Xi'an is more than 3,000 years old and was known as Chang'an (长安) in ancient times. For 1,000 years, the city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here. Xi'an is the undisputed root of Chinese civilization having served as the capital city for the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. With so much history within the ground the city lies upon, it is no wonder that there are so many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics to be found here. It was already influencing the world outside of theGreat Wall of China (长城) as the eastern terminus of theSilk Road (丝绸之路). Here traders from far and wide brought goods and ideas for sale and took goods and ideas back with them to their native countries. In present-day Xi'an not much of its former glory remains within the city confines, due to the constant warfare and political changes that swept China particularly throughout the 20th century.

Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an and Jingzhao, and abbreviated as "Hao" during the Republic of China period, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and the starting point of the Silk Road. Throughout history, approximately 13 (officially recognized) or 21 (according to local belief) dynasties established their capitals here, including the Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang dynasties. This period spanned from the 11th century BC to around the 10th century AD, lasting more than 1,200 years. Notable historical figures like the famous peasant uprising leaders Huang Chao and Li Zicheng also established their regimes here.

Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in human history, with recorded history dating back to the Neolithic period. As early as 1 million years ago, the ancient humans of Lantian built settlements here. During the Yangshao culture period, around 7,000 years ago, the first signs of city walls appeared. In 2008, Neolithic city ruins from the late period, more than 6,000 years old, were uncovered at Yangguanzhai in Gaoling, Xi'an. This discovery was selected as China's top archaeological find that year, marking the earliest known city site in China and pushing the city's history back to the late Neolithic period.

From the Western Zhou Dynasty, Xi'an became the capital of China, then known as "Zong Zhou" or Fenghao. Fenghao is also the first city in Chinese history to be recorded in historical texts. The ruins of the Qin capital Xianyang are located to the northwest of modern Xi'an, and the site of the Qin's Epang Palace is in the western suburbs of the city. The Han capital of Chang'an was established on the southeastern ruins of Qin's Xianyang, also known as "Fengcheng" due to its resemblance to the shape of the southern and northern constellations, thus it was called "Doucheng" (City of the Dipper).

In the second century BC, during the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu sent Zhang Qian on two diplomatic missions to the Western Regions, marking the beginning of the Silk Road, which connected China with Europe, Asia, and Africa. This was the first major economic and cultural exchange between China and the West in history. The Silk Road started from ancient Chang'an, passed through the Hexi Corridor and Dunhuang, split into two routes through Xinjiang, and extended all the way to Europe, spanning over 7,000 kilometers. It became the main route for communication between China and the West for over a thousand years and wrote a glorious chapter in ancient Chinese history that continues to this day.

The Tang capital of Chang'an was the "center of the world" at that time. As the capital of the Tang Empire, Chang'an was the largest and most magnificent city in the world, and it represents the most dazzling chapter in China's history. The layout of Tang Chang'an was rigorous and grand, establishing the foundation for the street layout of today's Xi'an.

After the Tang Dynasty, China's political center gradually shifted eastward, but Xi'an, as a key city in the western region and the northwestern center, continued to hold significant importance. During the Five Dynasties, the Later Liang Dynasty changed Jingzhao Prefecture to Yongzhou, and later the Later Tang Dynasty renamed it back to Jingzhao Prefecture. In the Song Dynasty, Shaanxi Circuit was established, followed by the Yongxing Army Circuit. During the Jin Dynasty, the Yongxing Army Circuit was changed to Jingzhao Prefecture. In the Yuan Dynasty, Anxi Prefecture was established, later renamed Anxi Road and Fengyuan Road. During the Ming Dynasty, Fengyuan Road was changed to Xi'an Prefecture, and the name "Xi'an" was established.

With its rich historical relics and cultural heritage, Xi'an was designated a World Historical City by UNESCO in 1981.

The architecture of Xi'an cannot be described by a single unified style. However, a common theme is the grandiose scale and magnificent architectural ensembles. Whether it is the majestic Epang Palace built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Terracotta Army, the Daming Palace of the Tang Dynasty, or the tomb of Empress Wu Zetian, all these structures are marked by opulence and nobility, exuding an aristocratic quality from within.

Throughout the long history of Xi'an's artistic culture, numerous artistic gems have emerged, such as Tang poetry, Qin opera, the Chang'an School of Painting, Guanzhong shadow puppetry, puppet shows, and peasant paintings. Qin opera, also known as Bangzi opera or Luantan, is the oldest, richest, and largest vocal system among the four major opera styles in Chinese theater.

