How to Visit Xian on a Budget (Tips, Photos & Map)

Plan your Xian tour on a budget? Xian is a very Chinese city with the largest ancient city wall left from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the ancient drum and bell towers, and its simple and hospitable people.

But generally speaking, Xian is still a purse-friendly city where you can easily dine, stay and travel on a budget if you plan your Xian trip carefully.  My 10 tips on Xian budget travel are written for those who are going to visit Xian on a budget.

1. Visiting during the low season

Though winter season doesn't see the sights everywhere in all green and flowers. But slack season has its charm and advantages. The hotels and flights offer great discounts as well as entrances to important sites.

People come to Xian mainly aimed at visiting its historical sites - the ancient city, mosque, pagoda and Terracotta Soldiers instead of green and flowery parks. So visiting Xian in low season can save your money without sacrificing your enjoyment.

Off tourism season in Xian: December - March 15.

2. Choose the proper flights and trains to Xian

Unlike Shanghai and Beijing, Xian is not a port city. People go to Xian by flight or train mainly from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou though Xian has some international flights connecting Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo,etc. Book a flight earlier to get a discount flight ticket.

High speed train connects Xian to Beijing and Luoyang. Taking an overnight Z or T trains Xian from Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities are highly recommended to save your money.

3. Xian airport or rail transfer by public transport

If you take flight to Xian, you may easily use public transportation to move you from Xian Airport to the downtown Xian. There are several airport shuttle bus lines.

You first take an airport bus to the downtown area, then walk or take a taxi to your hotel. Xian North Railway Station ( high speed train station ) is accessible by metro line 1 linking the station to the city center of Xian.

4. Budget accommodations in Xian

Xian has hundreds of hotels ranging from the budget to the luxurious. Xian is a budget friendly city where you could easily find some hostels and budget hotels that offer as cozy and comfortable as luxurious counterparts.

These western-oriented budget hotels save you a lot of money on eating, living and the most important is that most of them offer helpful and resourceful travel information.

5. Plenty of free sites and attractions in Xian

Of course, you have to visit the paid attractions like Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, etc. But there are plentiful sites without any charges where you can experience the real Xian by walking among the locals.

The free things include the Muslim quarters, Shaanxi Museum, a outside look at the city wall, bell and drum towers, the world’s largest music fountain in the world ( north of Big Goose Pogoda), etc.

6. Tour Xian by Public Bus or Bike

Check out Xian City Public Bus and Fares for more travel information.

Or you may rent a bike to travel around the city. Xian bike rental is easy, simple and every cheap. To visit Terracotta Soldiers, you may take the tourism bus starting from the east square in front of Xian Railway Station.

7. Join in the local group tours

For the budget-conscious Xian visitor, join in a local fixed departure group tour is not a bad idea, both money saving and sociable.

Xian bus tour usually cover the major sites in Xian and on the its outskirts. , you travel together with other tourists like you on the same tour group, and so a group tour cost is comparatively cheaper than that of a private tour.

8. Eating out on a budget in Xian

Xian has much to offer in the way of delicious, inexpensive fare. Xian has the most snacks of the world. It could be called "the Kingdom of the Snack. So you may have some nice and clean street food for one or two meals.

Of course, you should splurge on one or two big meals at local decent restaurants to taste the cuisine.

9. Budget shopping in Xian

The Muslim quarters is the best place for you to delve what you like confronting countless items on the market.

You may occasionally splurge on shopping inside the large shopping malls, or just for window shopping for fun.

10. Splurge occasionally

Though travelling on a budget, you ought not forgo all the luxurious Xian has to offer. Eat the local flavor jiaozi ( dumplings ) over the dazzling night performance is both a fun and cultural experience.

And don't miss the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show!

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