Xi’an Tourist Scams: What to Avoid and How to Stay Safe

Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: April 05, 2026

Xi’an always pulls me in slowly. You walk the old city wall, hear bicycle bells echo off grey bricks, and suddenly 3,000 years of history doesn’t feel distant—it feels close, almost personal.

But then, somewhere between a friendly chat and a “helpful” offer, the mood can shift. Xi’an tourist scams aren’t aggressive—they’re subtle, easy to miss. I’ve seen travelers get caught in these hidden snags without realizing it. So let me walk you through the common Xi’an scams, and how to move through the city with quiet confidence.

1. Common Xi’an Tourist Scams

When you land in Xi’an, adventure begins—but so can the scams. Some tricks start right at the station or airport. Don’t worry. With a little prep, you’ll stay one step ahead.

1) Xi’an Transport Traps

You step off the train or plane, excited and maybe a little tired. Suddenly, a friendly driver appears. He offers a “special price” or says he’ll use the meter. It sounds convenient. But later, you’re stuck paying double—or worse.

At Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Xi’an North Railway Station, this is a common Xi’an scam. Unlicensed drivers wait outside, targeting tourists unfamiliar with local fares.

To stay safe, head to the official taxi line. All legal taxis use meters. Next, consider using Didi Chuxing, China’s version of Uber. The app gives you a fixed fare and clear route.

Before you go, check trip time and cost with Baidu or Gaode Maps. It helps you spot overcharges.

And here’s a key phrase to remember:
“请打表，谢谢。” (Qǐng dǎbiǎo, xièxie.)
It means, “Please use the meter, thank you.” A simple sentence that can save you a lot.

2) Xi’an Ticket & Guide Traps

You’ve come all this way to see the Terracotta Army—don’t let a Xi’an tourist trap ruin it. Some travelers get misled before they even reach the real site.

First, beware of fake attractions. Some drivers will take you to a knockoff “Terracotta Museum” or a souvenir factory instead of the real one. Others sell overpriced “package deals” near the train station or bus stops, claiming big discounts.

Next, watch out for unlicensed guides. They often wait outside the entrance, offering tours that turn into shopping detours.

So, how do you stay on track?

Buy tickets only through trusted platforms like Meituan, Ctrip, or at the official ticket window. The real site is called the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum—this includes all three pits and Lishan Garden.

At the site, rent an audio guide or hire a licensed tour guide. And if anyone tries to redirect you, just say:
“我要去秦始皇陵博物院，谢谢。”
(Wǒ yào qù Qínshǐhuáng Líng Bówùyuàn, xièxie.)
“I want to go to the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Museum, thank you.” It’s your trip—don’t let a scam steer you off course.

3) Xi’an Shopping Scams

Xi’an’s markets can feel like treasure hunts. You’ll spot jade, calligraphy, and dried herbs glowing under stall lights. But some of those “treasures” come with a catch—and that’s where Xi’an scams often begin.

First, beware of antique stalls. That “ancient coin” or rare jade? It’s probably mass-produced, with a price tag to match. Even after bargaining, you might still overpay.

Then there’s the “calligraphy master.” He offers to write your name on the spot. Five minutes later, he’s asking for hundreds of yuan.

So what’s your move?

Always ask the price—and the unit—first. Feel free to look without buying. Just smile and say:
“谢谢，我只是看看。” (Xièxie, wǒ zhǐshì kànkan.)
“Thanks, I’m just looking.”

Or, if needed:
“太贵了，我不要。” (Tài guì le, wǒ bú yào.)
“That’s too expensive. I’ll pass.”

In Xi’an, your curiosity is welcome. Just pair it with a little caution.

4) Xi’an Food Traps

Xi’an’s food scene is legendary. You’ll smell cumin lamb skewers, watch noodles hand-pulled before your eyes, and bite into crispy roujiamo. But among the flavors, a few Xi’an tourist scams are simmering too.

