Overview
Xi'an is where China's imperial past comes vividly to life, home to the astonishing Terracotta Army and a walled old city that still hums with Silk Road energy. There are no direct flights to Xi'an from the UK, so most journeys connect through a major Chinese or Middle Eastern hub, but the destination rewards the extra travel time many times over with world-class history, street food and architecture found nowhere else.
Best time to fly to Xi'an
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to fly to Xi'an, with mild, dry weather ideal for exploring the Terracotta Army and city walls on foot or by bike. Summer brings heat and humidity, while winter is cold with a chance of smog, so many UK travellers find shoulder-season trips the most comfortable. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
There's currently no non-stop service between the UK and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), so flights typically route via a hub such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou with carriers including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, or via a Middle East gateway like Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi with Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad. All-in journey times from London usually run from around 13 to 17 hours depending on the connection, so it's worth comparing routings on the price charts on this page rather than booking the first option you see.
Things to do in Xi'an
Xi'an rewards a few unhurried days, with history around almost every corner. Highlights include:
- Terracotta Army: thousands of life-sized warriors guarding Emperor Qin's tomb, one of the most remarkable archaeological finds anywhere.
- Xi'an City Wall: one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, brilliant for cycling along at sunset.
- Muslim Quarter: a lively maze of lanes serving Xi'an's famous street food, from biang biang noodles to lamb skewers.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: a striking Tang dynasty pagoda set in peaceful gardens with an evening fountain show.
- Shaanxi History Museum: an outstanding collection of artefacts tracing over a thousand years of Chinese history.
At Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport sits around 25 miles (40km) northwest of the city centre. The airport metro line runs directly into central Xi'an in roughly 40 to 50 minutes, while airport shuttle buses serve major hotel districts and the train station for a similar journey time. Taxis are also available and typically take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Xi'an
- Book connecting flights several months ahead where possible, as fares on the UK to Xi'an route can rise sharply closer to departure.
- Flying midweek, rather than at weekends, often unlocks lower fares on the connecting sectors.
- Keep your travel dates flexible and check the price charts on this page, since shifting departure by even a day or two can make a real difference.
- Compare hub airlines rather than fixating on one carrier, as routing via the Gulf can sometimes beat routing via mainland China, or vice versa.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders generally need a visa to enter mainland China for tourism, though entry requirements have been changing, so it's worth checking the latest guidance before you book. The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB); carrying some cash is useful, as card acceptance can be inconsistent for overseas visitors. It's sensible to check current NHS travel health advice on vaccinations and to arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you fly.
