Xi’an Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Real Advice to Help You Avoid Common Travel Pitfalls and Have a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Why This Page Is Important
China is very safe for tourists—violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare. What you really need to watch out for are overpricing, tourist scams, and unnecessary hassles. Understanding these common scams and pitfalls can help you save money, time, and stress.
Terracotta Army Unlicensed Tour Guide
High RiskScam Tactics
Near the Terracotta Army scenic area parking lot, large numbers of people claiming to be “official tour guides” will swarm around you to solicit business. But these people are not official tour guides—their explanations are riddled with errors, and they’ll eventually drag you off to a shopping center.
How to Avoid
Only seek out official tour guides (wearing uniforms and carrying ID badges) at the entrance to Pit No. 1. Group tours cost about 20 yuan per person.
Honest Advice
Official tour guides are located in the entrance hall of Pit No. 1—do not accept any “tour guides” who approach you in the outdoor parking lot or on the street.
The “Freshly Sliced Fruit” Scam on Hui Muslim Street
Medium RiskScam Tactics
Freshly cut fruit stalls on Hui Min Street’s main street either don’t display prices or list extremely low ones. After you’ve picked your fruit, they’ll weigh it and tell you “50 yuan”—only to reveal that this is the price per liang or that the scale has been tampered with.
How to Avoid
Don’t buy freshly cut fruit from street vendors. If you want fruit, go to a supermarket.
Honest Advice
Hui Muslim Street is way too crowded—if you want to eat fruit, just go to a regular fruit shop.
Fake taxi
Medium RiskScam Tactics
Near the train station and the Terracotta Army site, unlicensed taxis often pose as legitimate ones. They don’t use the meter and charge arbitrary fares.
How to Avoid
Book a ride with Didi or wait in line at the official taxi stand.
Honest Advice
Didi works just as well in Xi’an. As soon as you exit the train station or a tourist attraction, open the Didi app first and ignore the “drivers” hailing passengers on the street.
China Is Very Safe
Despite the warnings listed above, please remember: China has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world, and crimes targeting foreigners are extremely rare. The reminders listed above primarily concern being overcharged and inconveniences—not danger. Use basic common sense, trust your instincts, and you’re sure to have a wonderful and safe trip.