Flights to Xi An, China's Ancient Capital

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province in north-west China and one of the country's great historic cities. For more than a thousand years it served as the capital of successive dynasties, and it was the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Today it combines a complete Ming-era city wall, a vibrant Muslim Quarter and, just outside town, the world-famous Terracotta Army. Flights to Xi An put all of this within reach, along with a food scene built around noodles, flatbreads and cumin-spiced lamb.

About the airport serving Xi'an

Location

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located north-west of Xi'an, close to the neighbouring city of Xianyang, and is the main aviation hub for north-west China. It handles domestic flights to almost every major Chinese city as well as a growing list of international routes.

Terminals

The airport has several passenger terminals serving domestic and international flights, and terminal allocations are set by airline. Always check the terminal printed on your e-ticket, and allow extra time on departure day because the airport is large and security queues can be long at busy times.

Getting to and from the airport

A metro line links the airport with the city's rail network, and it is usually the most predictable way to reach central Xi'an, especially at rush hour. Airport shuttle buses run to several districts in the city, and official taxi ranks are located outside arrivals. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in China, though they typically need a local phone number and a supported payment method set up in advance.

Direct and connecting flights to Xi'an

Non-stop service between Kuala Lumpur and Xi'an has run on and off over the years, so check what is on sale for your dates; many itineraries connect through larger Chinese hubs or other cities in the region. Travellers searching for flights from Kuantan to Xian will usually need to connect, often via Kuala Lumpur. Use the stops filter on Traveloka to see direct options first where they exist, then compare one-stop routes by total travel time and layover length.

If you are visiting several Chinese cities, Xi'an works well on a multi-city itinerary. China's high-speed rail network also links Xi'an with Beijing, Chengdu, Luoyang and other cities, so you could fly in and continue overland.

When to fly to Xi'an

Xi'an has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and can be humid, winters are cold and dry, and spring and autumn are the most comfortable periods for sightseeing, with clear skies and mild temperatures.

Travel demand in China peaks around Chinese New Year and the October National Day holiday known as Golden Week, when the Terracotta Army and the city wall get extremely crowded. For Malaysian travellers, CNY and school holidays are the busiest times to book, so connecting flights can fill up early. The fare chart on this page helps you spot the months that are usually better value, and a Price Alert will tell you when prices change for your dates.

Popular places in Xi'an

The Terracotta Army

Discovered by farmers digging a well, this vast army of life-sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots was buried to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China. The pits lie east of the city in Lintong and deserve at least half a day.

Xi'an City Wall

The city wall encircles the old centre and is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Renting a bicycle and riding the full loop along the top is a highlight, especially in the late afternoon light.

Muslim Quarter

Behind the Drum Tower, this lively neighbourhood is home to the Hui community and the Great Mosque, which blends Chinese temple architecture with Islamic design. Its streets are lined with food stalls from morning to late at night.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Built during the Tang dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India, the pagoda anchors a district of gardens, plazas and an evening fountain show.

Mount Hua

One of China's five sacred mountains, Huashan is known for granite peaks, steep stairways and dramatic cliff paths. It is a full-day trip from Xi'an by high-speed train or road.

Where to stay in Xi'an

Staying inside the city wall, around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, puts you within walking distance of the Muslim Quarter, the wall itself and the metro. The Qujiang district near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is newer, greener and good for evening strolls. The Xiaozhai area offers shopping malls and easy metro access, while the High-Tech Zone to the south-west suits business travellers. For early starts to the Terracotta Army, staying near the railway station on the north side of the old town can save time.

Food to try in Xi'an

Roujiamo

Often called a Chinese burger, roujiamo is a crisp flatbread stuffed with slow-braised chopped meat. In the Muslim Quarter it is usually made with beef or lamb.

Biangbiang noodles

These extremely wide, hand-pulled noodles are tossed with chilli oil, garlic, vinegar and vegetables. The character for biang is famously one of the most complicated in Chinese writing.

Yangrou paomo

Diners tear unleavened bread into small pieces, which are then soaked in a rich mutton or beef broth. It is a warming classic on cold days.

Liangpi

Cold, slippery wheat or rice noodles served with cucumber, chilli oil and vinegar, liangpi is a refreshing favourite in the summer heat.

History on this scale is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Compare routes, pick the connection that suits you and book your flights to Xi'an on Traveloka, with e-tickets, Easy Reschedule and 24/7 customer service.