Xi'an has a permanent population of 8.7 million, with approximately 5.1 million living in the urban area. The total area of Xi'an is 9,983 square kilometers, with the urban area covering 1,066 square kilometers. Xi'an is located in the central part of the Guanzhong Plain in the Yellow River basin, in the heart of China's inland region. It is bordered by the Qinling Mountains to the south, with higher terrain to the southeast and lower terrain to the northwest, making it a typical radial city. Geographically, Xi'an is situated between 107°40'–109°49' east longitude and 33°39'–34°45' north latitude, in the central part of China’s mainland, to the north of the dividing line between the north and south. In terms of administrative division, it belongs to the northwest region.

The Guanzhong Plain, known as the "800-li Qin Chuan," has vast plains, fertile soil, and a superior natural environment. Xi'an’s terrain is higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest, with an average elevation of around 410 meters. The area is characterized by continuous "plateau" terrain, with distinctive features, often high and open in nature. The city’s suburbs are most famously known for the Longshou Plateau, Bailu Plateau, Shaoling Plateau, Shenhe Plateau, Xiliu Plateau, and Leyou Plateau.

Xi'an has long been known for the saying "Eight waters surround Chang'an." To the east, there are the Ba River and the Chan River; to the west, the Lao River and the Feng River; to the south, the Xian River and the Hei River; to the north, the Jing River and the Wei River. All these rivers belong to the Weihe River system in the Yellow River basin. Additionally, the Heihe River, originating from Mount Taibai, is a major water source for Xi'an's daily life.

Xi'an has a warm temperate semi-arid monsoon climate, with moderate rainfall and distinct seasons. The average frost-free period is 219–233 days. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature between −0.5°C and 1.3°C, while August is the hottest, with an average temperature of 26.4°C–26.9°C. The annual average temperature is 13.3°C. The annual precipitation ranges from 507.7mm to 719.8mm, and the average annual humidity is 69.6%. On average, there are 13.8 days of snowfall each year.

The best times to visit Xi'an are in spring and autumn. During summer, visitors should take sun protection measures, as the sun is intense around midday, and the climate is hot with occasional heavy rain. It is advisable to avoid outdoor activities in places without shade, such as the ancient city wall of Xi'an. However, nearby scenic areas are more pleasant to visit during summer as they are shaded by trees, offering cooler temperatures than the city. In winter, Xi'an is cold and dry, and some attractions may not offer as scenic views as they do in other seasons.

• Chang'an has stories everywhere·Xi'an Geography, a book produced by Shaanxi Traffic Radio FM91.6, about the history and culture of Xi'an, published by Shaanxi People's Education Press. It tells about many place names in Xi'an and the stories hidden in the names.
• Happy
• Daming Palace

34°18′0″N 108°55′48″E

Xi'an Urban District

The urban area of Xi'an generally refers to the six central districts, which include Xincheng District, Lianhu District, Beilin District, Weiyang District, Yanta District, and Baqiao District. The first three districts are generally within the Second Ring Road, which is restricted in terms of development (as of 2024) and is considered the birthplace of Xi'an's urban area. Key attractions in these districts include the Bell and Drum Towers, Beilin Museum, and North Gate.

Beyond the city walls, the urban area is divided into the eastern, western, southern, and northern suburbs. Qujiang New District is located in the southern suburbs, while the northern suburbs feature the Chang'an and Ba Ecological Districts. The western part of Xi'an includes the Xixian New Area, which is located between the urban areas of Xi'an and Xianyang in Shaanxi Province. This new area spans across 7 counties (or districts) and 23 towns and subdistricts, with a planned area of 882 km². The development of this area is ongoing, and it will serve as a link connecting Xi'an and Xianyang.

In the southeastern part of the urban area is Qujiang New District, which is part of Yanta District. Located in the southeast of Xi'an, Qujiang New District is home to major tourist attractions such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Qujiang Ocean World, and the Tang Dynasty Night Market. The district is primarily focused on cultural and tourism industries and has become a major tourism hotspot.

If you want to explore Xi'an and its surroundings in depth, you can check out the following sections:

Xi'an's outer suburbs

34°17′24″N 108°43′12″E

Xi'an Remote Suburbs

The four districts and counties in the south are located at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, and are a place where locals often go for leisure and entertainment on weekends.

Three northern regions located on the Weihe Plain:

• 34.43821108.757081Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(西安咸阳国际机场,XIY ^IATA),Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang (咸阳市渭城区底张镇)(is 40 km northwest of the city center, inXianyang),☏+86 29 96788,service@xxia.com.Flights are available to most major Chinese airports and International flights are available to many destinations includingBangkok,Hong Kong,Macau,Seoul,Taipei andTokyo. As Xi'an is in the heartland of China, it takes no more than 2 hours to fly to most major Chinese cities. 

