Layover Guide

Xi'an

Xi'an, the legendary starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army, is a city where ancient history meets modern Chinese life. Your journey through this historic hub begins at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), the primary gateway to the region. Even with a short stay, the efficient connectivity of the 1 airport serving the city allows travelers to experience some of China's most iconic landmarks. Whether you are connecting through /china or exploring further afield, a layover in Xi'an is an opportunity to witness thousands of years of heritage.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 12, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

9 curated experiences for Xi'an

Avg itinerary: 23s

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Xiy Xian Airport

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Xi'an

XIY

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

XIY is a large, modern facility with three terminals. For international layovers, check if you qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit. The airport offers luggage storage, free Wi-Fi (requires a Chinese SIM or WeChat), and numerous lounges. If you have a long layover, the airport hotel or the 'sleep pods' in Terminal 3 are excellent for resting.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in Xi'anFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

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Flights to Xi'an

Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Xi'an Layover

9 experiences to discover

015-7 hours

The Terracotta Army (Museum of Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors)

The world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site. Seeing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers is the ultimate Xi'an experience. Best for layovers of 8+ hours.

60 km from airport

022-3 hours

Xi'an Ancient City Wall

One of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. You can walk or rent a bicycle to ride along the top for a panoramic view of the old and new city.

35 km from airport

032-3 hours

The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)

A sensory explosion of street food, vibrant markets, and local culture. Perfect for trying Xi'an's famous snacks like Roujiamo and Biang Biang noodles.

35 km from airport

042-3 hours

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

A Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty. The surrounding park features a spectacular musical fountain show (check schedules for times).

42 km from airport

051-2 hours

Bell and Drum Towers

Located in the heart of the city, these iconic structures offer great photo opportunities and insights into ancient timekeeping methods.

36 km from airport

063-4 hours

Shaanxi History Museum

One of China's best museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties. Note: Reservations are required in advance.

40 km from airport

071 hour

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Tucked away in the Muslim Quarter, this mosque features a unique blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese architecture.

35 km from airport

082 hours

Stele Forest (Beilin Museum)

A treasure trove of stone calligraphy and historical records, perfect for history buffs and art lovers.

37 km from airport

093-4 hours

Tang Paradise

A large cultural theme park based on the Tang Dynasty, featuring traditional gardens, performances, and impressive nighttime lighting.

45 km from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk

View on Viator

Fits your layover6+ hours layover

Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk

This is not another walking tour but a small group tour travel by private tuktuk and offer unlimited food and drinks while you and your English-speaking guide are whisked around Xi’an off the beaten path. You will visit one of China’s oldest and largest markets, eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own...plus a lot more surprises!

Duration

4 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 6h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (4h)

See how Xian wakes up in the Muslim Quarter by tuktuk, taste what’s so special about breakfast in Xian by visiting family-owned restaurants and street stalls that are only open in the morning…they sell out before lunch. Start by visiting our favorite breakfast shop that only sells one thing, and watch your food prepared fresh to order. Walk through one of China’s oldest and largest markets to see what’s in season plus a surprising selection of pets, local art, and unique hand-made gifts. On your way to the market, stop by one of the area’s most popular street stalls for a sweet treat. We’ll keep the biggest surprise a secret until you see it for yourself!

Ready to book for your Xi'an layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Xi'an Private Foodie Tour by Tuktuk

This food tour focuses on sampling the authentic local delicacies of Xi’an! It covers 5 to 6 eateries and some street food stands located in the historical and cultural district within the wall! They are all specially chosen for their sterling reputation and good hygiene, and what’s more, they give you the top foods and the authentic local experiences in the city! During this 3 hours food sampling experience you will try different kinds of most famous delicacies and head off the beaten tourist track to catch a glimpse of the locals in their daily life! If you want to get away from those whirlwind package tours and those buffet restaurants full of foreigners, if you want to try something different or taste something authentic, come and join us. We will ensure that you try plenty of foods and beverages and enjoy a real local experience!

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (3h)

Meet your guide in an easy-to-find location, then walk to one of the two most popular food districts of Xi’an. It is an ancient style building complex with a large collection of the most famous local snacks from all over the province! Here we will taste the savory Chinese hamburger - round pita bread stuffed with minced pork, and then visit the only food museum in the same area within the wall. After a short stroll through a park we will take a quick bus ride to the Muslim quarter, the other food marketplace in a community with a 1300 year history. It’s not only a place of historic interest but the most colorful and bustling area, a real kaleidoscope of local life! The rest of our tour will mainly take place in this humble but richly cultural district! These 5-6 eateries are scattered around the district, some on main streets and others tucked away in back streets, but they all cook for the locals. While visiting these food stops, you will learn a lot about the local’s lives and the family restaurants that have been making their specialties for generations. You’ll watch your food being made and learn about what makes it so special to Xi’an locals. Whether it’s sitting by an old man grilling meat over burning coals or watching dumplings being made right in front of you, whether you are shredding your own pita bread for “Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup”(Yangroupao) or listening to the sound of making fresh Biangbiang noodle, there are always something for you to try! The tour will be done mainly by walking and private tuk-tuk that can only be found in the area!

