Travel Tips: Xian, China

Here are some information for those who will be travelling to Xi'an, China.  I hope they could be of use to you.

About Xi'an:

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province. It was the capital of 13 dynasties in the past and as such, was the center of culture. It is now one of the tourist destinations in China. 

Arrival:

Visitors can fly directly to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. International flights are all in the T3.  Those who arrive in Beijing may take the train between Beijing and Xian, which will take about 12 hours.  

Taxis and shuttles are available at the airport. Taxis from Xianyang Airport to the downtown hotels will take about an hour and costs around 140RMB (China's currency).  Shuttles cost around 25RMB per person. 

Currency Exchange: 

Currency in China is Yuan (RMB). 

At Xianyang Airport, currency exchange is located at Gate 324, 2/F of Terminal 3
Operating hours: 07:30-21:30
Service fee: RMB58 per transaction

Currency exchange is available in most banks in Xian.  Credit cards such as Visa, Federal Card and Mastercard are also accepted in many establishments.

Language:

In Xi'an, Mandarin Chinese is the main language and only a few people speak English. If you will be travelling by taxi, it is advised that you ask your friends or hotel staffs to write down your destination and hotel address in Chinese, so you can show them to the taxi driver.

Time Zone:

GMT + 8

Electric system

220 volts, 50Hz 

Hotels

• Gloria Plaza Hotel  - 0086 29 87868855 (4 star)
• Hyatt Hotel- 0086 29 87691234 (5 star)
• Bell Towel Hotel- 0086 29 87600000 (4 star)
• Xi’an Royal Hotel- 0086 29 87690000
• The Bell & Drum Tower Hotel - 0086 29 87278276
• Xi’an City Hotel - 0086 29 87219988
• Grand New World Hotel - 0086 29 87218686
• Citadines Central Xian - 0086 29 85761186

Working Time 

• Government offices : 8:00a.m to 18:00p.m (Monday to Friday)
• Banks: 9:00a.m to 17:00p.m (Monday to Friday) and 9:30 a.m to 15:00 p.m (Saturday and Sunday)
• Shops: 10:00a.m to 21:00 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Holidays:

• International Labour Day:  first three days in May 
• National Day: first week in October
• New Year: January 1 
• Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival: usually late January-early February, depending on the lunar calendar

Tip practices:

Tipping is not common except in star hotels and luxurious restaurants

Places to visit:

• Terracotta Warriors (1 hour away from airport)
• Ancient Xian city wall (within walking distance from downtown)
• Big Goose Pagoda
• The Bell  and Drum Tower
• Shaanxi History Museum
• Forest of Stone Steles
• Hanyang Tombs