Most people use taxis or the airport bus to reach town from the airport. A taxi will cost about ¥150 from the airport to the Bell Tower downtown. You will pay around ¥50-75 more if you take one of the climatized Japanese black taxis rather than the typical green taxis. At the airport, both types of taxis are waiting at the same spot to pick up passengers.

Line 14 of the Xi’an Metro runs from the airport to Xi'an North station (more specifically, the metro station named "Beikezhan (Beiguangchang)" ), where there are connections to lines 2 and 4 as well as to the long-distance rail network.

The airport bus leaves the airport from 08:00 until 01:00, a ticket costs ¥25 and takes about one hour; there are several lines but the most useful are Airport Bus No. 1 (no stop to the terminus in front of the Melody Hotel, at the beginning of West Street near the Bell Tower) and No. 2 (to the railway station). As long as there is an arriving flight, there will be a bus, so don't worry about arriving late at night or early morning. Buses will often depart as soon as they fill up. The airport bus route is the best way between city and the train station.

Getting to the terracotta warriors from the airport is complicated but can be done. Immediately when you walk out of the airport you can take bus #2 (¥27) to the Xi'an train station. From there, take bus 306 to the terracotta warriors (see more detailsbelow). Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately ¥85 plus toll charges of ¥15.

Most visitors arrive by high-speed train at34.3766108.9342Xi'an North Railway Station(西安北站 Xī'ānběi Zhàn). , 15 km north of city center. The main services, on 200 km / hr "D-trains" or 300-km/h "G-trains", are toZhengzhou (2–3 hours),Chengdu (4 hours),Wuhan (4–8 hours),Guangzhou (8 hours),Shenzhen (9 hours),Changsha, Shijiazhuang,Beijing (4–6 hours),Shanghai (7 hours) andLanzhou (3 hours) - change at Lanzhou for the 12-hour train to Ürümqi.

The North Railway Station is an enormous modern transport hub. To reach the city center take Metro line two (red), whose terminus (北客站Beikezhan) is at the station.

The old railway station,34.2786108.9583Xi'an Railway Station(西安站 Xī'ān Zhàn). , is at the north end of Jiefang Road (解放路 jiěfànglù, just outside the old city walls. This is served by conventional trains for regional journeys.

There is no reason to use Xi'an South Railway Station (西安南站 Xī'ān Nán Zhàn), a long way south-east of the center, with limited services.

The main long-distance bus station (Shaanxi Province Long-distance Bus Station) is about 100 m south of Xi'an railway station, with the city wall between them (there is an underpass). Bus service is available to:Huashan (2–3 hours), Lanzhou (8–10 hours),Luoyang (5–7 hours),Taiyuan (12 hours), and Zhengzhou (9–12 hours).

SeeDriving in China.

Xi'an has eleven Metro lines, with further lines planned or under construction. A single ride costs ¥5. Bags are x-rayed prior to entry, water bottles should be taken out of bags as they will be scanned by security staff separately.

• Line 1 runs east–west and does not cover any interesting tourist spots.
• Line 2 runs north–south, intersects with Line 1 at Beidajie to the North of the bell tower. It connects the North Railway Station, the City Library (your starting point for visiting the Hanyangling mausoleum), the Bell Tower, and Xiaozhai near the Shaanxi history museum.
• Line 3 runs southwest–northeast, intersecting with Line 1 at Tonghuamen, and Line 2 at Xiaozhai. It serves the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta station).
• Line 4 runs north–south, mostly to the east of Line 2.
• Line 5 runs east-west south of Line 1. It can take you to the Epang palace archaeological site.
• Line 6 runs east-west, serving the southwestern suburbs and the area in between lines 1 and 5.
• Line 8 is a fairly large ring line around the city.
• Line 9 serves the northeastern suburbs and the terracotta warriors. Can be reached at the end of line 1 or 6.
• Line 10 serves the northern suburbs.
• Line 14 runs east-west, connecting the airport with Xi'an North railway station and part of the northern suburbs.
• Line 16 runs north-south and connects Lines 1 and 5 in the western suburbs.

It's much more convenient to have a Changantong (长安通) card, that the locals use to pay for the fare. You can get one at any metro station with a valid ID and some money as process fee. Ask the staff at the reception desk at each metro station for help when you want to apply for a Changantong card. Nowadays you can also pay with Wechat pay or Alipay, by scanning your phone at the terminal. It takes slightly more time than using a Changantong card (1–2 seconds).

Regular buses within the city cost ¥1 (¥2 for air-conditioned, marked with a snowflake) no matter how far you go. Since there are many buses in the city, it can be useful to go to the Tourism Office Center (which is situated near the Drum Tower) and ask for a free map (地图 dìtú) of the city, with the bus lines on it.

