1 Day Xi’an highlights tour

For travelers with just one day in Xi’an, whether on a transit layover or part of an extended China tour itinerary, this single day highlights tour captures the essence of the city. You’ll have the chance to experience its enduring ancient architecture, explore cultural diversity, and sample local flavors at an easy going pace.

With just one day in Xi’an, you can gain a sense of why this city remains a perennial favorite and is a wonderful expression of China’s rich history and modern expression. Whether on a brief layover or a whirlwind China tour, this itinerary makes the most of every moment, leaving travelers inspired to return for a deeper discovery in the future.

Learn more: https://www.chinatours.com/destination-tour/xian-day-tour/

4 Day Xi’an and Mount Hua highlights tour

With four days at your disposal, you can delve more deeply into Xi’an’s rich tapestry of history and culture while also venturing out to the dramatic natural beauty of nearby Mount Hua. This combination of the ancient Silk Road’s treasures, Tang Dynasty landmarks, and natural landscapes that strikes a perfect balance of activities in a four day window.

This thoughtfully curated four day experience uncovers the heart of Xi’an’s imperial past and vibrant cultural scene, while including the unforgettable experience of hiking one of China’s most famous sacred mountains, Mount Hua. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a mix of history, spirituality, and nature, offering a well-rounded and memorable exploration of Northwest China’s most iconic destination.

Learn more: https://www.chinatours.com/destination-tour/4-day-xian-mount-hua-tour/

9 Day Xi’an Vista

With more time and budget, Xi’an opens up many more possibilities. Putting together this nine day experience, we’ve included everything from our shorter tours and then added some other memorable highlights that will enhance your understanding of this city, its history, culture, and food.

This nine-day Xi’an panorama tour includes the popular highlights of Xi’an and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. Enjoy meeting locals and gain an insight to daily life. Discover unique traditional folk culture and historical heritage of Guanzhong rural area, an important agricultural and cultural region in China, reflecting the characteristics of China’s traditional agricultural civilization.

Extended Xi’an DIY tours

For those wanting to take travel matters into their own hands, check out the options below. We’ve put together these high level tour itineraries based on nearly three decades of China tour travel.

Tour option 1: Beijing – Xi’an – Shanghai: Classic Cultural Route

• Explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing.
• Discover Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, and Muslim Quarter.
• Experience Shanghai’s historic Bund, skyscrapers, and modern art scene.

Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see China’s top three cities in one seamless journey.

Tour option 2: Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai: Panda & River Adventure

• Visit Beijing’s landmarks and vibrant hutongs.
• Explore the ancient capital Xi’an’s glory history.
• Meet giant pandas and savor spicy cuisine in Chengdu.
• Cruise the majestic Yangtze River through scenic gorges.
• Finish in Shanghai’s cosmopolitan fusion of East and West.

Perfect for those wanting to balance history, nature, wildlife, and relaxation.

Tour option 3: Xi’an – Lhasa – Chengdu: Spiritual Himalayan Journey

• Explore ancient Xi’an and then head to Lhasa.
• Visit Tibet’s Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and bustling Barkhor Street.
• Continue to Chengdu for panda encounters and temple visits.

Ideal for culture seekers and spiritual explorers looking to combine China’s core heritage with Himalayan mystique.

Tour option 4: Xi’an – Dunhuang – Turpan – Urumqi:  Journey Along the Silk Road

• Learn Xi’an’s history and explore this gateway to the Silk Road
• Be amazed by Mogao Grottoes, Echoing Sands Dune, Crescent Lake in Dunhuang
• Savor the highlight of Turpan: Jiaohoe Ruins and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Silk Road explorations end at Urumqi after visiting Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, Urumqi Grand Bazaar and Er Dao Qiao Market.

A classic tour for people who want to enjoy an authentic experience of the glorious Silk Road region.

Want to customize your own China circuit, compare train and flight schedules, or book guided tours for these cities? We are China tour experts and would love to help you curate a beautiful travel memory based on the latest travel guides, transportation details, and exclusive local experiences for each destination. Visit us at https://www.chinatours.com/custom-tours/.

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#1 – Xi’an is an accessible city

Xi’an has rapidly transformed into one of China’s most accessible and welcoming cities for international travelers, thanks to its world-class aviation and transit infrastructure. Xianyang International Airport is the ninth busiest in China, serving over 47 million passengers annually. It connects seamlessly through major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. While direct flights from places like the United States and Australia remain limited, the journey becomes an engaging prelude to arrival. Foreign passport holders can now take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, enabling up to 10 days of exploration while en route to a third country. Once in Xi’an, the city’s expansive 12 line metro system, integrated with over 500 bus routes and various airport shuttle bus services, ensures every major cultural landmark is easily accessible.

Transportation in Xi’an goes far beyond convenience. It is an experience in itself. Metro Line 14 directly links the airport with central districts in under 70 minutes, with fares starting at less than 1USD. Tourist-friendly day and multi-day metro passes, bilingual signage, and QR-based ticketing systems make navigation intuitive for non-Chinese speakers. Travelers can reach major attractions like the Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan via dedicated tourist buses or high-speed rail, while the Chang’an Tong Card offers frequent rider discounts. Note, however, while it is possible to take the metro from Xi’an to the Terracotta Army, just keep in mind the closest station is five kilometres away. That means an additional bus is required to get to the museum. Intercity travel is just as efficient, with high-speed trains connecting Xi’an to Beijing and Shanghai in under six hours, supported by seamless metro-rail-airport connectivity.

Xi’an’s digital ecosystem is another highlight of its tourism renaissance. The city has embraced mobile payments to an unprecedented degree, allowing international visitors to link their Visa, Mastercard, or other global cards directly to Alipay and WeChat Pay. With no service fees for small purchases and generous spending limits, this system removes one of the biggest historical travel hurdles in China. Coupled with multilingual services at major sites, free public Wi-Fi, Tang Dynasty cultural experiences, and wide card acceptance at hotels, Xi’an is undoubtedly a city where holiday makers can travel with ease.

 #2 – Xi’an is exceptional value

As seasoned travelers know, true luxury isn’t about spending more. It’s about experiencing more for what you invest. Yes, Xi’an delivers world-class heritage sites, but it’s also known for generous hospitality. Whether you’re going all out or on a budget, Xi’an will meet you where you’re at.

Accommodation options extend from budget to four and five star hotels, a range that is reflected on the dining front too. Feeling adventurous? Dive into some of Xi’an incredible street food. We can vouch for it: you’ll have trouble walking past the venues offering hand-pulled noodles biangbiang noodles and the famous Xi’an burger roujiamo. Naturally there are up market and fine dining options too, including Michelin star and Black Pearl restaurants. Our tip? Research, plan ahead, and talk to your local guide for suggestions. That way you’ll have a direct local experience that will bring the city alive for you.

Attractions are well priced, but it’s advisable to book ahead to avoid disappointment, while getting around is easy. Choose from the metro, Didi, and taxis, or arrange a private driver and guide to ensure you make the most of your available time.

#3 – Xi’an’s has world class historical and archeological sites

Xi’an is recognised as the cradle of Chinese civilization. Boasting over 30 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, in Xi’an you will find archeology, art, traditional craftsmanship, historical buildings, and dishes that have been eaten for centuries.

A must is the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Army with the world’s largest painted terracotta army of over 8,000 life size figures arranged in battle formation and preserved in situ since its 1974 discovery. Nearby, just 1.5 kilometers to the east, explore the Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum mound, the largest imperial tomb in China. It covers a huge 56 square kilometers and remains largely unexcavated, encapsulating two millennia of funerary innovation.

The Xi’an City Wall is the oldest and most completely preserved city fortification in China. Stretching 13.7 kilometers around the Ming era city center, its ramparts and watchtowers provide a continuous, walkable military perimeter that predates European bastion walls by centuries. Allow a full morning or afternoon to truly appreciate it.

Your travels in China will reveal many pagodas, but perhaps none so famous as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (652 CE). The tallest surviving Tang dynasty structure in China, this pagoda is 64 meters high and is a testament to early Buddhist translation efforts on the Silk Road. The Forest of Stone Steles Museum preserves the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy and engraved epigraphy, with more than 3,000 inscribed stone slabs dating from the Han to Qing dynasties.

A short journey east of Xi’an brings you to Mount Hua (Huashan), one of China’s Five Great Mountains and a revered Taoist sanctuary. Towering peaks soar to 2,154 meters above sea level, linked by sheer granite cliffs, narrow plank trails, and ancient temple pavilions. The mountain strikes a dramatic landscape and is worth a visit if time and your stamina permit.

