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Xi'an tourist traps: 7 things first-timers fall for

Xi'an is safe and friendly, and the traps are small but annoying: unclear food prices on the main tourist street, touts who say a place is closed, add-on fees for costume photos, and sold-out tickets you assumed you could buy on the day. Each has a one-line fix.

The seven, and the fix

  1. Skewers priced "per… what?" in the Muslim Quarter. Ask the price before ordering, or walk one street over where locals eat.
  2. "It's closed. Follow me." Check the official notice or app; take the official shuttle.
  3. Tang-costume photo packages. Ask what is included; makeup, accessories and retouched photos are often extra.
  4. Bell Tower view rooms. Two metro stops away costs about half.
  5. Rush-hour taxis. The metro is faster and costs pocket change.
  6. The free Shaanxi History Museum. Free tickets are released days ahead and vanish in seconds; the paid halls are easier.
  7. The one-hour queue for the viral soup shop. The shop next door, full of locals, is usually as good.

What goes wrong

Ordering first, asking later. Four skewers, a bill you did not expect.
Trusting the helpful stranger. A two-hour detour to his cousin's shop.
"We will sort tickets when we get there". The guard is polite. The answer is no.

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Quick questions

Is Xi'an safe for tourists?

Yes. The issues here are overpaying and wasted time, not personal safety.

How many days do I need?

Three days covers the Terracotta Army, the city wall, the Muslim Quarter and one museum. Add a day for Mount Hua.

More answers

Can I use Visa or Mastercard in China?How to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay as a foreignerDoes Google Maps work in China? Internet, eSIM and blocked appsHow to buy train tickets in China as a foreignerTerracotta Army tickets: how to book and how to get there

Last reviewed 2026-11. Payment, ticketing and entry rules in China change often; confirm details with the official app or site before you travel. This page is general travel information, not professional advice.