Xi'an — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Xi'an.
Ancient capital of 13 dynasties — home of the Terracotta Warriors and the Silk Road start.
🍜 Signature dishes in Xi'an
- 肉夹馍Roujiamo
- 羊肉泡馍Mutton Paomo
- 凉皮Cold Noodles
- biangbiang面Biangbiang Noodles
- 葫芦头Hulu Tou
- 柿子饼Persimmon Cake
- 灌汤包Soup Dumplings
- 臊子面Saozi Noodles
- 麻酱凉皮Sesame Cold Noodles
- 镜糕Jing Cake
🎟️ Top things to do
- Terracotta Army
Book ahead, 1h drive
- Huashan Mountain
Hiking, 1.5h by HSR
- Muslim Quarter food
Street food & mosque
- City Wall
Cycle the Ming wall
- Muslim Quarter
Free food street.
- Bell & Drum Tower
City center landmarks
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Entry ticket; north plaza fountain free.
- Shaanxi History Museum
Free but book via the official site (limited slots).
- Luoyang day trip
Longmen Grottoes, 1.5h
- Bell & Drum Towers
Entry ticket to climb.
- Datang Everbright City
Free night promenade with free shows.
- Yongxingfang
Free food district.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Xi'an?
Take the metro or a taxi from XIY (Xianyang) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Xi'an on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Xi'an. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Xi'an visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
Other cities
Data provided by PivotCN · airport (XIY (Xianyang)) · verify with official sources before travel.