Xi'an Budget Travel Guide: Explore Xi'an Without Breaking the Bank

I. Budget The overall budget can be controlled at around 1,000 - 1,500 CNY per person (excluding round-trip transportation costs). The actual cost may vary slightly depending on accommodation standards and dining choices. II. Attractions 1. Free Attractions - Shaanxi History Museum: Reserve free tickets in advance on the museum's official WeChat account. The museum boasts a rich collection, allowing you to experience the glorious history of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. Don't miss treasures like the inlaid gold and beast-head agate cup and the three-color camel figurine. Allow 3 - 4 hours for your visit. - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square: The North Square features Asia's largest musical fountain, with spectacular shows around 8pm. The South Square houses the statue of Master Xuanzang, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Free to visit, it's perfect for leisurely strolls and experiencing the charm of the ancient city. - Xi'an City Wall: Enter the Shuncheng Lane from Hanguang Gate for free and stroll along the base of the city wall. Admire the wall's grandeur and the surrounding ancient buildings, immersing yourself in the weight of history. 2. Paid Attractions - Xi'an City Wall: If you want to cycle on the city wall, the entrance fee is 54 CNY. Bike rentals are 45 CNY/120 minutes for single bikes and 90 CNY/120 minutes for tandem bikes. The wall is about 14 km long. Cycling offers a panoramic view of the city inside and outside the wall. We recommend going up around 5-6pm to experience both the daytime and illuminated nighttime views. - Huaqing Palace: The entrance fee is 120 CNY. This palace is steeped in history, including the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, and the Xi'an Incident. The scenic area includes buildings like Feishuang Hall and Changsheng Hall. The large-scale historical dance drama "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" is also performed here (tickets sold separately, ranging from 200 - 900+ CNY). However, for budget travelers, enjoying the natural scenery and ancient architecture is sufficient. - Terracotta Army: The entrance fee is 120 CNY. As one of the eight wonders of the world, it's definitely worth a visit. Consider hiring a guide, sharing the cost with other tourists, to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture behind the Terracotta Army. Allow 3 - 4 hours for your visit. III. Food 1. Snack Streets - Muslim Street: This street offers a variety of Xi'an specialties, but be mindful of varying prices and quality. Try the sesame sauce cold noodles (5 - 8 CNY), chewy noodles with rich sesame sauce, offering a delightful texture and flavor. Also try the red willow barbecue (around 10 CNY per skewer), large chunks of lamb grilled over charcoal, exuding a mouthwatering aroma. - Sajinqiao: A popular food street among locals, with relatively affordable prices. Try Lao Jin's egg and vegetable sandwich (6 - 8 CNY), a crispy flatbread filled with salted egg yolk, preserved rose mustard greens, peanuts, and other ingredients. Also try Ma Er's sour and spicy dumplings (around 15 CNY), a tangy and appetizing dish with thin wrappers and generous fillings. 2. Restaurant Recommendations - Zi Wu Lu Zhang Ji Rou Jia Mo: Their signature rou jia mo (around 10 CNY) features crispy bread and flavorful, juicy meat. Pair it with a bowl of cold noodles (around 10 CNY) for a delicious and affordable lunch. - Wei Jia Liangpi: A chain restaurant with clean and hygienic environments. Their cold noodle set meal (cold noodles + drink) is around 20 CNY. They also offer sesame sauce rice noodles and special cold noodles. IV. Accommodation Consider staying near the Bell and Drum Towers, Sajinqiao, or along the subway line for convenient transportation. Hostel beds typically cost 30 - 60 CNY/night, offering budget-friendly options and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. For more comfortable stays, budget hotels offer rooms for 100 - 150 CNY/night during non-holidays. Book in advance on travel apps and look for discounts. V. Transportation 1. City Transportation: Xi'an has a well-developed public transportation system. The subway covers most attractions. Use the Xi'an Metro QR code on Alipay or WeChat for fares ranging from 2 - 7 CNY. Buses are also convenient, with fares of 1 - 2 CNY, payable via WeChat or Alipay. 2. To the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace: Take subway line 9 from Fangzhicheng Station to Huaqing Pool Station. Visit Huaqing Palace first, then take bus Lintong Tour 613 or other buses from the palace entrance to the Terracotta Army (3 - 5 CNY). VI. Itinerary - Day 1: Shaanxi History Museum (pre-book free tickets, 3 - 4 hours in the morning) - Lunch at Zi Wu Lu Zhang Ji Rou Jia Mo - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square (afternoon and evening, watch the musical fountain show) - Sajinqiao for snacks and street food. - Day 2: Xi'an City Wall (morning, stroll along Shuncheng Lane or cycle on the wall)