Where is Xi’an China

Where is Xi’an China? Xi’an is in the central part of China’s territory. But administratively, Xi’an is often categorized into the northwest region of China. It was the starting point of Silk Road in ancient time. The exact Xi’an location is between 107.40 to 109.49 degrees east longitude and 33.42 to 34.45 degrees north latitude. Now, this city has an area of about 9,900 square kilometers (3,800 square miles), of which the urban area is 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles).  
 Xi’an is in the center of Guanzhong Plain (Weihe Plain), bordering the Weihe River in the north and Qinling Mountains in the south. Because the city is in an alluvial plain with eroded Qinling Mountains in the south suburb, the topography is generally high in the southeast and low in the northwest & southwest, shaping like a dustpan. 

The altitude of the Guanzhong Plain is 400 ~ 700 meters (1,300 ~ 2,300 feet), and the lowest part of the Weihe River bed is only 345 meters (1,100 feet) above sea level, where the urban area of Xi'an was built. The towering and steep Qinling Mountains has a ridge altitude of 2,000 ~ 2,800 meters (6,500 ~ 9,200 feet), which is a geographical boundary between North and South China. 
 Xi’an location in central China makes it the gate between northwest China and Central Plain, North China and East China. It can be reached by flight, high speed train, traditional train, and long-distance bus from almost all major cities and tourism destinations in China. Nowadays, one international airport, two railway stations and 7 main long distance bus stations are available in the city.
 Distance: 1,200 kilometers (750 miles)
1. Beijing – Xi’an Flight: 2 hours, CNY 1,500 to 2,000
There are frequent direct flights from Beijing Capital Airport / Daxing Airport to Xi’an Xianyang Airport. It takes about 2 hours on the way. The fare is about CNY 1,800 for full fare economy class; but usually 20%-60% discount are available.

2. Beijing – Xi’an High Speed Train: 4.5 – 6.5 hours, CNY 515.5 for Second Class Seat
Take high speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an North Railway Station. The duration is 4.5 to 6.5 hours in general. The ticket fare for first class seat is CNY824.5 and for second class seat is CNY515.5. 

3. Overnight Sleeper Train:11.5 - 15 hours, CNY 272.5/288.5 for Hard Sleeper
They are running overnight from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an Railway Station. Taking overnight sleeper train is a prior choice for budget travelers for saving one-night hotel expense. Besides, passengers can sleep one night and continue the sightseeing upon arrival in the morning without wasting daytime.
 Read more: Beijing - Xi'an Train vs. Plane

4. Long Distance Bus: 12 hours
There is one coach from Beijing Liuliqiao Coach Station to Xi’an Sanfuwan Long Distance Bus Station. It departs at 17:45 with the fare of CNY 278, spending around 12 hours.
 Distance: 1,400 kilometers (870 miles)
1. Shanghai - Xi’an Flight: 3 hours, CNY 1,000 to 1,500
Both Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport operate direct flights to Xi’an every day. It takes nearly 3 hours on the way with the fluctuating prices ranging from CNY 1,000 to CNY 1,500.

2. Shanghai - Xi’an High Speed Train: 6 - 7.5 hours, CNY 669.5 for Second Class Seat
Taking train from Hongqiao Railway Station is recommended because it has more schedules than Shanghai Railway Station. It takes about 6 to 7.5 hours on the way. The 1st Class Seat is CNY 1,095 and the Second Class Seat is CNY 669.5. Besides the daytime ones, there is an overnight high speed train running with the duration of 11 hours. 

3. Shanghai to Xi’an Overnight Sleeper Train: 15 - 16.5 hours, CNY 435.5 - 533.5 for Soft Sleeper
The overnight sleeper trains run from Shanghai Railway Station to Xi’an Railway Station. They help budget travelers save one-night accommodation expenditure.

4. Long Distance Bus: 15 hours
Take a long distance bus from Shanghai North Coach Station or Hutai Road Coach Station. The duration is about 15 hours.
 Distance: 700 kilometers (440 miles)
1. Chengdu - Xi’an Flight: 1.5 hours, CNY 700 to CNY 1,200
The direct flights from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport only take around 1.5 hours to arrive in Xi’an.

2. Chengdu - Xi’an High Speed Train: 3 - 4.5 hours, CNY 263 for Second Class Seat
Convenient high speed trains are available at Chengdu East Railway Station. It takes 3 to 4.5 hours on the way. The fare for 1st Class Seat is CNY 421 and for 2nd Class Seat is CNY 263.

3. Chengdu - Xi’an Overnight Sleeper Train: 10 -17 hours, CNY 315 - 400 for Soft Sleeper
If passengers take overnight train from Chengdu Railway Station, they will arrive at Xi’an Railway Station in the next morning or next noon, which can save more time for sightseeing and one-night hotel expense as well. 
 Distance: 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles)
1. Guangzhou - Xi’an Flight: 2.5 - 3 hours, CNY 800 to CNY 1,500
It only spends around 2.5 to 3 hours by taking direct flights from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Xi’an. There are several schedules every day.

2. Guangzhou - Xi’an High Speed Train: 7.5 - 9 hours, CNY 813.5 for Second Class Seat
It is suggested to take high speed train from Guangzhou South Railway Station and arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station. In general, the duration is 7.5 to 9 hours. The ticket fares are CNY 1,301.5 for 1st Class Seat and CNY 813.5 for 2nd Class Seat.
 Distance: 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles)
1. Flight: 3 hours
First of all, passengers can travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport. Pass the border from Lo Wu Port and enter Shenzhen first. Then take metro line 1 to Chegongmiao Station and transfer to metro line 11 to Airport Station. Take direct flight from Bao’an Airport to Xi’an. The duration is around 3 hours.
 See How to travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport

2. High Speed Train: 10 hours, CNY 888 for Second Class Seat
One needs to go to Shenzhen to take it. Pass the border from Futian Port and arrive at Shenzhen first. Then take metro line 4 to Shenzhen North Railway Station. The direct high speed trains are only available at Shenzhen North Railway Station. It has a nearly 10-hour journey on the way. The 1st Class Seat is CNY 1,401 and the 2nd Class Seat is CNY 888.
 

Distance: 1,400 kilometers (870 miles)
1. Guilin - Xi’an Flight: 2 hours, CNY 1,000 - CNY 1,500
Passengers can take a flight from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Xi’an Xianyang Airport. The transportation is quite convenient with the 2 hours flight time.

2. Guilin - Xi’an High Speed Train: 11 hours, CNY 702 for Second Class Seat
There is only one high speed train that departs at 11:27 from Guilin North Railway Station. It takes around 11 hours on the way. The 1st Class Seat ticket costs CNY 1,122.5 and the 2nd Class Seat ticket costs CNY 702.

 Read more: How to Travel between Xi'an and Guilin 


 Further reading: 
How Many Days in Xi’an Needed?   
Where to Stay in Xi’an China – 8 Best Areas
10 Best Places to Visit in Xi’an
Top 10 Things to Do in Xi'an
7 Things to Do in Xi’an in Spring
What to Do in Xi’an in Winter - 7 Best Destinations