How to Visit Xian in November

Plan your Xian tour in November? Xi’an is getting colder in November with average temperature at 12 ℃ during the day and 3 ℃ at night.

As a historical city, Xian doesn’t lose its charm with cold weather coming. The bonus is that some hotels start to offer discounted room rates from mid-November and domestic tourist volume is getting thinner.

Unlike scenic landscapes of rivers and mountains, Xian is a typical Chinese jewel peppered with relics and historical sites, indoor and outdoor. You can visit Xian in all seasons despite weather change.

The Weather in November in Xian

Xian's average temperature falls between 12 ℃ during the day and 3 ℃ at night, as autumn also starts to transition into winter. In the first half of November you can still catch  somewhat autumn hues.

The later half of the month puts Xian into winter season. But the good thing is that the city heating starts from Mid-November.

Historical Weather Data for November in Xian

We'd like to present to you the historical weather data below, which is very useful for you to plan your trip to Xian well in advance. You may refer to the data to decide how to dress, what to pack for your coming trip to Xian.

What to wear

Wear layers （knitwear, or thermal wear),  plus normal jackets, or suits and wind coats , easy to peel off when it is getting a bit warmer at noon and to reapply when it turns chilly.

In the evening you may wear thick coat if the temperature drops well below zero.

Where to Stay

Xian is a very compact and walkable city, so no matter where you are going to stay you will easily get to the major attractions and shopping areas in Xian. Some hotels start to offer discounted room rates from mid-November. Domestic tourist volume is getting thinner.

Xian Railway Station is just located on the northeast corner of Xian city wall while Xian Airport is located 40km northwest of Xian.

What to See

Xian is well known for its historical relics, both above ground and underneath. Season or weather changes make no  big difference for sightseeing in Xian though October is a good time for autumn views.

So if you travel Xian in October as a first-time visitor, you may cover the major attractions like Terracotta Warriors, Xian City Wall, Xian Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque Bell & Drum Towers and the list could be longer if you stay in Xian for quite a few days. Check out the Top 10 Attractions in Xian for more information.

In the first half  November, you still can see a subdued autumn colours around Xian. If you are a leaf-peeping enthusiast, Xian does have something to offer. But most of the places for autumn leaves in Xian are out of town.

For the time-strapped visitors, Xingqing Palace Park （兴庆宫公园） is a good alternative. Xingqing Palace Park is located in the eastern suburb of Xian, about 6km to the east of Bell Tower, the city center of Xian. It was built on the former site of the Xingqing Palace of the Tang Dynasty.

It is very easy for you to take a bus from Bello Tower to Xingqing Palace Park 兴庆宫. Take the buses from the east of Bell Tower – Bus 43, 622 or 203 along the East Avenue and get off at the stop of the North Gate of Xingqing Palace Park 兴庆公园北门站 ( 5 stops and 20 minutes ), then walk 210 meters to the park.

What to Eat

Xian is a haven for eaters. Hitting the food streets of Muslim Quarter is a must for first-time visitors. It is said there are over 300 Muslim local snacks on the streets in Xian Muslim Quarter that attract a consistent flow of visitors everyday coming here to savor or just have a glimpse.

Have a bite of some of the local food: the famous Xi’an Liangpi (cold skin noodles) , the lamb skewers, the cuttlefish, the yogurt, pomegranate juice and the list could be much longer.

November Events, Holidays & Festivals

Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Xian guided tours:

Further Readings