Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
Discover Xi'an on a Budget: 3 Days of History, Culture, and Hidden Gems
A Solo Traveler's Guide to Exploring China's Ancient Capital Without Breaking the Bank
Xi'anHistoryCultureBudget TravelSolo Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 西安
Location: Shaanxi Province
Famous For: Terracotta Army,Ancient City Wall,Muslim Quarter Food
Daily Cost: ¥200-300
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Visit Xi'an?
Xi'an, the Terra Cotta Warriors capital, stands as China's living museum where 13 dynasties once thrived. From the Xi'an Ancient City Wall that still encircles the old city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda towering over modern skyscrapers, this ancient city offers a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. As a solo traveler on a budget, you'll find affordable transportation, hearty local cuisine, and unforgettable historical experiences waiting around every corner.
Best Time to Visit Xi'an
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) with cherry blossoms at Daming Palace National Heritage Park. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot (up to 38°C) with frequent rain showers. Great for visiting indoor attractions like Shaanxi History Museum.
🍁Autumn: Cool weather (18-28°C) with vibrant foliage at Hua Shan (though mountain climbing is better suited for dedicated trips).
❄️Winter: Cold but dry (0-10°C). Special winter light shows at Tang Dynasty Daming Palace make it worth braving the chill.
Arriving and Leaving Xi'an
Metro (¥2-7 depending on distance), shared e-bikes (¥1.5/hour), and ride-hailing apps (Didi) offer budget-friendly options. Buy a transportation card for seamless transfers.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport [Recommended]
47km northwest of city center. Airport Express trains (¥15) take 45 minutes. Taxis cost ¥150-200 (40-minute ride). Direct buses available from major cities.
Xi'an Railway Station
Central hub for high-speed trains to Beijing (4.5 hours, ¥526 for second-class) and Chengdu (4 hours, ¥239). Metro Line 4 connects directly to downtown attractions.
Where to Stay in Xi'an: Best Neighborhoods
Xi'an Ancient City Area
Walking distance to Xi'an Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, and Muslim Quarter. Mid-range hotels from ¥200/night with easy access to major attractions.
Xi'an New District
Modern area near Xi'an Qujiang Ocean World. Budget hostels from ¥60/night with efficient metro connections. Ideal for travelers prioritizing affordability over location.
Top Things to Do in Xi'an
Terracotta Army
Step back 2,200 years at the Terra Cotta Warriors museum complex. Explore Pit 1's 2,000+ life-sized soldiers, the newly opened Bronze Chariot Museum, and conservation labs showing ongoing archaeological work. Budget ¥120 admission (open 8:30-17:00).
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Rent a bicycle (¥45/day) to cycle the entire Xi'an Ancient City Wall circumference (13.7km). Start at Yongning Gate for optimal lighting conditions during sunset. Entry fee ¥54 includes access to city museums and watchtowers.
Shaanxi History Museum
Free basic ticket (book online in advance) grants access to three exhibition halls showcasing 3,700+ artifacts. Upgrade to premium ticket (¥30) for Tang Dynasty murals and interactive exhibits. Open 9:00-18:00 (closed Monday).
Tips
Buy combined tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30% off individual entry fees.
What to Eat: Xi'an Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chunming Restaurant
Local favorite for budget set meals (¥20-35/person) including dumplings, cold dishes, and stir-fried specialties like spicy chicken gizzards.
2. Yidege Snack Bar
Iconic spot in Muslim Quarter serving authentic snacks like sweet-potato jelly (¥5) and lamb skewers (¥3 each). Cash only.
3. Zi Lu Xie Jiao
24-hour xiejiao (Chinese dumplings) specialist with ¥15-25 portion sizes. Must-try: lamb-filled dumplings with vinegar dipping sauce.
Signature Dishes
1. Biángbiáng Noodles
Thick wheat noodles served with chili oil, garlic, and meat/vegetable toppings. Best enjoyed at Hongling Biangbiang Noodle near Xi'an Railway Station (¥18/bowl).
2. Roujiamo
The 'Chinese hamburger' featuring slow-cooked meat in crispy flatbread. Try Old Cao's Roujiamo in Xi'an Ancient City Area for pork belly version (¥8-12/piece).
3. Yangrou Paomo
Breakfast specialty of lamb broth with hand-torn flatbread. Tongshengxiang Yangrou Paomo (established 1898) serves the most authentic version (¥25/set).
Xi'an Itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Zi Lu Xie Jiao:Fuel up with lamb dumplings before your day trip.
Visit Terra Cotta Warriors:Explore the massive pits and new digital exhibitions with audioguide.
🥗Lunch at Terracotta Village Restaurant:Local farm-style meal featuring Shanxi specialties (budget ¥40/person).
Explore Huaqing Palace:Admire Tang Dynasty architecture and ancient hot springs (combined ticket option ¥30 extra).
Watch Chang恨Song Performance:Evening historical show at Huaqing Palace (standard seats ¥298).
Return to Hotel:Relax at your centrally located accommodation for Day 2 adventures.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Yidege Snack Bar:Sample local favorites like sweet-potato jelly and lamb skewers.
Visit Shaanxi History Museum:Explore three wings of China's richest archaeological collection.
🥗Lunch at Chunming Restaurant:Try signature dishes like spicy chicken gizzards and braised pork.
Explore Big Wild Goose Pagoda:Walk the park area and visit the adjacent Tang Dynasty cultural complex.
Stroll Datang Western Market:Shop for handmade crafts and enjoy free live performances in this themed complex.
🍽️Dinner at Muslim Quarter:Street food crawl featuring roujiamo, liangpi noodles, and spiced lamb.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Hongling Biangbiang Noodle:Hearty bowl of Shanxi-style noodles to fuel morning exploration.
Walk Xi'an Ancient City Wall:Start at Yongning Gate for best photo ops. Rent bike at Nanmen.
🥗Lunch at Gaoji Malatang:Build-your-own hotpot lunch near Bell Tower (budget ¥25/person).
Visit Stele Forest Museum:Discover 3,000 years of Chinese calligraphy history (admission ¥50).
Explore Guangren Temple:Tibetan Buddhist temple with unique architecture and peaceful courtyards.
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Old Cao's Roujiamo:Indulge in multiple varieties of the famous 'Chinese burger'.
Xi'an Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion