Peng Gao
What you'll find here
Three hours. That’s how long I waited at the South Gate of the Terracotta Warriors last spring with a group of 12. Not because of the crowd—because we didn't have the right QR code. If you're wondering how to travel to Xi'an without wasting precious time on ticket lines and wrong turns, this guide is for you. I’ve been leading groups here for years, and I’ll show you exactly where to go, what to skip, and how to handle the quirks that most online guides miss.
How to Get to Xi'an
Most travelers arrive by high-speed train (the best option from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu) or by plane (Xi'an Xianyang International Airport). If you're coming from within China, the train is often faster door-to-door because the airport is 40 km from the city center (about 1 hour by taxi or airport shuttle). The train stations—Xi'an North Station (for high-speed) and Xi'an Station (conventional)—are well connected to the metro.
Getting Around Xi'an
The Xi'an Metro is clean, cheap, and covers most major sights (Lines 2, 3, 4, and 6). You'll need to download the Alipay app or WeChat Pay for tickets—most machines still don't accept international credit cards. Here's the catch: you can buy a single-use token at the counter with cash, but the lines are long during rush hours. I always tell my clients to get a Xi'an Public Transportation Card (available at any metro station) – it works on buses too.
For places the metro doesn't reach (like the Terracotta Warriors), take bus 307 from the Railway Station or join a shared minivan. Taxis and Didi (Chinese Uber) are affordable, but avoid hailing one near the Bell Tower at 6pm – traffic is a nightmare.
Must-See Attractions
Terracotta Warriors (Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum)
This is the big one. The site is divided into three pits (Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive). The ticket price is 120 RMB for adults (free for children under 1.2m). You must book in advance via the official WeChat mini-program “秦始皇陵博物院” (or ask your hotel to help). Walk-in tickets are no longer guaranteed.
How to avoid the crowds: Arrive at 8:30am (opening time) or after 3pm. The mid‑day crush from 10am to 2pm is brutal. I also recommend taking a photo in front of the main pit around 11am when the light hits the warriors perfectly.
Xi'an City Wall
Rent a bike (45 RMB) and cycle the full 14 km loop. Best time: late afternoon before sunset. The South Gate entrance is the most popular but also the busiest. I always send my groups to the West Gate (Andingmen) – less crowded, and the bike rental queue is shorter.
Muslim Quarter (Hui Street)
Great for street food, but overcrowded in the evening. Try the biangbiang noodles and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread). A hidden gem: go to the narrow alley called Sa Jin Qiao (洒金桥) – it's 10 minutes north of the main street, cheaper, and tastes better.
Booking Terracotta Warriors Tickets
Here's the part that frustrates many tourists. The only official way is through the WeChat mini-program – which is entirely in Chinese. If you can't read it, don't panic. Here's what I always do with my groups:
- Ask your hotel receptionist or travel agent to book for you (they know the process).
- Alternatively, buy a packaged tour on Klook or Trip.com that includes entry – it costs a bit more but saves hours of frustration.
- Never buy tickets from touts outside the site – they're often fake or overpriced.
| Type | Price (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 120 | Includes access to all pits and the museum |
| Student (with valid ID) | 60 | International student cards accepted |
| Senior (65+) / Child (1.2-1.5m) | Free | Must show passport |
| Shuttle bus (optional) | 5 | From parking lot to entrance |
Where to Stay in Xi'an
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying near the Bell Tower or South Gate. You'll be walking distance to the Muslim Quarter, City Wall, and metro lines. Here are three solid options:
- Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel (4-star, classic Chinese style) – Rooms from 400 RMB/night. Good English service, reliable Wi-Fi. Near metro Line 2.
- 7 Days Inn (South Gate branch) – Budget option, clean, around 180 RMB. No frills but great location. Cash deposit required.
- Hanting Hotel (Muslim Quarter) – Quiet alley location, 250 RMB. Breakfast includes local noodles. Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard to avoid street noise.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + City Wall + Muslim Quarter
Arrive in the morning. Check into your hotel near Bell Tower. After lunch, rent a bike on the City Wall (enter from South or West Gate). Spend about 2.5 hours cycling. Then walk to Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try the jar cheese and pita bread with lamb.
Day 2: Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Pool
Start early – aim to leave your hotel by 8am. Take bus 307 from Xi'an Station (1 hour ride). Visit the warriors first (leave by noon). Then take a local bus or taxi to Huaqing Pool (30 RMB entry). This is the hot spring site of Yang Guifei – beautiful gardens but often crowded. Return to city by 5pm. Rest your legs – you'll walk a lot.
Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum + Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Book a free ticket for the Shaanxi History Museum (limited daily slots – reserve on WeChat mini-program “陕西历史博物馆” at least 3 days ahead). Spend 2.5 hours. After lunch, walk to Big Wild Goose Pagoda (entry 50 RMB). Go up for a panoramic view. If it's summer, stay for the fountain show at 8pm.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use public transport – A single metro ride costs 2-6 RMB. Taxis start at 9 RMB but surge pricing can catch you off guard.
- Skip the guided tour at the Terracotta Warriors if you're on a budget. The audio guide is 30 RMB and gives enough info. Most group tours include it anyway.
- Eat where locals eat – A bowl of noodles in the Muslim Quarter costs around 15-20 RMB. Sit-down restaurants near the Bell Tower will charge double for the same dish.
- Drink water from the hotel – Buying bottled water at tourist spots is expensive. Carry a refillable bottle; tap water isn't safe, but hotels usually provide boiled water or a dispenser.
Absolute lifesaver for budget travelers! The insider tip about free shuttle buses to the Yangling Mausoleum and the discount combo pass for multiple sites literally cut my costs in half. I wrote down every suggestion and didn't waste a single minute in lines. Incredibly well researched.
Just came back from Xi'an following this exact advice – worked like a charm! The detailed breakdown of which days and times to visit each spot saved me from the nightmare queues I saw others dealing with. Even the local taxi driver was impressed by my itinerary. Thank you!
This guide is pure gold for photographers! The tip about visiting the City Wall at golden hour and avoiding the south gate entrance was spot on. I got the entire section to myself because of that. Already planning my second trip using these hacks. 5 stars!
Pretty helpful overview! I liked the suggestion to use the metro instead of taxis during rush hour – saved me a ton of time. Could have used a few more restaurant recommendations though, especially for solo diners. Still, a good starting point for first-timers.
Decent article but honestly a bit too generic. The tips about visiting the Terracotta Warriors early morning are solid, but the section on avoiding weekend crowds at the Muslim Quarter is basically common sense. Expected more niche advice like which side streets to duck into.