Xian Shaanxi, China Travel Guide
Spring (March-May) brings mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The city blooms with greenery, and the air feels fresh. Rainfall is less frequent compared to summer, offering many clear and sunny days.
Summer (June-August) in Xi'an is hot and humid, with average temperatures from 25-35°C (77-95°F). This is also the monsoon season, with heavier and more frequent rainfall. Thunderstorms can occur. High humidity can make the heat experience more intense. Autumn (September-November) is a fine time to visit Xi'an. The conditions are crisp and comfortable, with average temperatures mirroring spring. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry. Average temperatures range from -5-5°C (23-41°F).
Xi'a summers are hot and humid with a distinct monsoon season (July-August). Expect heavy downpours. Winters are cold and dry. Air quality can be a concern in winter months. Sensitive individuals monitor the AQI. Spring can occasionally bring sandstorms.
For outdoor sightseeing (Terracotta Army, City Wall), spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and clearer skies. Indoor exploration (museums) suits summer and winter. Hiking (Mount Hua, Qinling Mountains) is best during spring and fall.
Crowds & High Prices
Ideal weather for sightseeing, walking, and cycling. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Larger crowds at popular attractions. Prices for flights and accommodation are higher. Major Chinese holidays see extreme crowds.
Fewer Crowds, Reasonable Prices
Fewer crowds than in peak high season. Prices for travel and lodging are more reasonable. Weather is transitional.
The Beginning of june can still be warm and humid. Late August can retain summer heat. Early November begins to get colder.
Few Tourists, Less Expensive options
Significantly fewer tourists. Prices for accommodation and flights are generally lower.
Summer can be uncomfortably hot and rainy. Winter is cold. Air quality can sometimes be poor.
Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter mainland China. The most common visa for tourism is the L Visa (Tourist Visa). This entry visa is for individuals traveling purely for tourism purposes. To apply for a L Visa, you typically provide an invitation letter or validateed bookings for your flights (round-trip) and hotels. Other visa types include M Visa (Business Visa), F Visa (Non-commercial visit Visa), and G Visa (Transit Visa).
When applying for a Chinese visa, gather a valid passport (6 months validity, TWO unused pages), a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized color photos, proof of legal stay/residence status (if applying outside country of citizenship), confirmed round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter, and a proposed itinerary detailing your travel plans within China.
Xi'a Xianyang International Airport (XIY) participates in China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Citizens of 53 countries, including the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and most EU Schengen Area countries, are eligible.
This policy permits eligible travelers to stay in Shaanxi Province for up to 144 hours (six days) without a visa when transiting to a third country or region.
To use this policy, you must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (not returning to the country you just came from).
Entry and exit occur through specific points (XIY airport in Xi'an's case).
This policy makes a short stopover in Xi'a possible.
Costs vary widely depending on your travel style, from budget-conscious backpacking to a luxury experience.
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), referred to as Renminbi (RMB). The symbol for the Yuan is ¥. As of the BEGINNING of 2024, approximately 1 USD equals 7.2 CNY. Exchange foreign currency at major banks in Xi'an, or use ATMs. Inform your bank of your travel plans.
These estimates offer a general idea of daily expenses in Xi'a based on travel style.
Plan your budget for sites.
Your personal health and wellness are a priority during travel.
Hepatitis A, Typhoid are strongly recommended. Consult a travel doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.
Drink only Bottled water, boiled water, or filtered water. Stick to bottled water and unpeeled fruits. Eat well-cooked food from reputable establishments.
Xi'an experiences high levels of air pollution. Sensitive individuals should monitor the AQI and consider wearing a N95 or KN95 mask on high pollution days.
Emergency Services: Police: 110, Ambulance/Medical: 120, Fire: 119
Major cities like Xi'an have modern hospitals; some may have international departments. Pharmacies are widespread for basic over-the-counter medications.
Xi'an is generally a safe city for tourists. Violent crime rates are low. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of scams, like the "a formal tea gathering scam."
Natural disaster risks include rare earthquakes and localized flooding from heavy summer rains. Spring can bring sandstorms.
Ensure your policy includes coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost/delayed luggage.
Confirm your policy covers any adventurous activities you plan, like hiking Mount Hua.
Keep physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy separate from the originals. Register travel with your country's embassy.
Xi'an is generally safe, but petty crime can occur. Exercise caution in crowded areas.
Secure your trip with suitable travel insurance.
World Nomads: Travel insurance for adventurous travelers.
SafetyWing: Insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.
Insubuy: Offers medical and travel-related coverage for foreigners visiting the US. (Check for China-specific policies)
