About Xi'an
西安古称长安，是中华民族历史文化的重要发祥地，也是人类文明发达最早的地区之一，西安有着3100多年的建城史和1100多年的国都史，是中国建都最早、朝代最多、历时最长的古都，也是世界著名的历史文化名城和国际旅游城市。人们都说，走进西安，就像走进了中国历史的博物馆: 名胜古迹星罗棋布; 稀世文物灿若星辰。金匾丹青赏心悦目;古槐青砖意境深邃，一座城市简直就是一部流动的历史。
Xi'an is more multicultural than many cities in China and the
people here are used to dealing with tourists. This small city
is very easy to get around, especially as the numerous buses
stop at all the major attractions and there are plenty of maps
available to help visitors find their way.
Customs and etiquette
While the people of Xi'an are generally very tolerant toward
foreign visitors, it is worth noting that this is a very
conservative society and visitors should take care while in
public. Showing public affection is frowned upon here, as is
wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting temples and
other sacred sights.
As with the rest of China, tipping is not common practice in
Xi'an and most top-end hotels and restaurants include a service
charge in their prices.
Money
The base unit of currency in Xi'an, as in most of the People's
Republic of China, is the yuan (CNY), which is often written as
¥. There are plenty of places in Xi'an where visitors can change
currency, draw money from ATMs and use credit cards to pay for
goods and services. Generally, cash is the best method of
payment for items.
Weather
Xi'an is located in a warm temperate zone and has a continental
monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The city tends to be
hot and wet in the summer, cold with frequent snowfall in the
winter, while it often rains in spring and fall.
Many visitors find Xi'an uncomfortably hot in the summer and
freezing during the wintertime. This means that the best months
for travel are during the spring, which takes place from March
to May, and again in the fall, from September to November.
Transportation
Xi'an is blessed with an excellent public transport system and
those who know where they are going will find a large number of
buses available to take them all over the city. The main bus
station is located opposite the train station, just outside the
city walls, and tourists will find line 610 the most convenient
as it passes by a large number of tourist attractions such as
the Bell Tower.
The North/South train line was completed just a couple of years
ago and transports people across the city, while the East/West
line is due to be finished soon. There are also plenty of taxis
available and the fares are low compared to those in Western
countries.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located 50km
northwest of the city center. From the airport it is possible to
take a taxi straight to the city center. Visitors can also
choose to save money by taking the regular shuttle bus. Tickets
are sold at a counter just inside the Arrivals hall and buses
can be found parked just outside.
Fast facts
Population: 2,670,000
Spoken languages: Mandarin, English, Shanxi Dialect
Electrical: 220 Volts, 50 Hertz
Phone/calling code: +86 29
(https://www.hotels.com/articles/ar001627/xi-an-travel-tips-helpful-hints-and-advice-on-local-destination-information/)