Xi’an Travel Cost: 5 Days Family Budget Guide - China Wonders Guide

Video

Xi’an travel cost breakdown for a family of five: real 5-day budget, tickets, food & transport.

1. A Real 5-Day Family Trip Budget Breakdown

Hi! We’re a family of five traveling with three kids, and we’ve just returned from a 5 days in Xi’an adventure. In this detailed Xi’an travel cost report, we’ll share everything we did and every yuan we spent — from attractions and transportation to food, coffee, and souvenirs. If you’re planning a family trip to China, this real budget guide will help you estimate your own expenses clearly.

2. Essential Before Arrival: Internet in China

When traveling in China, reliable internet is essential. You’ll need it for Alipay payments, ride-hailing, metro navigation, food delivery, translation apps, and maps.

We highly recommend purchasing a China eSIM before departure. Download the app in advance, select a China data plan, and use discount code ELISA15 for 15% off. Once installed, your phone connects immediately upon landing — no airport SIM card lines, no expensive roaming, and full access to your usual apps and websites. For families traveling in China, this convenience is invaluable.

Now, let’s break down our Xi’an travel budget day by day.

3. Day 1: Arrival and Light Exploration

We arrived in Xi’an by overnight train. From the railway station, we booked two standard cars via Didi instead of one six-seater — cheaper for five people — costing 22 RMB total.

Lunch at a local restaurant (Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo, fried noodles, dumplings) cost just 71 RMB — one of the best meals of our trip.

We visited the area around the Bell Tower of Xi’an, but didn’t go inside yet. Metro back to the hotel cost 8 RMB.

Since it was Christmas Eve, dinner was more indulgent: steak, pizza, desserts — 514 RMB (with leftovers for another meal).

Day 1 Total: 637 RMB

4. Day 2: Terracotta Warriors Adventure

Christmas Day was dedicated to the world-famous Terracotta Army.

We booked a six-seat Didi (258 RMB round trip convenience was worth it).

Tickets for the family: 360 RMB.

Instead of booking an expensive English guide online ($90+), we hired a licensed on-site guide for 350 RMB (plus 50 RMB headset rental). It was absolutely worth it — especially in the crowded halls of Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3.

We purchased official miniature warrior replicas for 920 RMB. Yes, you can find cheaper outside — but quality varies.

Lunch near the site: 169 RMB.

Return Didi: 263 RMB.

That night, we admired the illuminated Xi’an City Wall from afar.

Day 2 Total: 2,460 RMB

5. Day 3: Historic Landmarks & Muslim Quarter Food

Metro to the Bell Tower: 8 RMB. Combined ticket for Bell Tower of Xi’an and Drum Tower of Xi’an: 200 RMB total.

We explored the vibrant Muslim Quarter and visited the stunning Great Mosque of Xi’an (75 RMB total). Its blend of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture and Islamic design makes it one of the most unique mosques in Asia.

Street food highlights included persimmon cakes, pomegranate juice, fried mushrooms, and local snacks.

Dinner at a local restaurant: 121 RMB. Ice cream splurge: 145 RMB.

Day 3 Total: 845 RMB

6. Day 4: Walking the Ancient City Wall

After a slow morning, we visited the Xi’an City Wall. Tickets: 162 RMB. Walking atop the ancient fortifications for 1.5 hours was one of the most relaxing moments of our trip.

Later, we took the metro to see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area at sunset. The park and illuminated structures created a beautiful evening atmosphere (we didn’t enter the pagoda).

Food delivery dinner: 156 RMB.

Day 4 Total: 592 RMB

7. Day 5: Departure

Didi rides to the train station: 60 RMB.

Day 5 Total: 90 RMB

8. Xi’an Travel Cost Summary

Transportation: 647 RMB Food & Drinks: 1,733 RMB Attractions & Guide: 1,197 RMB Souvenirs: 1,077 RMB

Subtotal (5 days sightseeing): 4,624 RMB

Additional Major Costs: Overnight sleeper train tickets: 2,094 RMB 4-night hotel stay: 2,954 RMB

Final Total: 10,482 RMB

This was our complete Xi’an travel cost for a family of five over five days and four nights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P60-t4T4SSU