Xi'an Travel Guide 2026: Weather, Currency, and Top Attractions

This post features complimentary services provided by a company, and I may receive a commission through partner activities.

The Historic City of China

The Starting Point of the Silk Road

One of China's Most Ancient Cities

Xi'an

Xian

---

Hello. I'm Ciel, your travel influencer!

Today, after my recent trip to Xi'an, China's historic city,

I'm sharing a guide to Shanghai's must-visit spots, delicious restaurants, and comfortable accommodations, all personally explored by me.

---

🇨🇳 Xi'an (or Chang'an/Seo'an): What kind of city is it?

Xi'an is also known as Seo'an, and for Koreans, it's even more familiar by its ancient name, Chang'an (Jang'an), thanks to the saying 'Jang'an-ui Hwaje' (meaning 'the talk of Chang'an,' referencing the capital city). If you're a history buff, this Chinese destination is an absolute must-visit.

---

✈️Flights to Xi'an, China

Shanghai Flight Prices

While the average seems to be around ~$365-~$438, you can often find bookings for as low as the ~$292 range if you search carefully.

➡️Check Flights to Xi'an⬅️

---

Flight Time	Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes	Language	Chinese
Time Difference	1 hour behind ex) If it's 1:00 PM in South Korea, it's 12:00 PM in China
Recommended Travel Season	April-June, September-November Spring and autumn are highly recommended for your visit.
Weather	Xi'an's average temperature is 13℃. The lowest average in January is -4℃, and the highest average in July is 29℃. However, due to recent climate change, minimum temperatures can drop to 10℃, and maximum temperatures can exceed 35℃. The annual rainfall is 555mm, which is relatively low.
☀️My September Weather Experience	For Xi'an in September, I recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants, or a short-sleeved shirt with long pants and a light cardigan.
Power Outlets	While China uses 220V 50Hz and South Korea uses 220V 60Hz, meaning you might think a multi-adapter isn't necessary, they use a mix of A, I, and C type outlets. Therefore, I highly recommend bringing a multi-adapter if you can.

---

🇨🇳China Shanghai Travel Exchange Rate

Chinese Currency	CNY (Yuan)
1 CNY = 200.32 won As of September 13, 2026

---

🇨🇳Useful Information for Your China Trip
International Dialing Code	+86
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police	110	Fire	119	Medical Emergency	120

---

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Xi'an

Address	Address: 中國 陝西省 西安市 高新技術産業開發區 科技路33號 高新國際商務中心19層 (郵編 : 710075) (19F,HIBC,33#Keji Road, GaoXin Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China 710075)
General Inquiries	+86-29-8835-1001 (Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, excluding public holidays)
Emergency Contact	+822-3210-0404 (For emergencies such as accidents, available 24 hours)
e-mail	xian@mofa.go.kr
Office Hours (Monday-Friday)	Office Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:30 Public Service Hours Morning: 09:00-12:00 Afternoon: 13:00-17:00 ‼️When entering the Consulate, please bring your original ID (passport, resident registration card, or driver's license)‼️

---

My personal recommendations for must-visit spots in Xi'an

Terracotta Army

why?

When you study China's Qin Dynasty in school, you quickly learn just how famous Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum and the Terracotta Army are, right?

That's why this was a place I absolutely yearned to visit. And yes, it was incredibly popular, meaning there were lots of people, but if you're planning a trip to Xi'an, China, I truly believe it's an essential experience!

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

why?

Since the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor hasn't been fully excavated yet, direct entry isn't possible. Instead, you can take a paid electric cart for a fascinating tour around the perimeter of the tomb.

Underground Palace Exhibition Hall of Qinshihuang Mausoleum

why?

Just about a 15-minute drive from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, I discovered the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum – and it was absolutely captivating!

The highlight was definitely the underground palace, which features a detailed model reenactment of how Emperor Qin Shi Huang was buried. It was both incredibly solemn and a little eerie, making for a truly unique and recommended experience!

Mount Hua

(West Peak IN➡️ North Peak OUT)

Why visit?

