The YPT Xian Guide! Xian, (or Xi’an, depending on how much you like to confuse yourself) is one of China’s oldest cities and its original capital. For over a thousand years, it was the seat of multiple dynasties, a hub on the Silk Road, and home to one of the most famous archaeological discoveries ever: the Terracotta Army.

But Xi’an today isn’t just history its a fast developing crazy city that embodies a whole heap of old and new in Communist China.

The YPT Xian Guide lets you know all the essentials about travel to the city, regardless of if you get there with us, or indeed not.

Xian Guide – Getting There and Getting Away

Xi’an is well connected by air, rail, and road. Getting here is painless compared to the rest of inland China.

By Train: Xi’an has two main railway stations. The original Xi’an Railway Station sits in the heart of the city and handles traditional trains, including the infamous sleeper to Lhasa. This 33- to 36-hour journey is one of the last true overland trips to Tibet. Be sure you have your Tibet Travel Permit before booking, or you’ll be turned away.

For fast trains, head to Xi’an North Railway Station. This sleek high-speed terminal connects Xi’an with Beijing (about 4 hours), Chengdu (3 hours), and Shanghai (6-7 hours). Trains run frequently and reliably.

By Air: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is about 40km from the city center, served by shuttle buses and taxis (use DiDi to avoid scams). It handles flights from major Chinese cities and a handful of international destinations like Bangkok,Seoul and even Phnom Penh and Kathmandu (useful for tours). Prices are reasonable, but the airport feels dated.

Overland: Bus routes to Lanzhou, Dunhuang, and further west exist but are slower and less comfortable. If you plan to explore the Silk Road overland, Xi’an is your natural gateway.

Where to Stay in Xian Guide

It was not all that long ago that Xian was pretty much a backpacker Mecca. Alas those days are very much gone. You can though still find good accommodation at a decent price. Generally speaking we suggest using Trip, or at a push Booking dot com

Shuyuan Hostel: Classic backpacker haunt next to the South Gate. Good for cheap beds, beer pong, and meeting other travelers. No frills, but you’ll sleep and eat well enough.

See Tang Hostel: Cleaner and quieter than Shuyuan, with a rooftop bar and central location near the Muslim Quarter. Ideal if you want a bit more peace.

Citadines Central Xi’an: Midrange serviced apartments with kitchens and reliable Wi-Fi. Great for longer stays or anyone who gets fed up with restaurant breakfasts.

Xi’an Hotel: Giant Communist hotel from the 1980s. Dusty carpets, banquet halls, and staff who haven’t smiled since Deng Xiaoping’s era. Perfect if you want a taste of old China.

What to Do in Xian Guide

Xi’an is full of must-see sites, but it’s also got plenty of hidden corners for those willing to look.

Terracotta Army: The star attraction, about an hour outside town. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers arranged to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. It’s touristy and noisy, but unmissable. Skip the gift shops.

City Wall: One of the best-preserved city walls in China. Rent a bike at the South Gate and ride the full 14km loop. At sunset, the wall overlooks the chaos of modern Xi’an below, making it the perfect place to take a cold beer and breathe.

Shaanxi History Museum: Displays Tang Dynasty murals, Han coins, and ancient relics. Admission is free if booked in advance but be prepared for crowds.

Xi’an Incident Memorial Hall: Where Chiang Kai-shek was kidnapped in 1936 by his own generals to force a truce with Mao against Japan. The museum is inside Huaqing Palace, packed with propaganda but fascinating for political history nerds.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Ancient Buddhist pagoda from the Tang Dynasty with a laser light show at night. Worth a visit if you have time.

Underground Bomb Shelters: Hidden Cold War relics converted into bars or restaurants. Ask locals or hostel staff for directions if you want to find one.

Where to Eat in Xian Guide

The food in Xi’an is freaking awesome, hence why you will see Xi’an restaurants throughout the country. And the street food? One of, if not the best in China.

Muslim Quarter: The best place for authentic Xi’an street food. Lamb skewers, roujiamo (flatbread stuffed with spiced meat), biang biang noodles (wide and thick noodles drenched in chili oil), and yangrou paomo (mutton soup with broken flatbread). It’s chaotic and touristy but delivers on flavour.

De Fa Chang: Famous for its dumpling banquet featuring over 20 types of shaped dumplings. Fun if a bit gimmicky.

Lao Sun Jia: Traditional mutton hotpot, noisy and bustling with locals. Expect steam and yelling.

Xi’an Restaurant: Reliable midrange spot with solid Shaanxi dishes and less tourist madness.

Where to Drink

I spent well over 10 years in Xi’an and the nightlife was frankly eclectic and, well good. I then came back last year and when the foreigners left they took the nightlife. Alas save a couple of clubs it is hard to get your groove on here.

Near Wall Bar & Xi’an Brewery: Craft beer pioneers in Xi’an offering local brews and a friendly crowd.

Vice Versa: Rooftop cocktail bar with a view over the city wall. More expensive but worth it for the ambiance.

Belgiun Bar: I knew this place when it first opened, by a SAFA rather than Belgium. Lacks the flavour of old, but the Belgium Bar is still an institution.

Red Star Bar: Communist-themed bar with Mao posters, socialist karaoke, and beer pong. A kitschy but memorable experience.

Day Trips (Kinda)

Mount Huashan: One of China’s five sacred mountains, famous for its plank walk along terrifying cliffs. Take the train or bus for a day trip. Stunning views and heart-racing hikes.

Yan’an: The Communist revolutionary base after the Long March. Visit cave dwellings, revolutionary museums, and experience serious political history. YPT do tours to Yanan, which are better as overnight trips.

Getting to Tibet and Beyond

Xi’an is one of the few places with a direct train to Tibet’s capital, Lhasa. This journey requires a Tibet Travel Permit and runs about every other day. It takes 33 to 36 hours and passes through some of China’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. If Tibet is on your list, Xi’an is your best starting point.

From Xi’an, you can also continue west along the Silk Road into Gansu and Qinghai provinces or push further into Xinjiang. These routes are less touristy and more challenging but offer real adventure for the prepared.

Final Thoughts

Having lived in Xi’an for many years it is somewhere that will always have a real special place in my heart! Not just that though, it also has a lot of personality. This place is ancient history with a modern twist and as such really embodies modern China.

And if you really wanna understand this country then visiting Xi’an is quite simple a must.

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