#4 – Xi’an has great weather perfect for travel

For the best experience of Xi’an, choose the right season. Both spring and autumn months deliver ideal conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 20 °C. Spring (March to May) brings gentle warmth and blooming cherry and peach blossoms, while autumn (September to November) offers mild days, cool evenings, and the brilliant yellow of ginkgo-lined avenues. Both seasons feature fewer than 10 rainy days per month, ensuring you can wander freely through Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s gardens or cycle atop the City Wall without unexpected downpours.

Summer isn’t off limits, however. Running from June to August, during this season Xi’an offers lush greenery and cooler mornings after afternoon showers, perfect for early hikes on Mount Huashan or evening strolls through Grand Tang Everbright City. Our top tip: Avoid the peak heat around mid-July when temperatures can spike above 32 °C. By contrast Winter (December to February) brings crisp, clear days and the chance to see light snow on ancient walls and courtyards; daytime highs around 5 °C make midday visits to the Shaanxi History Museum especially pleasant.

The short story? Xi’an typically enjoys over 200 days of sunshine and low humidity. These factors make traveling to this great city totally worth it.

#5 – Xi’an’s food is sensational

Xi’an’s culinary landscape offers foreign travellers a rich and immersive experience that bridges ancient traditions with modern flair. Rooted in its Silk Road heritage, local cuisine emphasizes bold, robust flavors, flour-based staples, slow-braised meats, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili. Iconic dishes such as roujiamo (Xi’an hamburger), biangbiang noodles (hot oil noodles), yangrou paomo (flatbread in mutton broth), and liangpi (cold noodles) highlight the city’s unique taste profile. Each dish not only satisfies the palate but also tells a story of cultural endurance, especially within the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where halal variations and centuries-old techniques persist.

Street food in Xi’an is more than a quick bite. It’s a daily ritual woven into the fabric of city life. From the sensory overload of the Muslim Quarter, with its lamb skewers and steaming noodle soups, to the bustling stalls of Xiaonanmen Morning Market, where Zeng Gao (sticky rice cakes) and Hulatang (hot peppery meatball soup) showcase breakfast traditions, travellers can experience local rhythms unfold from sunrise to late night. Hidden alleys near the ancient city wall reveal a different side of Xi’an after dark. Venture out when the sun goes down and enjoy charcoal grills, sizzling noodles, and rare regional snacks, like luzhi liangfen.

For those seeking elevated dining, Xi’an’s fine dining venues present a striking contrast to its rustic roots. Heritage-focused establishments like Xi’an Restaurant honor old world craftsmanship through signature dishes like gourd shaped fried chicken, sauteed spicy pork kidneys, and Shaanxi braised beef shank.

Beyond regional fare, Xi’an’s global culinary footprint is growing. Travelers of all tastes can enjoy international cuisines, vegetarian restaurants, and even robotic hot pot experiences. There really is no limit. For a theatrical, communal encounter, dumpling banquets at renowned spots like Defachang deliver a multi-course exploration of China’s most beloved comfort food. Whether indulging in street food snacks or fine dining, you will find that Xi’an’s food scene is both authentic and refreshingly diverse.

#6 – Xi’an is safe for international travelers

Xi’an is a safe destination for international travelers. It consistently scores well on the safety index, which is why visitors can move around the city with confidence. Of course, basic travel awareness applies in bustling areas like the vibrant Muslim Quarter, but day or night, Xi’an is a city that welcomes travelers. 

There you have it. Six reasons Xi’an is worth visiting in every sense. It is safe, accessible, affordable, and historically fascinating. It has great weather and even better food. As a standalone destination of part of a longer China tour, we’re confident you’ll agree Xi’an is a city to add to your must see city list.

Ready to pack your bags? Talk to our friendly team  about including Xi’an in your upcoming China tour.

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Wondering about the best time to visit Xi’an? We have you sorted. In this detailed guide for international travelers, we’ve gathered all you need to know about this vibrant city. Where Beijing is serious, offering up its imperial pomp and contemporary politics, Xi’an offers visitors a lively and lighter experience.  

Choosing the right time to explore Xi’an based on your preferences and interests will ensure you gather beautiful travel memories that last a lifetime. Whether strolling under cherry blossoms along ancient ramparts or cycling amid golden ginkgo-lined avenues, each season has its benefits. Against a backdrop of sensational weather, vibrant local festivals, and an evolving culture, Xi’an has all the hallmarks of a great holiday destination. 