A popular line for tourists is #610 (also labeled "游8" meaning "tourist #8") which connects the railway station, the Bell Tower, the Small Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, the Shaanxi Historic Museum, and the Big Goose Pagoda. Unfortunately it is not one of the most frequent (sometimes you can wait for half an hour, though usually it comes in a few minutes). Near the Bell Tower, it stops at the beginning of West Street; take it westwards to then go south to the museums and pagodas, take it eastwards to then go north to the railway station. Near the railway station (there are many stops for different lines) you can catch it at the third block on the main street going straight south from the station.

Another useful line is #609 that connects the Bell Tower, the South Gate and the Big Goose Pagoda. Near the Bell Tower, it stops at the beginning of South Street.

Although the 609 and 610 can be infrequent, the 611 is very frequent (multiple departures every minute in the rush hour), and connects the train station and the Bell Tower, continuing to the west from the latter. Look for its stop across the road from the station (within the city walls). Its route is a loop at the railway station, so you can board the bus at the same stop for the city center where you got off for the railway station. At the Bell Tower its stop towards the railway station is at the beginning of the East Street.

Bus 500 takes you from the Railway Station to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in 12 stops. This area has the Great Tang All Day Mall as well as the Tang Paradise and the South Lake.

There are many buses leaving regularly for the Terracotta Warrior museum in front of the Xi'an bus station (east to the train station, outside (in the north) the city walls).

• Bus 306 (also called Tourist Bus #5) leaves from the lot in front of the train station (on the east side, i.e. to your right when looking towards the station) and will take you to a parking lot right in front of the museum. Travel time is about an hour (up to 3 hours in case of traffic jams). A one-way ticket costs ¥7 (pay on the bus). It also stops at several other tourist attractions along the way, e.g. the hot springs. Make sure you don't make the mistake of going to the nearby bus station on the inside (south) of the city wall. That's where there are touts with signs saying bus 5 and bus 306, trying to hustle you onto their private bus. Although they do take you to the destinations, you are forced to go to visit attractions you might not want to go to. If in doubt about whether you have the right 306, stand back and observe. The official bus attendantswill not hustle you to get on their rapidly filling bus. They will confirm it is the correct bus and nothing more. The official bus will also fill up very quickly with locals who know which one is the correct bus.
• Another local bus that goes to the Warriors is 307 (last stop again, normally ~60 minutes, possibly up to 3 hours in case of traffic). 307 also goes to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Small buses which are also used by the locals (mainly number 914). These buses will also take you to the Museum, but they use local roads (no highway express like bus 306) so they are a bit slower. 914 is however more frequent during the day than 306. One-way ticket price is ¥7 (pay on the bus). Not a bad trip if you want to see how locals travel.
• Most hostels and hotels run tours to the warriors with an English speaking guide. These aren't necessarily better, be prepared to spend a good portion of the day (as with any Chinese tour) visiting "terracotta factories," "museums", "Chinese medicine shops", and other tourist traps. But you will get to your destination without dealing with the bus (the warriors are quite far outside of town) and not all of the public buses that go there are legitimate.

The availability of taxis varies across the whole city, throughout the day. It also has special non-regulated schedules on holidays. It's very hard to find free taxis during shift changes. It can take a rather long time to find a vacant one and even then - given their choice of fares - they may decide to decline your destination for a more profitable one that is closer. Watch the taxi drivers in Xi'an as the industry is not regulated as it is in other larger cities. You may find yourself being taken on a long ride around town to get where you are going. It can also be difficult to convince them to take you anywhere (even to the railway station). If in doubt, get your hotel or hostel to write down the place you want to go in Chinese. Between 15:00 and 17:00 the taxis change their shifts. This means the drivers are rushing to their handover points, so they won't pick you up even if they are empty.

Trips within the city walls are generally around ¥10. Longer trips to the attractions south of the city are ¥12-20. It is always good advice to insist on using the taxi meter, especially for longer rides like to/from the airport. However, taxis will often refuse to go the airport on meter, you will have to discuss a price in advance, usually between ¥100 and ¥120.

The rate for the normal (green) taxis is ¥9 for the first 3 km, and then ¥2 for every additional kilometer. Waiting times longer than 2 minutes will be charged ¥2 per minute. After 23:00 the starting price is ¥10. At the airport and around some of the big hotels you might also find black taxis. They charge ¥2.4 per kilometer, but are more spacious and comfortable.

With the introduction of online taxi platforms like Uber, drivers working for the city-run taxi corporations may refuse your taking even when no passenger's in the car, because they are on their way to take an online customer. So it's still best to learn how to use local taxi-taking apps for convenience.

