Is Xian Safe in September 2026?

Scammers create fake websites and social media profiles impersonating legitimate Xi'an tour companies. Tourists book tickets for Terracotta Warriors or other major attractions, pay upfront, and receive no ticket or access. The fake sites closely mimic real company logos and pricing.

How to avoid: Only book through official government-verified tour sites (xian-tourism.com) or major international platforms like Viator. Verify phone numbers by calling the main tourism office. Never click links in unsolicited emails or messages.

Unlicensed drivers approach tourists outside Xian North Railway Station and near the Terracotta Warriors, offering rides at seemingly good rates. They take passengers to unknown attractions and shops — and some tourists have been robbed. Legitimate Xian taxis are painted yellow or partial yellow with green.

How to avoid: Only take official metered taxis. Say "qing da biao" (please use the meter) before the car moves. Use Didi for transparent upfront pricing. Ignore anyone who approaches you offering a ride outside the taxi rank.

Food vendors in the Muslim Quarter sell nut cakes, candied fruits, and snacks priced "per piece" but charge by gram once the item is sliced. Tourists have paid over 500 RMB for what they thought was a small item. The vendor cuts a much larger portion than expected.

How to avoid: Always confirm whether an item is priced per piece or per gram before the vendor starts cutting. Point and ask "zhege duoshao qian?" (how much is this?) and get a confirmed total before they slice. Walk away if they cannot give a firm price upfront.

Young people posing as art students approach tourists near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and on the Ancient City Wall, claiming to be exhibiting graduation artwork at a nearby gallery and inviting visitors to a free showing. Once inside, visitors are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics to purchase low-quality prints and paintings at grossly inflated prices. Refusing to buy can result in guilt-tripping, door-blocking, or demands that guests pay an "entrance fee" not mentioned earlier.

How to avoid: Politely decline invitations from strangers to visit private galleries or studios, even when framed as free cultural events. If you are genuinely interested in local art, visit the established Shaanxi History Museum gift shop or licensed galleries near the Tang West Market, where prices are displayed and fixed. Do not follow strangers into unmarked doorways or residential buildings.

Touts near the Terracotta Warriors museum sell fake tickets at a claimed discount. The tickets are refused at the entrance and tourists must buy genuine tickets again. The real site frequently sells out, making discounted "guaranteed entry" tickets especially tempting.

How to avoid: Book Terracotta Warriors tickets in advance only through the official website or WeChat mini-program. Do not buy from anyone outside the entrance. There are no legitimate third-party discounts for this attraction.