Our years of designing exceptional Xi’an journeys for travelers worldwide have been distilled right here. You’ll learn which months offer the ideal climate, how to sync your visit with unique cultural celebrations, and where to uncover seasonal treasures. Regardless of whether it’s Xian’s gorgeous spring blooms, stunning colours of autumn, or the delicious dishes served during these seasons, we share every detail so you experience Xi’an at its very best.

Spring and autumn: Xi’an at its best

Undoubtedly, experiencing Xi’an at its best means visiting during two magical windows: from March through May, when spring breathes new life into ancient courtyards, and in September to November, as autumn cloaks the city in a tapestry of gold and crimson. It’s these times of year when Xi’an comes alive.

Xian in Spring: Blooming, beautiful, and ambient

From March to May, Xi’an enjoys warm and dry weather with daily temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. With over 70 percent of spring days blessed with sunshine, spring offers perfect conditions for both outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. The city erupts into bloom – roses and cherry blossoms abound – and you cannot miss the fragrance that carries across the city centre. It certainly makes for ideal traveling temperatures.

Best sites for a spring Xi’an visit

Xi’an is synonymous with its ancient City Wall, which has been meticulously maintained in much of its original condition. Cycle around this former fortress and imagine the view that former city guardians took in. Adjacent to the Xi’an City Wall is Huancheng Park (also referred to as City Wall Park) which transforms into a floral sea of magnolia, apricot blossom, and Chinese flowering crabapple. The traditional architecture nestled within this colourful tapestry is at the very least photo worthy, but at best, perfectly captures the essence of Xi’an’s history.

If you love flowers, then Qinglong Temple is Xi’an’s top spot for cherry blossom viewing. Home to more than 600 cherry trees across eleven varieties, the temple grounds transform into a breathtaking sea of pink and white blossoms from mid-March to late April. These delicate flowers perfectly frame the ancient Tang Dynasty architecture and many stunning photographic memories have been caught on film here.

In keeping with the floral theme, Daming Palace National Heritage Park in Xi’an is perfect for a spring visit, with its expansive grounds, blooming flowers, and peaceful gardens. Magnolia, plum and apricot blossoms, Chinese crabapples, pear and peach blossoms, winter jasmine and other flowers bloom in artful sequence, attracting a large number of  locals and tourists to enjoy flowers and take photos. Strolling beside Taiye Pond amid blossoming greenery, you can enjoy fresh air and scenic views while stepping back into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

Tang Paradise awakens in spring with vivid bursts of color in its gardens. The exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture, distinctive through its intricate construction, blends beautifully with garden surrounds, offering more perfect photo opportunities. Each pavilion, bridge, and sculpture is revitalized, set against the lush, colorful backdrop of spring’s arrival. It is an ideal place for a Hanfu photoshoot experience. 

Located next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Tang Dynasty style Da Ci’en Temple Ruins Park offers a great view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Not only does a visit here offer the perfect opportunity to capture both the Buddha statue and the Pagoda, it is also a unique place to experience the changing scenery of Chang’an – blossoms in spring, the fallen leaves in autumn, and the snow in winter.

For yet more flowers, Xingqing Palace Park is another popular spot. From March to May, the park’s tulips, peonies, and Chinese peonies flourish in vibrant colors, attracting numerous visitors. Planning your Xi’an tour to kick off in early April? Make a beeline here to lay your eyes on over 200,000 tulips clashing in vibrant colors from red through to yellow, white, and purple. Alongside tulips, you’ll also find cherry blossoms, lilacs, bauhinia, yellow roses, osmanthus and wisteria, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle.

Xi’an’s spring food favorites

Xi’an Liangpi: Spring’s Cooling Comfort

While Cold Noodles (Liangpi) are beloved year round, spring marks the beginning of the season for this refreshing cold noodle dish. Made from wheat or rice flour and served with a tangy blend of sesame paste, chili oil, cucumber, and bean sprouts, Liangpi offers the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. Liangpi is light yet satisfying and provides the perfect spring day sustenance.