Xi'an's main sites (with the notable exception of the Terracotta Warriors) are bunched fairly close together. Be wary of the narrow streets and cars that squeeze you out of the way. Bike lanes are available on some streets, however, places to lock bikes, typically are not.

In some parts of the city, the roads are built with a "biking" lane, that you can find at the right side of the road, sometimes separated from the motorized lanes. That type of biking lane is especially common in the southern part of the city. However, not all roads have such features, and when there isn't any biking lane, you should always stick to the right of the road, close to the sidewalk. Also be extra careful when you ride your bike, the traffic in China in general is not friendly to cyclists. Never ride bicycle on sidewalks, mainly because the locals would get annoyed by you doing so.

Online bike-sharing platforms like Mobike are exceedingly popular, to a point where nobody purchases his or her own bicycles anymore. Shared bikes are everywhere on the street. So learn how to use the app to unlock them and you will be fine.

Xi'an souvenirs include small copies of terracotta warriors, wood-carved Buddhas and dragons, Tang Tricolored Pottery, hand made paper cut (by many regarded as the most important arts form in Xi'an), all other kind of folk art and also fake western products.

• Terracotta Warriors(秦始皇兵马俑).If you are visiting the Terracotta Warriors, be prepared to meet some of the most hardcore hawkers you are likely to meet anywhere. If you keep quiet, they will usually bargain themselves down in front of you in desperate pleas for your money. A box of 15-cm-high Terracotta Warriors cost ¥5-10 (if you're lucky) or ¥15-25 (more likely) even if they offer it to you for ¥45. Wood-carved Buddhas and Dragons for about the same. They are fortunately kept at a distance from the actual site. Many travelers report enjoying this experience. It is definitely not a reason to avoid seeing the Terracotta Warriors. The exit from the pit areas to the parking lot leads through long avenues lined with souvenir stalls and shops. The barkers will try to get your business, but are not as aggressive as the touts at the entrance or immediate exits. 
• 34.263508108.9389381Huimin Street (回民街 Huímínjiē)(Muslim Quarter)(Behind the Drum Tower in the Muslim Quarter around the Great Mosque).The best place to buy souvenirs in the city center is the bazaar area. The seller usually offers you a very high price, and even if you bring them down by 50%, they will still make a big profit. This is also a good place to buy folk art, specifically folk style block prints in a single shop which go for about ¥50 if you can stand bargaining when the older gentleman artist himself is standing right there. This area is also full of fake name-brand products like watches, bags, clothes. Bargain hard. Shop owners will typically sell such fake branded products to expatriates at three times the price they offer to Chinese people. For instance, a Louis Vuitton wallet going at ¥80 will be touted to Westerners at ¥200 or more. If your haggling skills are exceptional, you can bring down the price to a mere ¥30.(updated Mar 2017)
• Calligraphy Street (书院门步行街)(Near South Gate inside the city wall towards the east, walking down South Street on the left side, continue to where the road splits in front of South Gate and turn left to find the entrance gate next to a small pagoda, midway do a slight dog leg to the right, at the far end is the Forest of Steles).This is another souvenir shopping area. Less hectic than the Muslim Quarter. 
• Tang Tricolored Pottery Factory(唐朝三色陶器厂).Tang Tricolored Pottery is a style that was lost and has now been recreated from pieces of pottery found in tombs. It is graphic in image and eye-pleasing in color. The factory recreating the style offers over 100 varieties of items, like statues, animals and utensils. 

Xi'an is a great place to buy clothes.

• East Street(Dong Dajie)(The eastern of the four big streets descending from the central Bell Tower).Has regular fashion shops. On the right side of the street there is an underground mall (called LuoMaShi) where one can find cheap socks, knockoff goods, and local brands 
• South Street(Nan Dajie).Has finer clothes and shoes, and is home to boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Marc Jacobs. 
• Baihui Market(百汇市场)(In Xiaozhai (小寨), ¥10 by taxi from the city center).Local youngsters shop here. It is one of those fake-brand markets. Sport shoes should be less than ¥150, pullovers and nice jeans sometimes less than ¥100, lots of cheap fashion accessories. This is also a great place for DVDs and CDs but understand these are mostly pirated copies. 
• Kangfu Road(Outside the east city wall, straight through the Northeast Gate).A great place for a bargain. Nothing is (bargained for) over ¥50 and most clothes can be bargained down to about ¥20 if you are really aggressive. But this place is full of poor quality stuff. 
• Shida Lu.A trendy place to shop in a largely student populated area in the south of the city. Shida Lu has lots of hair salons, and clothing boutiques. 
• Century Ginwa.This luxury shopping mall has three locations in Xi'an. One downtown by the Drum Tower, one in Gaoxing on Keji Lu, and one just outside of the South Gate. 

