Xi'an

Xi'an's metro network has expanded significantly and now covers the most useful routes for visitors. Line 2 runs north–south through the city centre; Line 4 links the high-speed rail station (Xi'an North) to the university district and southern areas; Line 16 serves the airport. Fares are very low by UK standards — typically 2–7 RMB per journey depending on distance. The network is clean, fast and well-signed in English at major stations. A rechargeable transit card (available at any station) speeds up boarding and offers a small discount.

Xi'an's bus network is extensive and cheap, but the English signage is limited and routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. The dedicated Tour Bus Line 5 (306) runs directly from central Xi'an to the Terracotta Army site and is widely used by independent travellers — it departs from near the East Gate and the journey takes 50–70 minutes. For the Terracotta Army specifically, this bus is an excellent and inexpensive option alongside the metro Line 9 combination.

Taxis are metered and generally reliable within the city, though drivers rarely speak English — have your destination written in Chinese characters (hotels will provide cards). The ride-hailing app DiDi operates in Xi'an and is the most practical option for families: you can set your destination in the app, the fare is shown upfront, and payment is cashless. A typical journey within the city walls costs 20–40 RMB. Avoid unmarked private cars at the Terracotta Army — there have been overcharging incidents.

The historic core inside the city walls is very walkable — the Bell Tower to the Drum Tower is a five-minute walk; the Muslim Quarter lanes are best explored on foot. The city walls themselves are a walking (or cycling) destination in their own right. Outside the walls, distances to major sights grow quickly, so metro or DiDi fills the gap. Footpaths are generally well-maintained in central areas.

Within the city walls, hire bikes are available at the main gates for wall cycling. Shared bikes (Meituan and Hello Bike docking schemes) are widely available for city streets and require a Chinese phone number to register — less practical for short-stay UK visitors. The wall cycling circuit is the one hire option families can access without an app account.

Three to four days is the sweet spot for most families. Day one: city walls and Muslim Quarter. Day two: Terracotta Army (full day). Day three: Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and a Tang Dynasty show. If you add Huashan Mountain, budget a fourth day. Xi'an rewards a slower pace — rushing it in two days means skipping too much.

In my experience, absolutely yes — and teenagers often respond to it more strongly than younger children. The combination of the sheer scale (thousands of individually crafted warriors), the detective-story of their discovery by farmers digging a well in 1974, and the ongoing archaeological work happening in front of you makes it engaging on multiple levels. The UNESCO designation reflects just how significant this site is globally: it is the burial complex of the man who unified China, and the warriors were never meant to be seen. That sense of secret history revealed lands very well with teenagers.

UK citizens currently benefit from China's visa-free entry policy for short stays — as of mid-2026, UK passport holders can enter for up to 15 days without a visa under the mutual visa exemption arrangement. For stays longer than 15 days, a tourist visa (L visa) is required and should be arranged before travel. Visa policies can change with limited notice — always verify the current rules on the Chinese Embassy UK website before booking.

High-speed rail is the best option for both. Beijing is about 4.5 hours from Xi'an North station on the G-class express; Shanghai is around 6–7 hours. Trains are comfortable, punctual, and affordable compared to flights once you factor in airport time. Book tickets via the official 12306 app or website, or through a reputable third-party agent — booking opens 15 days in advance.

Xi'an is one of the more dietary-friendly Chinese cities for families with restrictions. The large Muslim Hui community means that halal food is widely available and clearly marked throughout the Muslim Quarter. Vegetarian options are available but less prominent than in, say, Buddhist-influenced cities — look for restaurants near temples or ask for dishes without meat (meiyou rou). Severe allergies are harder to manage given the language barrier and shared cooking environments — carry a translated allergy card and use it consistently.

Book online in advance at the official Qinshihuang Mausoleum site website or via a reputable booking platform. Daily visitor numbers are capped, and in summer and during Chinese national holidays, same-day tickets can sell out. Guided group tours that include transport from the city are a practical option for families — they handle the logistics and most include an English-speaking guide, which genuinely adds depth to Pit 1 in particular. Alternatively, take Tour Bus Line 5 (306) independently and hire an audio guide at the site.

For a smooth trip, yes. WeChat Pay is the dominant payment method in China — many street food vendors and smaller shops don't accept cash or international cards. Setting up WeChat before you arrive (you can link a foreign bank card) makes daily purchases far easier. The app also doubles as a useful translation and navigation tool. If you'd rather not use WeChat, ensure your international debit or credit card is accepted at your accommodation and major sites, and carry enough RMB cash (easily obtained at the airport) for street food and small purchases.

The main gateway is Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), located approximately 47km northwest of the city centre. There are no direct flights from the UK to Xi'an as of 2026 — the most common routings from London are via Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN). Total journey time from London is typically 13–16 hours including the connection. Return fares from London vary considerably — budget roughly ~£600–£1,000 per person for economy class in mid-range booking windows, with business class running ~£2,000–£3,500+. Airlines commonly used for this routing include Air China, China Eastern, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. From the airport, the Xi'an Metro Line 16 connects to the city centre in approximately 35–40 minutes and is the most straightforward option for families with luggage.

Xi'an is extremely well connected within China's high-speed rail network, making it an ideal stop on a wider China itinerary. Direct high-speed services run from Beijing West (approximately 4.5 hours on the G-class trains), Shanghai Hongqiao (around 6–7 hours), and Chengdu East (around 3.5 hours). Xi'an North Railway Station is the main high-speed hub and is connected to the city centre by Metro Line 4. For families combining Xi'an with Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu, the train is often more convenient than flying domestically.