What to do once you land

Xi'an

verify before you go

Airport → central Xi'an (fastest legal route)

  1. From Xianyang XIY: take the Airport Intercity rail (机场城际) or Metro Line 14 → transfer Line 2 toward the Bell Tower (钟楼) area.
  2. Airport shuttle buses run to several city points for about ¥25.
  3. Official taxi to the centre is roughly ¥120; use the marked queue.
  4. Pay metro/bus by international card tap or Alipay/WeChat QR.

Checked on: 2026-07-04Xi'an Metro / Xianyang Airport transport (2026); confirm fares on-siteOfficial source

Worth seeing · 1

Compact loop + Terracotta Warriors

  1. City-centre on foot: Bell Tower (钟楼) + Drum Tower (鼓楼) + Muslim Quarter (回民街) food street; cycle or walk the ancient City Wall (城墙).
  2. Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑) is ~1h east of the city: Metro Line 9 then a local bus, or a guided tour — allow a half day.
  3. Under 24h: keep to the walled city; save the Warriors for a 144h+ stay.

Checked on: 2026-07-04General central-Xi'an routing (landmarks public)Official source

Where to stay · 1

Hotels that accept foreign guests

  1. Book an international-brand or 4★+ hotel inside or near the City Wall — these reliably accept foreign passports and complete temporary-residence registration (临时住宿登记).
  2. Small local inns sometimes cannot register foreigners; confirm it accepts foreign guests (涉外) before booking.
  3. Staying with friends: register at the local police station within 24h.

Checked on: 2026-07-04General guidance (temporary-residence registration rule)Official source

If you need a doctor · 1

English-speaking medical care

  1. First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (西安交通大学第一附属医院) — 277 West Yanta Rd; appointment +86-29-85323610, switchboard +86-29-85323338.
  2. It is a Shaanxi-designated hospital for overseas patients with English-speaking staff and translation support.
  3. ⚠️ Call ahead to confirm English service, hours and appointment before travelling.

Checked on: 2026-07-04en.jdyfy.com (hospital official) / shaanxi.gov.cn / chinadaily (2026); verify by phoneOfficial source

Paying for things · 1

Set up mobile payment before you rely on it

  1. Install Alipay before arrival: 'Tour Pass' or link an international card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex/JCB); no Chinese bank/phone needed.
  2. Verify passport in-app to raise limits (single transaction up to ~US$5,000).
  3. Under ¥200 free; ¥200+ about 3% fee. WeChat Pay similar. Keep backup cash for small vendors.

Checked on: 2026-07-04Alipay-for-foreigners guides (2026); limits/fees may changeOfficial source

Phrases to show staff · 4

Transit area boundary check

您好，我用 240 小时过境免签从西安入境。请问［目的地］在陕西省内吗？

Hi, I am using China's 240-hour transit policy and entered through Xi'an. Can you help me confirm whether this destination stays inside Shaanxi?

Airport to hotel

您好，去钟楼附近坐机场城际／地铁最快吗？要换乘几号线？

Hi! I just landed at Xi'an Xianyang (XIY). Is the Airport Metro/intercity the fastest way to the Bell Tower area? Which line should I transfer to?

Hotel foreign-guest check

您好，请问贵酒店可以接待外国护照的客人吗？入住需要办理临时住宿登记。

Hi, does your hotel accept foreign passport guests and handle temporary residence registration (临时住宿登记)?

English medical

您好，我是外国旅客，需要英文看诊。请问有英语门诊吗？需要预约吗？

Hi, I'm a foreign visitor and need an English-speaking doctor. Is there an English department, and do I need an appointment?