Ready to book for your Xi'an layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Xi'an.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Xi'an

First Rose (Yi Rose)

Northwestern Chinese / Halal$$Muslim Quarter

Defachang Dumplings

Traditional Dumpling Banquet$$$Bell Tower Square

Fanji Roujiamo

Xi'an Street Food (Chinese Burgers)$Zhuque Gate

Tongshengxiang

Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Bread)$$Bell Tower Square

Lao Sun Jia

Authentic Shaanxi Specialties$$Dongguan Zheng Jie

Biang Biang Mian (Various Locations)

Hand-pulled Noodles$Citywide

Shop & Browse

Shopping in Xi'an

Saga Shopping Mall

A massive, modern mall known for having the longest indoor escalator in Asia and a huge variety of international brands.

43 km

Muslim Quarter Bazaars

The best place to shop for local snacks, dried fruits, spices, and traditional Shaanxi handicrafts like paper cuttings.

35 km

Century Ginwa

High-end luxury shopping located near the Bell Tower, featuring premium international labels.

36 km

Kaiyuan Shopping Mall

A historic department store offering a mix of local and international goods with a great view of the Bell Tower from the upper floors.

36 km

Navigate

Getting Around During Your Layover

Getting from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to the city center is straightforward. The most efficient way for many is the Xi'an Metro Line 14, which connects the airport to North Railway Station, where you can transfer to Line 2 for the Bell Tower. Airport Shuttle Buses run frequently to various city locations, including the Bell Tower and Railway Station. For maximum convenience, especially when visiting the Terracotta Warriors, consider hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing app like Didi (which has an English version). Taxis are metered, but always ensure the driver starts the meter or agree on a price beforehand for long-distance trips like the Museum of Qin Shihuang.

Good to Know

Essential Tips for Xi'an Layovers

Check your eligibility for the 144-hour visa-free transit before arriving.

Download 'Didi' and 'Alipay' for easier transportation and payments.

Store your heavy luggage at the airport's left luggage counters in Terminal 2 or 3.

Always carry a business card from your hotel or a printout of your destination in Chinese for taxi drivers.

If visiting the Terracotta Warriors, allow at least 6-8 hours for the round trip and visit.

Purchase a local SIM or use a roaming plan, as public Wi-Fi often requires a Chinese phone number to login.

The airport is about 1 hour away from the city center by car, depending on traffic.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to walk the City Walls.

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Xiy Xian Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Xi'an hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Managing Your Layover Time

With a 2-4 hour layover at XIY, your best bet is to stay within the airport. Enjoy the local Shaanxi food stalls in the terminal or relax in one of the lounges. For a 4-8 hour layover, you can take the airport shuttle or a taxi to the Ancient City Wall or the Muslim Quarter for a quick taste of the city's atmosphere and food. If you have 8 hours or more, you have enough time to visit the Terracotta Warriors. We recommend booking a private transfer or taking a taxi directly from the airport to the museum to save time, then heading to the city center for a quick meal before returning to the airport.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a layover in Xi'an?

Many nationalities qualify for the 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free transit. Check with the Chinese embassy or your airline to confirm your eligibility based on your passport and itinerary.

Is there luggage storage at Xi'an Airport?

Yes, luggage storage services are available in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at XIY.

How far are the Terracotta Warriors from the airport?

The museum is approximately 60 kilometers from the airport, which typically takes about 1 hour by taxi depending on traffic.

What is the fastest way to the city center?

A taxi or Didi is generally the fastest (45-60 minutes). Metro Line 14 is a reliable and budget-friendly alternative.

Can I use US dollars in Xi'an?

No, you will need Chinese Yuan (CNY). Most vendors prefer digital payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but major hotels and the airport accept international credit cards.

Is English widely spoken in Xi'an?

While airport staff and high-end hotel employees usually speak English, it is less common among taxi drivers and street vendors. Having translation apps or written addresses in Chinese is highly recommended.

Is Xi'an safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Xi'an is generally very safe for travelers. Standard precautions regarding pickpockets in crowded markets like the Muslim Quarter should be taken.

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