Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Xi'an is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold – which makes it perfect for exploring iconic landmarks like the Terracotta Army or the city walls. In spring, the parks are alive with blooming flowers, while autumn brings stunning foliage, especially at places like Mount Hua. If you time it right, you might also catch the Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October, with its lanterns, mooncakes, and festive vibes.

Passport/Visa

Most travellers visiting mainland China are required to obtain a visa before arrival. Tourist visas (L visas) are typically issued for stays of up to 30 or 60 days and must be obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Citizens of Japan, Singapore, and Brunei are permitted to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits. Keep in mind that travellers who plan to visit Hong Kong or Macau in addition to mainland China may require separate visas for these regions, as they have different entry requirements from mainland China. Visa and entry policies may change frequently. Be sure to confirm the latest requirements with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before travel.

Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Xianyang International Airport is the main gateway to Xi’an, situated about 41 km northwest of the city centre — a journey that takes roughly an hour. Convenient transport options include shuttle buses, which run to key locations like the Bell Tower and the main train station, and taxis, which are faster but more expensive. Car rental services are also available for greater flexibility.

• Address:

  Xianyang International Airport

Public Transport

Xi’an boasts an extensive bus network, a growing subway system with several lines covering key areas, and a tram system that is especially useful for reaching central locations. Buses and trams are an affordable and efficient way to travel, though they can be crowded during peak hours. The Xi'an Metro is one of the best options for tourists, with easy access to major attractions like the Terracotta Army and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. For added convenience, travellers can use a Transit Card, available for buses, subways, and even some taxis. This rechargeable card offers discounted fares compared to cash payments and can be topped up at metro stations or convenience stores.

Taxi

Taxis are generally easy to find in Xi'an, especially near major tourist sites and transport hubs. They are typically yellow with a green stripe, and they are metered. For non-Mandarin speakers, it is better to have the destination written in Chinese characters to avoid miscommunication with the drivers. To make getting around easier, ride-sharing apps like Didi are very popular in Xi'an. These apps can be accessed via WeChat or Alipay, which are widely used in China for everything from payments to transport. The apps offer a simple booking process and convenient payment options, and many even provide an English interface for non-Chinese speakers.

Electricity

In China, the standard voltage is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz. There are three kinds of sockets widely used in Mainland China: type A, C, and I. Type C, which has two round pins, is the one commonly seen in most European countries.