• Foreign Language Bookstore(外文书店),349 Dong Dajie, Xincheng District; 西安市新城区东大街349号,☏+86 29 8721 9872.The best place to hunt down an English language novel or book. Almost every major city in China has one these days, but don't expect to be overwhelmed by the fabulous selection of English books – whether in Xi'an or in any city in China. Expect to find a handful of popular novels and classic prose. You'll also find bucket loads of English language text books and dictionaries for studying purposes.(updated Oct 2016)
• Jiahui Hantang Book City(嘉汇汉唐书城),111 Chang’an Zhonglu, Yanta District; 西安市雁塔区长安中路111号,☏+86 29 85219888.09:00-21:00.The largest bookstore in Xi'an, Book City has a fairly decent selection of imported English books. You'll find a wide range of books here, from educational ones, to classic novels, and modern literature to children's books. The place gets swamped with people at the weekends, so for a more pleasant browsing experience, come during a weekday.(updated Oct 2016)
• Xi'an Book Building(西安图书大厦),214 Jiefang Lu; 西安市新城区解放路236,☏+86 29 87416666.09:00-21:00.Four floors of books as far as the eye can see. Though the vast majority of books are in the Chinese language, you will find a small selection of English books on the second floor. The building also houses a small audio and video section, as well as a café.(updated Oct 2016)
• Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore(钟楼新华书店),377 Dong Dajie; 西安市东大街377号,☏+86 29 8724 0844.09:00-20:00.Another very small English language book selection can be found at the Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore. Unless you're nearby, your best bet for English books is still the Foreign Language Bookstore or even the Book City. However, if you're also looking for stationary, cards, wrapping paper etc. then it may be worth checking out and to trying to kill two birds with the one stone. Otherwise don't expect an English-language book Mecca here.(updated Oct 2016)

A good way if you do not want the expensive hotel food or just want to try real Chinese cuisine, is to simply go into a small restaurant and point to a dish somebody else is having and you will get a meal for less than ¥10 (seldom ¥20) per person. It's best to do so within the City Walls, as most restaurants there are family businesses and may have been there for a very long time. The real good old restaurants, especially those run by Hui people, usually serve very delicious food that is also very cheap. Most of these have been there for quite a long time, and are usually found within the City Walls. But such restaurants are scattered across the area. It's best to ask someone that you know for which ones to go to.

A good street for eating isXiyang Shi running east–west near the mosque in the Muslim quarter.

• 34.269297108.9355631Wen Xin Jiaozi Guan(温馨饺子馆),123 Xushimiao Street(Next to the Good World Hotel, off of Lian Hu Lu).A good cheap place for jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). There is no menu, but endless supplies of fresh jiaozi of many flavors.From ¥4-5 a bowl.(updated Apr 2017)
• 34.259032108.9485442Lao Sun Jia(老孙家),364 Dong Dajie.Has fantastic yangrou paomo which is very cheap but flavorful. No English spoken but easy to communicate with sign language! Franchises all across town.(updated Apr 2017)

McDonalds, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC or its Chinese brother, Dicos, are widely available within city walls for a change from the daily Chinese cuisine.

• Green Molly Restaurant & Pub(绿茉莉)(200 m north of Ginwa Shopping Center on the intersection of Gaoxin Road and Keji Road (西安市高新区高科大厦副楼一层 (世纪金花商场后门向北200米路东))),☏+86 29 81883339.10:00-23:00.A restaurant where you can indulge in the tastes of home, whether that be in the U.S., Europe or even Mexico. The restaurant owns only the second authentic pizza oven in Xi'an. Downstairs, the first and only real pub in Xi'an has a wide selection of beverages ranging from imported beers to wine and delicious cocktails. 
• Small World Cafe(Jiànguómén 建国门),Huancheng Nanlu Dongduan 90#(outside Jian Guo Gate (建国门外)).11:00-22:30.Run by a Dutch woman and her Chinese husband. Known by the older generations as "the oldest western restaurant in Xi'an", which opened in the early 70s. Great European cafe feel. Good food. Pizza, salad, fried chicken and real cake. From the windows, one could see busy Huancheng Nanlu (环城南路), while it is really quiet inside.(updated Aug 2021)
• Delhi Darbar(新德里餐厅),Dayanta West Road (雁塔区大唐通易坊东头路北)(directly west of the Big Goose Pagoda on a street full of upscale bars and restaurants).Authentic North Indian food run by a wonderful Indian manager. Service is good, food is divinely delicious, and prices are very affordable. Mango Lassi for only ¥10 is a must-have. Average meal price is about ¥40 per person. 

Luxury restaurants serving western food are virtually everywhere to be found in big shopping malls these days, mostly in the southern suburbs.