Mount Hua is one of China's Five Great Mountains, boasting magnificent rocky peaks that seem fit for immortals to roam. The breathtaking scenery viewed from the cable car is truly spectacular, making it a highly recommended destination.

Datang Everbright City

Recommended for Night Views

Why visit?

Datang Everbright City recreates the splendid palace nightscapes of the Tang Dynasty. If you visit at night, you'll be greeted by dazzling street lights and magnificent palaces. With food stalls and souvenir shops lining the streets, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you can try the 'Wanghong' experience, a popular trend among the Gen Z crowd these days. If you're looking to step into the shoes of a Wanghong, this is the place! (We noticed far more Tang Dynasty-style 'Wanghong' here compared to Shanghai.)

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda North Square Fountain Show

Why visit?

As the largest musical fountain show in Asia, it's a perfect complement to your Datang Everbright City night tour itinerary.

Huaqing Pool

Why visit?

A historic hot spring resort steeped in the legendary romance of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his concubine Yang Guifei.

Xi'an City Wall

Why visit?

This massive city wall, constructed during the Tang and Ming dynasties, is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. It's a quintessential tourist attraction where you can cycle along its top and soak in panoramic views of Xi'an city.

Forest of Stone Steles Museum

Why visit?

Because you can directly witness the stone steles inscribed with the calligraphy of famous Chinese masters, offering a profound glimpse into China's ancient calligraphic culture.

Muslim Quarter

Why visit?

It's a fantastic night market where you can savor local snacks like Biangbiang noodles, pomegranate juice, and lamb skewers, and it's also a great spot for souvenir shopping.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Why visit?

A thousand-year-old pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty, offering a deep dive into Xi'an's ancient history and Buddhist culture.

Daxingshan Temple

Why visit?

One of Xi'an's prominent ancient temples, where you can trace the enduring legacy of Tang Dynasty Buddhist culture.

---

Unique Activities in Xi'an

Wanghong Experience

Why try it?

The 'Wanghong' (internet celebrity) trend is sweeping across China, isn't it? In Xi'an, many people dress in Tang Dynasty costumes for photoshoots at the Xi'an City Wall (recommended during the day) and Datang Everbright City (recommended at night). If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it! ✨

Silk Road Show

Why watch it?

Experience China's ancient history and legends brought to life with spectacular stage performances. No need to worry about language barriers—Korean and English subtitles are available! ❌️

---

Xi'an Delicacies: Our Personal Recommendations

Biangbiang Noodles

Why try it?

Biangbiang noodles are a signature dish of Shaanxi Province and a famous local specialty in Xi'an, so we highly recommend you give them a try!

Dumplings

Why try them?

Because of Xi'an's rich dumpling culture, you can savor dumplings in so many different shapes and with diverse fillings – it's a must-try!

Lamb Skewers

why?

While not a signature dish of Xi'an itself, it's definitely a must-try when you visit China!

You can enjoy it as a full meal at a restaurant or grab some as a delicious snack in the Muslim Quarter.

Peking Duck

why?

More than just a local specialty of Xi'an, it's another fantastic dish you absolutely have to try when you visit China.

The crispy roasted duck skin and tender meat, wrapped in a thin pancake, are pure perfection.

Pomegranate Juice

why?

Since pomegranates are Lintong's (near Xi'an) signature local product, you'll find tart and sweet pomegranate drinks everywhere on the streets.

I highly recommend giving them a try!​

​

Chagee

why?

The best milk tea of your life – you absolutely HAVE to try this milk tea when you go to China!

---

My Personal Recommendation for Accommodation in Xi'an (I stayed here myself!)

Marriott Xi'an High-Tech Zone

why?

The hotel itself was fantastic, and with a metro station and convenience store right outside, it was incredibly convenient – highly recommended!​

And with that, we conclude Ciel's post: [Xi'an Travel: What You Absolutely Need to Know Before You Go].

​

Cielso

ⓒ2026.Cielso All rights reserved.

​

​

​