Air Travel
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY, ICAO: ZLXY) is the primary airport serving the City of Xi’an.
English Official Website: https://www.xxia.com/Home.htm
Interior view of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Terminal 2
Railway Travel
Xi’an North railway station is the primary railway station serving the City of Xi’an. The station is located in Weiyang District of Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province. It is some 10 km (6.2 mi) north of the city centre and the Xi’an railway station.
Interior View of Xi’an North Railway Staion Concourse
Public Transport
Xi’an boasts an extensive and convenient public transportation network that includes subways, buses, taxis and bike sharing, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can travel around the city with ease.
In China, electronic payments are exceptionally convenient, and we highly recommend that visitors download the Alipay app and link your credit cards to it. By doing so, you can effortlessly make purchases by scanning the merchant’s QR code, streamlining the payment process considerably. This method not only eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of cash but also avoids many cumbersome steps, making your transactions quick and hassle-free while exploring China.
When touring Xi’an, we also recommend that visitors download Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps). These mapping applications are invaluable tools for navigating the city, offering accurate and detailed directions to various destinations. Whether you’re trying to locate historical sites, restaurants, or public transport options, these apps can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing the most efficient routes.
Subways
Logo of Xi’an Subway
When purchasing subway tickets in Xi’an, passengers have three options. The first is to use the ticket vending machines located within the subway stations. Here, you can select your destination and buy a tangible ticket. These machines support both electronic payments and cash.
The second option is to purchase tickets at a manned service counter, which also accepts both electronic payments and cash.
However, we strongly recommend using Alipay to apply for an electronic Urban Commuter Card, which can be used for both subway and bus rides. In the Alipay app, go to the ‘Transport’ section on the home page, and follow the instructions to link your card under the bus and metro tabs. Once linked, you can simply scan the QR code at the subway gate to enter and exit, significantly speeding up your transit process.
As of September 2023, Xi’an has launched a total of nine subway lines. Xi’an Metro uses a distance-based fare system to determine ticket prices. The fare structure is as follows:
-A base fare of 2 RMB covers up to 6 kilometers (including 6 kilometers).
-For distances between 6 to 10 kilometers, the fare is 3 RMB.
-From 10 to 14 kilometers, the fare increases to 4 RMB.
-For 14 to 20 kilometers, the fare is 5 RMB.
-From 20 to 26 kilometers, passengers will pay 6 RMB.
-Beyond 26 kilometers, the fare increases by 1 RMB for every additional 8 kilometers.
Taxis
Xi’an Subway System Map (By 2023.11)
Currently, Xi’an’s fleet of cruising taxis predominantly features two colors: orange and green, both priced identically.
The base fare is 8.5 RMB for the first 3 kilometers, with a standard rate of 2.00 RMB per kilometer thereafter. For journeys exceeding 12 kilometers, there is a 50% surcharge on the per kilometer rate to compensate for the empty return trip. During nighttime hours, from 11 PM to 6 AM, the base fare increases by 1 RMB and an additional 0.3 RMB is charged per kilometer. Both electronic payments and cash are accepted.
Additionally, visitors have the option to use ride-hailing apps like DiDi, which generally cost about the same as traditional taxis and also support both electronic and cash payments.
Orange Xi’an Cruising Taxi
Green Xi’an Cruising Taxi
Buses
Xi’an’s bus system boasts a vast fleet, ensuring that the transportation needs of its residents are met efficiently, whether on weekdays or during holidays, with buses arriving on schedule to maintain punctuality. The city features over 300 bus routes, covering every corner of the city extensively. In the city center and major transit hubs, there is almost a bus stop at every street corner, making it incredibly convenient for residents to travel.
Most standard bus routes operate on a non-conductor basis with air-conditioned buses charging a flat rate of 2 RMB per ride. Both residents and visitors can pay by cash or scan a QR code through the ‘bus’ tab under ‘transport’ section in the Alipay app.
Xi’an Bus
Bike-Sharing System
Xi’an’s bike-sharing system is a vital supplement to the city’s public transportation network. By integrating with other modes of transport such as the subway and buses, bike-sharing offers residents a more flexible and convenient travel option. In Xi’an, bike-sharing is widely deployed and utilized, with major brands like Hellobike and Meituan Bikes having a significant presence and continuously rising usage, making them popular among locals. Tourists wishing to use different brands of shared bikes need to scan the QR code on the bike to download the corresponding app.
Starting Price: Typically, the initial fee for bike-sharing covers the first segment of riding time or distance. For instance, some brands might charge a starting fee of 1.5 RMB or 2 RMB, usually including the first 30 minutes of riding time.
Subsequent Fees: Additional charges apply after exceeding the initial time or distance. Generally, extra fees are incurred for each additional segment of time (such as every 30 minutes) or distance, with rates varying by brand and typically ranging from 1.5 RMB to 2 RMB.
Overtime Fees: Users may incur overtime fees if they exceed the designated riding time. These fees are intended to encourage timely return of the bikes to prevent prolonged usage.
Relocation Fees: Additional fees may be charged if a bike is parked outside designated areas. This ensures proper parking and availability for other users.
It is advisable for users to check the current fee structure before starting their ride.
Meituan Bikes
Hello Bikes
Recommended Route To The Conference Venue
From Xi’an North Railway Station To Shaanxi Guest House
Metro Line 2: Board at Xi’an BEI KE ZHAN Station towards CHANG NING GONG Station → Alight at ZHONG LOU Station → Transfer to Metro Line 6 → Board at ZHONG LOU Station towards XI’AN GUOJIYIXUEZHONGXIN Station → Alight at ZHANGBA 1 LU Station (Exit A) → Walk along ZHANG BA 1 Road to ZHANG BA East Road, approximately 1.5 km to Shaanxi Guest House.
From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport To Shaanxi Guest House
Metro Line 14: Board at AIRPORT W (T1/T2/T3) Station towards HESHAO Station → Alight at Xi'an BEI ZHAN Station → Transfer to Metro Line 4: Board at Xi’an BEI ZHAN Station towards HANG TIAN XIN CHENG Station → Alight at DA CHAI SHI Station Transfer to Metro Line 6: Board at DA CHAI SHI Station towards XI’AN GUOJIYIXUEZHONGXIN Station → Alight at ZHANG BA 1 Road Station (Exit A) → Walk along ZHANG BA 1 Road to ZHANG BA East Road, approximately 1.5 km to Shaanxi Guest House.
Bus/Taxi:
From Xi’an North Railway Station to Shaanxi Guest House
Approximate cost for Didi Express/ cruising Taxi is RMB 80-90.
From Xi’an Xianyang Airport to Shaanxi Guest House:
Approximate cost for Didi Express/Taxi is RMB 110-120.
From Xi’an Xianyang Airport to Shaanxi Guest House
Take the airport shuttle bus (Please ask the staff to help you to purchase tickets) to Zhangba North Road Station (RMB 25), then take a taxi (about RMB 9) to Shaanxi Guest House.