• La Seine,Nandajie (南大街)(near Bell Tower).French style restaurant. 
• Tang Paradise Hotel(near the Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang Resort of Xi'an).Dinner Show in a large 165 acres theme park. The charm lies in that all the buildings in the park are built in the luxurious style of the Tang Dynasty. The best time to visit is at night when most of the shows, including fireworks and dances, are performed. 
• Koi,Sofitel on Ren Min square.Japanese cuisine. 

There are at least six international youth hostels in the center of the city, and they are easy to find.

Booking on the Internet will usually save you money, prices start around ¥15.

• 3e Hotels International,54 Nandajie(between the South Gate and the Bell Tower, next door to a KFC on the W side of the street).Single room with free broadband internet is ¥154. Right outside the door is a coffee shop. 
• Bob's Guesthouse,85 Huan Cheng Bei Lu Rd(just outside the city walls, a short walk from the train station).Doubles with en-suite bathroom for ¥100; dorms from ¥25 (summer 2006). 
• Ludao Binguan,80 Xi Ba Lu (西八路),☏+86 29 87420308,fax:+86 29 82101222.A nicer-than-average hotel and hostel. Dorm rooms are between ¥25-50, depending on the season. Reasonably nice hotel room for around ¥75. The manager Jim Beam is friendly. 
• ^{[dead link]}Hq Guesthouse in Xi'an,Hong Cheng Guoji Gong Yu, Xihuamen Shizi, 西安市, 陕西省, 710003,☏+86 13149250037.Small but cozy setup in a brand new apartment complex by the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an. Free pickup, free internet.1-bedroom apartments from ¥300.. 
• Xi'an Shuyuan International Youth Hostel,Xi Nanmen,☏+86 29 87287720,fax:+86 29 87287721.Excellent location next to the South Gate. 8 people dorm from ¥35/night. There is an excellent pub under the hostel, and a very nice coffee house. Perfect place to hang out, surf internet, a 10-minute walk from Drum Tower and the Muslim snack street! Updated: 09.02.2012 
• Han Tang Inn Youth Hostel,7 South Long Alley,☏+86 29 87231126,+86 29 87287772.The hostel is in a 4 floor building down an alley near the Bell Tower. Rates range from ¥30-160; doubles with en suite bathroom costs ¥120/night (as of June 2010; booked on hostelworld.com). The hostel includes a bar on the 4th floor with TV, pool table, movies and 3 guitars. Free computer use for internet in the lobby. The Wi-Fi in the rest of the building is iffy but you can ask for an Ethernet cable. The staff run lots of events (e.g. a dumpling party) each wee. Have a partner, Shuyuan Hostel, near the South Gate. 
• ^{[formerly dead link]}duolamaer gallery international youth hostel,7 Shuncheng Avenue, Zhuque Gate(10 m from South Gate),☏+86 15129032007.Duolamaer is a painting-themed hostel providing a vibrant accommodation for independent travelers who require basic but clean living facilities. It is run by a bunch of arts enthusiasts, who give that place a creative and aesthetic atmosphere. 
• Warriors International Youth Hostel,No.98 Bei Ma Dao Xiang(across the street from the West Wall, North from the main West Gate and South of the Lama Temple).Great budget option, in a quiet spot along the inside of the West City Wall. Opened April 2012 - facilities are clean, spacious, and comfortable. Staff are young, friendly, have a good grip on English. Free train station pickup, A/C, Wi-fi, computer use, and one beer/coffee ticket. Train 103 within easy walking distance to/from train station. Dorms posted as ¥50, book online through a 3rd party for ¥20/night. 
• ^{[dead link]}Ancient City Youth Hostel(古城青年旅舍),4 Lianhu Rd, Xi'an(take the subway to Beidajie and take exit B; turn around and pass the police station to find the entrance in a backyard behind another hotel; from the main train station, take bus 9 or 103 to Beidajie, or ask them to pick you up),☏+86 2987365338.A cozy and modern place, clean and in very good shape. Well-heated rooms and comfortable beds. Staff speak good English and know all of the important bus routes. There is a very nice bar (Tsingtao¥12), although your experience with the food may vary. The breakfast sets (¥20 upwards) are recommended, however. A pool table and a ping pong table are available, as is a fitness room. On the downside, rooms close to the bar tend to be noisy and draw smoke.¥40 upwards. 

