredictable.
The Payment Survival Kit (Skip This & You're Stuck)
International credit cards work at fancy hotels and some restaurants. But for everything else—metro, street food, taxi—you need mobile payment. Here's exactly what to carry:
- A backup of 500-1000 RMB cash (small bills). ATMs at the airport give 100 yuan notes. Break them at a convenience store for change.
- WeChat Pay or Alipay—already set up. Show the code and you're done.
- A physical bank card (Visa/Mastercard) for hotel deposits.
One nightmare: my client tried to pay at a dumpling stall with a 100 yuan bill. The vendor couldn't change it. I had to step in with Alipay. Always have small notes.
Must-Have Tech Gadgets & Connectivity Hacks
Beyond the VPN, these three items will save your trip:
Universal Travel Adapter
China uses the same two-flat-pin plug as Australia and New Zealand (Type I). If you're from the US/Europe, bring a universal one. Voltage is 220V, so check your devices.
Offline Map App
Google Maps works offline if you download the Xi'an map beforehand. But I prefer Maps.me—it's more reliable for walking directions in the Muslim Quarter.
Translation App with Camera
Most menus have no English. Use Google Translate's camera function—it reads Chinese characters instantly. Alternatively, Pleco is a favorite among expats.
Health & Safety Items Most Guides Forget
I carry a small first-aid pouch in my bag. Here's what I always have:
- Imodium—street food can be a shock to Western stomachs. Don't risk it.
- Hand sanitizer—public restrooms often lack soap.
- Face masks—still common on public transport and during dusty days.
- Blister plasters—you'll walk 10+ miles daily. Your feet will thank you.
One more thing: the tap water is undrinkable. Bring a refillable water bottle with a filter (like LifeStraw) or buy bottled water everywhere. Hotel kettles are safe for making tea.
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