First, watch out for “seasonal price” dishes. You’ll see “时价” on menus, often next to fish or seafood. It sounds fancy—until the bill arrives and it’s shockingly high. Always ask for the exact price and weight before ordering. Try saying:
“这条鱼大概多少钱？” (Zhè tiáo yú dàgài duōshǎo qián?)
“How much is this fish, roughly?”

Next, be careful in the Muslim Quarter. Some staff might pull you into quiet restaurants with big smiles—but small portions and big prices.

In addition, check the bill carefully. Paper napkins, tea, or tiny appetizers sometimes appear with hidden charges.

To stay in control, ask:
“这个多少钱？” (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)
And:
“纸巾是免费的吗？” (Zhǐjīn shì miǎnfèi de ma?)
“Are the napkins free?”

Finally, follow the locals. If there’s a line, the food is probably worth it. Duck into a side alley—you might just find your favorite meal in Xi’an.

5 ) Xi’an Lodging Traps

After a long travel day, all you want is a clean, safe place to rest. But Xi’an has its share of tourist traps when it comes to accommodation.

First, around train or bus stations, you may meet people holding signs for “cheap rooms.” They seem helpful at first. However, these places often lack basic hygiene or security. It’s not worth the risk.

Next, there’s the online “photo trap.” Some budget hotels or homestays post polished photos that don’t match reality. Once you arrive, the room may be dark, damp, or far from the city center.

To avoid these Xi’an traps, book ahead on trusted platforms like Ctrip, Meituan, or Booking.com. Look for places with a 4.5+ rating and plenty of recent reviews.

In addition, check real guest photos—not just the official ones.

Finally, stay in well-lit, central areas like the Bell Tower, South Gate, or Giant Wild Goose Pagoda zone. You’ll rest easier—and explore easier too.

6) Xi’an Entertainment Traps

Xi’an knows how to put on a show. From the dazzling “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” at Huaqing Palace to the glowing lights of Great Tang All Day Mall, you’ll find performances that bring history to life. But behind the curtain, a few Xi’an tourist scams are waiting.

First, beware of scalpers outside show venues. They may offer “last-minute deals” or “VIP tickets”—but these could be fake, or sold at double the price.

Next, some “free” or ultra-cheap tour buses promise round trips to major sights like the Terracotta Army. However, they often make long stops at tourist shops, pressuring you to buy overpriced souvenirs.

To avoid these Xi’an scams, always buy tickets through official websites, verified WeChat accounts, or trusted platforms like Meituan and Ctrip.

And remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose wisely—your time in Xi’an is too valuable to waste.

7) Other Small Traps

Not all Xi’an scams are big or dramatic—some sneak in quietly, just when your guard is down. But a little awareness goes a long way.

First, you might meet someone offering a “free” bracelet or charm in a busy area. Sounds friendly, right? But the moment you accept, they’ll ask for a donation—or try to pull you into a fortune-telling session for a fee.

Your best move? Smile, wave them off, and say:
“不用，谢谢。” (Bú yòng, xièxie.)
“No, thank you.” Then walk away.

Next, at night or in unfamiliar areas, some taxi drivers might take longer routes. To avoid this, open your map app. When the driver sees you’re watching, they’ll usually stay honest. You can also say:
“请按导航走。” (Qǐng àn dǎoháng zǒu.)
“Please follow the GPS.”

Finally, don’t buy fake student or discount passes near attractions. They won’t work—and getting caught could mean a fine or blacklisting. It’s not worth the risk.

Xi’an is the kind of place that opens up when you stay curious. Yes, Xi’an tourist scams exist—but they’re not what defines the city. Once you know where the hidden snags tend to appear, it becomes surprisingly easy to move through Xi’an scams with calm awareness.

I like to think of this kind of knowledge as a quiet advantage. It keeps your attention where it belongs—on the rhythm of the city, the smell of street food drifting through Muslim Quarter alleys, and those small, unexpected moments that make Xi’an stay with you long after you leave.

About the Author

Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.