Essential Xianyang Travel FAQ
How much should I expect to pay for a good quality terracotta figurine?
For a hand-finished, medium-sized (about 25cm tall) figurine with decent detail, a fair price after bargaining in the local market is between 180 and 350 RMB. The tiny, mass-produced ones near the entrance go for 50-80 RMB, but they lack character. The large, elaborate pieces you might see can run over 800 RMB. Decide on the size and quality you want before you start looking to avoid impulse buys.
Are the "ancient coin" souvenirs sold here real?
Almost certainly not. They are modern replicas, often made to look aged. Selling real ancient coins from an imperial tomb site would be illegal. They can still be cool souvenirs if you like the look, but buy them as replicas. A bundle of five replica coins should cost no more than 40-60 RMB. If a vendor insists they're "genuine artifacts," walk away—it's a red flag.
What's the best way to get to the Xingping markets from Maoling?
The most flexible option is a DiDi (China's Uber). It should cost around 20-30 RMB for the 15-minute ride. You can also ask your taxi driver from Xianyang or Xi'an to wait or take you there after your tomb visit, though this will cost more. Public buses exist but can be confusing for visitors without Chinese language skills. I found the DiDi app reliable in this area.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Qian County?
No. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Even locals boil their tap water. In restaurants, they will provide boiled water or tea, which is safe.
What if I can't use chopsticks?
Most places will have spoons, and for noodle soups, a spoon is actually essential for drinking the broth. For the noodles themselves, you can ask for a fork (“chāzi”). They might have one. If not, don't be embarrassed to use the spoon to scoop up noodles. It's messy but works. Watching a quick video on basic chopstick technique for grabbing (not stabbing) noodles before your trip helps immensely.
How do I pay if a stall doesn't accept cards or my mobile payment fails?
This is why having cash is your safety net. Before you order, it's smart to look for the QR codes for WeChat Pay or Alipay, usually displayed prominently. If you don't see them, have your cash ready. A simple “duōshǎo qián?” (多少钱？ How much money?) after you finish eating will get you the price.
I have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free). Can I eat near Qianling?
It's challenging. Vegetarian options exist—liangpi can be made without meat, and there are simple stir-fried vegetable dishes. However, broths are often meat-based (even if you don't see meat), and cross-contamination is certain. Gluten-free is nearly impossible, as wheat is the foundation of the local diet (noodles, flatbreads). Your safest bet is plain rice, steamed vegetables from a more proper restaurant in Qianxian town, or planning your main meals back in Xi'an where there are more specialized options.
Are the street food stalls hygienic? Will I get sick?
Focus on stalls where the food is cooked to order at high heat—like noodles boiled right in front of you or flatbreads coming straight out of a hot oven. Avoid pre-cut fruit or room-temperature items. The vinegar and chili in many sauces have preservative qualities. My rule: if the place is busy with locals, that's a good sign. Their regular patronage means the turnover is high and the food is fresh. I've eaten at these simple Qian County spots multiple times and never had an issue, but everyone's stomach is different. Come prepared with your own medication just in case.
I only have WeChat Pay/Alipay, no cash. Is that okay?
In the village stalls, almost certainly yes. Mobile payment is ubiquitous in China. The roadside workshops are adopting it too, but it's less guaranteed. I'd recommend carrying at least 200 RMB in cash as a backup, especially if you venture to the more rustic workshops. You don't want to fall in love with a piece and have no way to pay for it.
How do I know if a Tang Sancai replica is good quality or a cheap tourist knock-off?
Pick it up. A cheap piece feels surprisingly light and hollow. The glaze will look painted on—flat, uniform, and with perfectly sharp lines between colors. Authentic-style replicas are heavier (the clay is denser), and the glaze has a dripped, pooled, slightly unpredictable look where colors blend naturally. Look at fine details like the animal's face or harness straps; they should be crisp, not blurry.
Cultural Landmark
Ancient Historical Site
Archaeological, Historical
Tang Imperial Mausoleum
Recent Reviews
What a peaceful break from the hustle of Xi'an! Xianyang has a slower pace, friendly locals, and the Weishui River walk is stunning at sunset. I visited the Fenghuangtai ruins – quiet and photogenic. Even found a small tea shop where the owner brewed me a free cup. Highly recommend for a day trip off the beaten path.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. The main sites like the city wall are nice but everything felt underpromoted – hard to find good information online. The hotel staff didn't speak much English, which made ordering food tricky. Not the worst place, but I'd rather spend my time in Xi'an if I had to choose again.
Came for the Han Yang Ling mausoleum and left impressed. The underground museum is super interactive and the glass floor over the pits is a nice touch. Also tried the local lamb paomo – hearty and perfect for the chilly weather. Only downside: public transport between attractions isn't super frequent, so plan ahead.
Stayed in Xianyang for two nights while visiting the terracotta warriors. The hotel was decent but the city itself felt a bit dull after sunset – not many nightlife options. The museum was good but I wish there were more English descriptions. Okay for a short stopover but I wouldn't plan a long trip here.
Xianyang surprised me more than I expected. The ancient city wall and the tomb of Emperor Jingdi are absolutely worth seeing – so well preserved and not overcrowded at all. I loved the quiet atmosphere compared to Xi'an. The local street food near the train station was delicious too, especially the biangbiang noodles. Definitely a hidden gem for history lovers.
Xianyang is a nice side trip if you’re already in Xi’an. The main square has a huge statue of Qin Shihuang, and the lakeside walk is pleasant. However, the vegetarian options were limited — most noodle shops only had pork or beef. The hotel staff tried hard to communicate in English, which I appreciated. Solid 4 stars from me.
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