Visiting Xi'an in 2026: Why Traveling to China's Ancient Capital is Easier Than Ever

Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, has long been a dream destination for global travelers. In 2026, exploring this majestic city has become smoother, faster, and more convenient than ever before.

Thanks to expanded visa-free policies, major airport upgrades, and modern payment solutions, foreign visitors can now experience Xi'an's rich history without the typical travel friction. Here is everything you need to know about how Xi'an has transformed into one of China's most foreign-friendly cities.

1. Faster Customs and Expanded Flight Routes

Arriving in Xi'an is now remarkably swift. With the launch of the new Terminal 5 at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, immigration inspection lanes have expanded from 42 to 72, drastically reducing customs wait times.

Direct Connectivity: Xi'an now hosts 63 international passenger air routes connecting to 55 major cities in 27 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Visa-Free Convenience: Over 87% of international arrivals in Xi'an now enter under visa-free travel policies, making impulse weekend trips or extended cultural holidays completely effortless.

2. Frictionless Payments: Pay Your Way

One of the biggest concerns for international travelers in China—how to pay for daily expenses—has been fully solved across Xi'an’s major attractions, hotels, and shopping hubs.

International Credit Cards: Over 1,100 key tourist venues, shopping malls, and historic sites are now equipped with international POS terminals supporting Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB.

Direct E-Wallet Scanning: Travelers from countries including Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, can scan and pay directly using their native mobile wallets via Alipay+ without downloading local Chinese apps.

Easy Cash Access: Major commercial centers like Joy City Xi'an feature foreign card ATMs allowing daily cash withdrawals of up to 5,000 RMB for small-vendor purchases.

3. Instant 2-Minute Tax Refunds

Shopping for souvenirs, silk, or local handicrafts is now even more rewarding. Xi'an has rolled out a revolutionary digital tax refund service in partnership with Alipay and the Bank of China.

Lightning-Fast Processing: Departure tax refund wait times have been slashed from 20 minutes to as fast as 2 minutes.

Buy & Refund On the Spot: Across 194 designated tax-free stores throughout the city, key pilot merchants offer instant, counter-side tax refunds so you can spend or save your refund immediately.

4. World-Class Tourist Infrastructure

Xi'an has seamlessly bridged its ancient history with modern tourist convenience. Around iconic landmarks like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City, visitors can step directly from historic sightseeing into modern commercial districts equipped with multilingual signage, foreign-card-friendly dining, and seamless transportation options.

Practical Tips for Your 2026 Xi'an Trip

Check Your Visa Status: Review China's latest visa-free entry list before booking to see if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry.

Set Up Digital Payments: Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your international credit card before arrival for extra convenience when buying street food or taking taxis.

Keep Your Passport Handy: You will need your passport for entrance tickets to major sites like the Terracotta Warriors and to claim instant tax refunds at participating stores.