Local Xi’an cuisine coloured by fresh wild vegetables

Spring in Xi’an brings a fresh variety of seasonal vegetables that local chefs use in both traditional dishes and seasonal specialties. These wild vegetables, such as Chinese toon leaves (xiangchun), Shepherd’s Purse (jicai) and alfalfa sprouts (musu), elm seeds (yuqian) offer light, vibrant flavors that perfectly suit vegetarian dishes. Their fresh and clean taste makes spring a great season for enjoying healthy, plant-based meals in Xi’an’s rich culinary tradition. Locals devour these fresh wild vegetables in dumplings, noodle soups, and maifan (steamed vegetables with flour). Why not join them at a local street food stall and sample your fair share?

Iconic spring dishes Xi’an locals love

Handmade green noodles (the green is spinach derived) are considered an iconic spring food for local Xi’an people. These ‘seasonal’ noodles are found in noodle soups, cold noodle dishes, stirfried noodles, and hot oil noodles (biang biang noodles), by far the most popular noodle dish amongst locals.

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Another typical Xi’an dish for welcoming spring is huaihua maifan, made from the edible flower of black locust blossoms. The white pea-like flowers are washed, mixed with flour, and steamed. Served and seasoned with minced garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil, huaihua maifan has a salty yet fresh taste that is light – and delicious, naturally. For local Xi’anese, it is said if they don’t eat huaihua maifan, they have missed spring, so if you happen to be visiting during March to May, be sure to sample this traditional dish at least once. 

Throughout China homemade snacks are a beautiful childhood memory for many. In keeping with this tradition, garlic chives are considered freshest and most nutritious when harvested in the spring, so you will find tender and juicy garlic chives in an assortment of dishes from stirfried eggs with garlic chives to steamed buns filled with garlic chives and tofu, or the most loved, pan-fried garlic chive ‘pocket’. Be on the lookout for local street stall specialities as you wander Xi’an’s streets.

Zenggao: Sweet spring celebrations

A traditional steamed glutinous specialty, this delicious rice cake is layered with red dates, kidney beans, and white sugar. It is especially popular during spring festivals and celebrations, and why not? A soft, sweet treat, it offers the perfect ending to a day spent exploring Xi’an’s attractions, providing comfort and energy for travel adventures to come.

Xi’an in autumn: Why visit Xi’an between September and November?

As summer’s warmth recedes, Xi’an undergoes a metamorphosis from September to November. The city’s ancient stones and storied temples are framed by cascades of amber and gold as leaves change colour. Visitors will notice the air is crisper and cooler, making exploration through the city and its surrounds enjoyable and manageable.

Xi’an’s best sites to visit in autumn

Mount Hua is picturesque in all seasons. In spring, there are blooming mountain flowers, in summer, overlapping emerald peaks, while in winter, there are snowcapped mountains.  Autumn, however, is by far the most enchanting season in Huashan. Whether you prefer dawn, dusk, or any time in between, Mount Hua presents an exquisite canvas with its peaks dyed red by the changing maple leaves. It’s a perfect time for hiking and scenic views. Take in the towering peaks in the crisp autumn air or experience the hazy beauty of misty clouds while traversing the mountain’s plank paths.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is famous for its contemplative atmosphere and in autumn the tranquility is deepened by the surrounding natural scenery and artistic conception of the ‘Yanta Morning Bell’. The golden accent provided by the turning ginkgo trees make Small Wild Goose Pagoda well worth a visit in autumn. 

Located in the bustling Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque in Xi’an is truly a tranquil escape that contrasts with the melee of local markets. A complex of five courtyards blending Chinese and Islamic architecture, the garden is populated with cypress, pomegranate, jujube, apricot, and persimmon trees, each of which feature in traditional gardens. Together, they create a solemn oriental garden landscape for contemplation. In autumn, you will find persimmons ready to be ‘harvested’ here as they hang heavily from branches. With their deep burgundy hue a stunning complement to the unique blue of the buildings, you could be forgiven for thinking the slight scent of osmanthus in the air is an almost theatrical touch.

For more natural autumn beauty, visit Taiping National Forest Park. Renowned for the vibrant crimson canopy it transforms to in autumn, visitors will delight in the park’s 160 meter Rainbow Waterfall, which casts dazzling rainbows around noon on sunny days. It is definitely a magic autumn landscape.

As though framed by a golden halo of ginkgo trees, the Hanyangling Mausoleum is stunning as autumn peaks in November. This ancient burial site blends history with the best of the season’s natural beauty, embodying the perfect harmony of Xi’an’s past and present.

