Xi’an: Living Guide
A lovely city to live in that’s rich with Chinese culture from the world famous Terracotta Army, to museums and its own great wall! This city is filled with fashionable expats due to masses shopping on the popular East Street also providing you with top quality restaurants and bars making it even easier to meet friends for some brunch.
The Basics
The capital of Shaanxi Province with a population of 13 million. The nearest cities are Xianyang 21km, Tongchuan 82km and Baoji 144km away.
The climate is very cold and dry during winter from November to February as it averages at 11°. While May to September is very warm and humid averaging at 27°. The high levels of humidity causes lots of rain, roughly 30 inches per year.
Xi’an’s transport system is highly advanced. The metro system has 2 lines in use and a 3rd recently completed with 5 more under construction for 2026. Public buses work all day, the most popular ones being Bus 610 for museums and pagodas and bus 306 to the terracotta warriors and Huaqing palace. Taxis are everywhere and cost 9 yuan for 3km and 2 yuan every 1km after. Long distance buses and trains as well as an airport are present to visit anywhere and everywhere in China!
City Highlights
Terracotta Army
An immense collection of life size clay sculptures representing an army from 200 BC. It is a world-famous historical location that every expat has to see when visiting the city. They were built to protect their deceased emperor in the afterlife. An amazing insight into Chinese history and their warfare. A 30-minute ride on the 602 Lintong Bus. Ticket prices are 120 yuan for adults and children under 5ft go free. Open from 8:30am until 6pm.
Xian City Wall
A vast wall stretching 13km around the old city. It splits the inner and outer sections of the city and can only be entered through the South and North gate. You can leisurely walk across the wall and appreciate the watchtowers, moat and a bird’s eye view over the city. Hire a bicycle for as little as 40 yuan for 1.5 hours to get to some terrific scenic spots.
Vice Versa
An enjoyable place to hang out for expats and Chinese hence the name! You can come grab a drink and some great dishes, including some western favourites like fish and chips during the day. While at night it transforms into a lively bar that serves local and foreign beers and cocktails.
Shaanxi History Museum
Dive into ancient Chinese culture within this 65,000 square metre building. Filled with outstanding architecture representing the tang dynasty partnered with the archaic metallic sculptures and beautiful mural paintings. The exhibition halls host some incredible pieces, there are objects from over 1 million years ago as well as royal treasures.
Belgian Bar
A cosy bar offering over 40 imported Belgian beers and provides an authentic European style. Experiment with some of the classy cocktails on offer and make use of the 2 for 1 deal in holidays! In the day grab a snack and a quick coffee, all the staff and customers are friendly and approachable making it a hotspot at weekends for expats.
East Street
The place to go for some upmarket clothing and great food choices. There are large malls like the Tangcheng Department Store or Kaiyuan Shopping Mall containing international branded clothing, perfume or souvenirs. If you want some local sought after goods go to Xian Overseas Chinese Store for famous bottles of wine, cigarettes and handcrafted jewellery.
Surrounding Areas
Xiangyang
Only a 40-minute drive away, you can visit one of the most famous museums in china, Xiangyang museum. Showcasing the Qin and Han dynasty with beautiful artwork, pottery and fascinating inscribed walls. This city continues respect for its Chinese heritage with the Maoling and Qin Relic site, where you can see the mausoleum of a great leader and outstanding archaeological artifacts.
Tongchuan
A wonderful city with lots of protected areas to keep their natural feel. Animals lovers can visit the Yaowangshan Stele Forest to try spot the 3 rare species of Panthera pardus, musk deer or otters. On your trip stop at the first of four summer palaces called Yuhua palace for marvellous scenery and in winter the specialised ice sculptures.
Baoji
Geographers will be in awe of the elegance of this city. Mountains cover 83% of the local area with the tranquil Wei River in between. The Taibai Mountain National Forest Park is a must visit for outstanding landscapes and great hiking trail routes. You can see why this city is named the ‘Town of Folk Handicrafts’ when you visit Famen Temple. It is filled with colourful masks and mud sculptures as well as Buddha Sakyamuni’s relics.
We hope this helps you decide if Xi’an is for you!