• 34.248882108.9862511Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi'an,159 Xingqing Rd, Beilin District,☏+86 29 8338 0588,enquiry.xian@the-ascott.com.Offers 139 studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Amenities such as fully-equipped kitchen, gymnasium, business center are available.(updated Nov 2017)
• Xian Central Serviced Apartments,Xihuamen Shizi,☏+86 15829031947.Xian central serviced apartments are more than 100 m². Spacious, newly furnished, clean and about 1 min walk to the Muslim Quarter. Free PC and internet in every apartment. Provide free use of mobile phone for guests to use while out exploring the city 
• Qindao Business Hotel(西安秦道商务酒店),100 Nan Guang Ji Jie(along Xi Dajie across from the Parkson Shopping Center and entrance to the Muslim Quarter),☏+86 29 87615888.Free internet and cable TV in the rooms. Travel office and public computer available in the lobby. Complimentary breakfast at 4th floor restaurant of mediocre quality, but their regular menu items are quite good and the view from the balcony is great. Laundry service: 2 day turnaround ¥10/item. Beware of the massage place on the 7th floor. It is nasty.¥286 for a double room (2 people) and up. 
• Grand Mercure on Renmin Square(西安豪华美居人民大厦),319 Dongxin St(in the grounds of Renmin Square.),☏+86 29 87928888,grandmercure@renminsquare.com.A heritage hotel of 202 rooms, 21 suites, first opened in 1957 and reflects the Sino Russian style of architecture. 
• Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an(西安美居人民大厦),319 Dongxin St(in the grounds of Renmin Square.),☏+86 29 87928888,mercure@renminsquare.com.A heritage hotel of 113 rooms, opened in 1957 and reflects the Sino Russian style of architecture.From ¥594. 
• 34.262108.9492Nanlin International Hotel,No. 8 Nanxin Street, Xincheng District, 西安市 SA,☏+86 29 87216000.Nanlin International Hotel is a four-star hotel in Xincheng District. It is 3 km from Xi'an Railway Station and 40 km from Xianyang International Airport. Air-con room equipped with cable TV and free high-speed Internet access.Best rates on official website start at ¥287. 
• ^{[dead link]}Warriors apartments,Building B, Hongcity International apartment, No.15 Xihuamen St., Xi'an,☏+86 13519197819,clarenceguo@yahoo.com.Family-run, boutique apartment hotel. Qin-styled accommodation with 40 life-size warriors in the three apartments. Each apartment has terracotta warriors and has 1 or 2 bedrooms, bathroom, dining area, TV, bed quilts, oven, full kitchen facilities and broadband internet access. 
• Ibis Hotel,59, Heping Road, Xian,☏+86 2987275555.Part of Accor Group. Very basic facilities. Free broadband internet access.Price per night starts from ¥199. 

• Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel(金花豪生國際大酒店),18 West Section, Huancheng S Rd(200 m outside south gate of walled city).5-star in two modern towers with 324 rooms.From US$ 60 ppn.(updated Sep 2018)
• Golden Flower Hotel,JiaoDa ShangYe JieQu, Xincheng Qu(5 km east of walled city, take metro 1 to Tonghua Men B).5-star hotel, large rooms with views. Swimming pool, spa, 3 restaurants, lobby bar and shops.Double from US$50.(updated Sep 2018)
• Sheraton Xi'an Hotel,262 Feng Hao E Rd(2 km west of center, take Metro blue line or bus 611),☏+86 29 84261888.Standard 4-star Sheraton offering. This quarter of town is being demolished so it's a bit forlorn.(updated Sep 2018)
• Garden Hotel(唐华宾馆),Ci'en Rd, Yanta District,☏+86 29 8760 1111.Four-star hotel with a stunning imperial-inspired façade and 292 beautifully appointed rooms. Facilities include conference and banquet venues, three restaurants, and an indoor swimming pool.(updated Sep 2018)
• 34.336109.0173Jin Jiang International Hotel(西安锦江国际酒店, formerly Kempinski),6 West Section, Euro-Asia Avenue, Chanba Ecological District(at river confluence 10 km northeast of walled city),☏+86 29 8355 0000.5-star luxury hotel with river view and extensive conference facilities. On opposite bank is Euro-Asia Economic Forum.from US$80 ppn.(updated Sep 2018)
• 34.228997108.9339144Xi'an Xindicheng, Somerset Serviced Apartments(西安盛捷新地城服务公寓),No.64 West Section of South 2nd Ring Road, Yanta District(400 m west of Metro red line),☏+86 29 8790 9888,enquiry.xian@the-ascott.com.Check-in:14:00, check-out:11:00.Serviced apartments for short and long stays. Self contained rooms with kitchen, washing machine, shower. Spa on the top floor with gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Close to a university, which has a number of very tasty street food stalls in the morning, and after 23:00.From US$80 ppn.(updated Sep 2018)

• Grand Park Xian,12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, 710068, Xian,☏+86 29 8760 8888,info.gpxa@parkhotelgroup.com.Check-in:14:00, check-out:12:00.Starting from US$54.