Xi’an’s favorite autumn culinary delights

As Xi’an’s temperatures cool and the city is wrapped in autumn’s colours, its culinary scene warms up with hearty, harvest inspired flavors. From steaming bowls of lamb and bread soup to the sweet richness of fresh jujubes sold at bustling market stalls, autumn’s seasonal specialties offer comforting tastes that perfectly complement crisp days and vibrant landscapes.

Flatbread in Lamb Soup (yangrou paomo) is Xi’an’s autumn and winter favorite, especially in the Muslim Quarter. Explorers are encouraged to try it at least once. Tear pieces of flatbread into a bowl of rich lamb broth, where the bread softens perfectly before consuming. Add a little garlic paste and chili oil to enhance this hearty, warming dish that will fuel a full day of exploration.

Fresh Jujubes shine in Fuping and Dali. Fuping’s jujubes are plump with tender flesh and small pits, while Dali’s have shiny skins and are sweeter. Fresh jujubes are an antioxidant-rich superfood with high levels of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy them fresh, as the supply time is too short.

Lintong’s persimmons are regaled for their thin skin and soft, sweet flesh that is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. During harvest, visitors can pick them fresh, or enjoy sun-dried persimmon cakes made by locals. In the Muslim Quarter, fried persimmon donuts are the most popular sweet treat during autumn. Yet another persimmon inspired sweet treat is persimmon huta. Taking the paste of ripe persimmons, this is combined with flour in a round shallow spatula, then deep fried. Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds. A well earned treat after exploring Xi’an’s streets.

Like the persimmons of Lintong, the pomegranates from here are widely appreciated. With a deep heritage tied to imperial royal families, Lintong’s are also famous for their large size, thin skin, juicy texture, sweet taste, soft core, and excellent quality. Xi’an markets sell the ruby-red seeds in cups –  a delicious, refreshing snack on a crisp autumn day. Not a fan of seeds? No problem. Quench your thirst with a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and discover what locals love about this special fruit.

Xi’an highlights by month

Looking for a detailed breakdown of Xi’an highlights by month. We’ve captured it all here. Keep in mind that event dates are changeable year to year and although our trusty team of guides aim to always provide the latest information, we recommend you check websites and event organisers to ensure you have the most up to date details.

Insider tips for timing your flight booking to Xi’an

Planning a trip to Xi’an from the US, Europe or Australia requires smart timing to capitalize on reduced seasonal rates and to avoid peak travel periods like Chinese New Year or the National public holiday week in October. While there are no direct flights – so expect at least one connection via Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong (hint: that’s the perfect way to see more of China) – there are ways to get around these factors. Here’s our team’s best suggestions:

Book early and smart

• It might sound like we’re starting the obvious, but where possible book three to six months ahead for better fares, seats, and connections. Prices often jump two to three months before scheduled departure dates.
• Target September to October for pleasant weather and fares that are generally ten to 20 percent lower than other popular travel periods.
• Avoid June through to August and December when demand and prices peak.

Maximize savings

• Set fare alerts four to six months out and watch for midweek dips.
• Choose weekday departures as they are often 15 to 25 percent cheaper than weekends.
• Consider early morning or late night flights to capture additional savings.

Plan connections carefully

• Do we need to say that tight connections increase stress and the risk of missed flights? Our top tip here is to allow a minimum of two to three hours for layovers in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong to clear security/customs. These airports are huge and busy, so leaving ample time to avoid last minute panic or rushing is wise. 
• Have more time between trips than anticipated? We recommend making the most of it by turning layovers into mini adventures. Research ahead and find out what is possible in a day layover. You could find yourself ticking another destination off your bucket list.
• Use multi-city/stopover tickets to spend one or two days in the hub city, then continue to Xi’an, often with little or no extra fare charges. And the bonus? A short stop in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong breaks up long travel and adds to your travel memories.

Be flexible

• If there is one thing travel does is challenge our need for rigid routines. Our big tip here is to remain flexible. Compare routes and mix airlines if needed. Why? Because separate one way tickets can sometimes reduce overall costs.
• Flexibility on dates and times can also help travelers capture the best value. Be patient and research thoroughly. It does pay dividends and it means more money in your traveling pocket.
• With early booking, smart scheduling, and well-planned connections or stopovers, the journey to Xi’an becomes smoother, better value, and more enjoyable.

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