Xi'an 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Now 240h)
Visa-free transit rules, entry steps, designated ports & routes — updated for the 240-hour (10-day) policy
Transit rules vary by nationality and route — check if you qualify in 30 seconds →
Is your route eligible? The A→B→C rule: your onward ticket must go to a third country or region — not back to where you came from.
Check my 240h eligibility →Requirements for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Valid ordinary passport
- Practical tip: passport validity should cover your stay and onward travel — some airline check-in systems apply their own rules, so confirm with your airline if your passport is close to expiry
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Hotel booking or accommodation address
- WeChat Pay activated for cashless payments
- Essential apps downloaded (WeChat, Alipay, Metro, Didi)
Two documents do the heavy lifting: a valid ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (with seat and date). The old 72-hour and 144-hour tiers have been consolidated into this single 240-hour policy.
Entry Process at Xi'an
- Before boarding: your airline checks the onward ticket — have the third-country booking ready.
- On arrival: go to the 240-hour transit inspection counter and fill in the arrival card.
- At border inspection: receive the temporary entry permit; the 240-hour clock starts at the moment of entry.
- During your stay: tourism, business, visits and family reunions are fine — work, study and news reporting still require a visa.
- Before 240 hours are up: exit through any designated port in China — it does not have to be Xi'an.
Permitted Area from Xi'an
240h visa-free transit available. You may enter and exit via any of the 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions and travel across provinces within the permitted areas for up to 240 hours (10 days). Region: Shaanxi.
Cross-province travel within the permitted areas is officially allowed — you can enter in one city and depart from another, as long as both are designated ports.
240h Transit Ports in Xi'an
| Port | Type | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Xi'an Xianyang International Airport | Airport | XIY |
Why Transit Through Xi’an?
Xi’an — capital of 13 dynasties and the eastern gateway of the Silk Road — is home to the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. With Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) designated as Shaanxi’s 240-hour transit port, it’s a bucket-list stop that works perfectly on a visa-free transit.
240h Itinerary — Xi’an in Up to 10 Days
The 240-hour visa-free transit gives you up to 10 days in China. This two-day core itinerary works on any timeline — stretch it across the full permitted stay, or use it as-is.
Day 1: Ancient Wonders
Morning — Terracotta Warriors (Bingmayong) Arrive at opening time (8:30 AM). The three excavated pits display thousands of warriors, horses, and chariots. Allow 3-4 hours. Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Palace, then Bus 602 or a taxi (¥30-50) to the site.
Midday — Huaqing Palace & Hot Springs (Huaqinggong) Adjacent to the Terracotta Army, this Tang dynasty palace is where Emperor Xuanzong hosted his famous consort Yang Guifei. The outdoor pools and views are memorable.
Afternoon — Great Mosque & Muslim Quarter Return to the city and explore the Great Mosque of Xi’an — one of China’s oldest and largest. Then walk through the bustling Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) — try yangrou chuan (lamb skewers) and liangpi (cold noodles).
Day 2: City Wall & Old City
Morning — Xi’an City Wall Rent a bicycle (¥45 for 90 min) and ride the 14 km circuit on top of the ancient Ming dynasty wall. The best time is early morning. Access via Metro Line 2 to Yongning Gate.
Midday — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta) This 7th-century Buddhist pagoda is one of Xi’an’s icons. The surrounding Daci’en Temple complex and North Square are impressive. Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Da Ci’en Temple.
Afternoon — Shaanxi History Museum China’s first large-scale national museum. Over 1.7 million artifacts spanning 100,000 years of Chinese history. Free entry but arrive early or book via the official app.
Evening — South Gate (Yongningmen) Night Scene Walk or bike the wall at sunset, then descend at the South Gate to see the nightly light show on the illuminated architecture.
Short connections favor certainty: Klook’s Xi’an listings include guided Terracotta Army tours with transfers, folding the Metro-plus-bus logistics into a single booking.
Getting From the Airport
From Xi’an Xianyang Airport (XIY)
- Metro Line 14 + Line 2: ~60 min to city center (North Street), ¥7
- Airport Bus: Routes to major hotels — ¥25-35, 60-90 min
- Taxi: ~50 min to city center, ¥130-180
Getting Around Xi’an
Xi’an Metro has 9 lines. The city is compact enough to walk or bike in the old city area.
Key lines:
- Line 2: City Wall (Yongning Gate), Bell Tower, South Street
- Line 1: Muslim Quarter, East Street
- Line 4: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
240h Extended Route: Shaanxi & Beyond
With 240h, cross-province travel is allowed within the permitted areas — though Shaanxi alone can fill the stay:
Mount Huashan (1-2 days) — 30-60 min by high-speed train One of China’s Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, famous for the world’s most dangerous plank walk (Changkong Zhandao). Take a G- or D-train from Xi’an North to Huashan North (train types and times vary — recheck when booking), then a taxi to the cable car.
Hanzhong (1-2 days) — 1.5 hours by high-speed train Ancient capital of the Western Han dynasty, known for its spring blossoms and Han-dynasty relics. Take G-trains from Xi’an North (¥70-90, 1.5h).
Luggage Storage
| Location | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| XIY T2 Arrivals (Left Luggage) | ¥40-60/day | 24h |
| Xi’an Railway Station | ¥30-50/day | 8:00-20:00 |
Practical Tips
- Terracotta Army: Arrive early, go on weekdays if possible
- WeChat Pay: Essential — available at XIY arrivals
- Cash: The Muslim Quarter still accepts cash more readily than other areas
Emergency Contacts
- Xi’an Tourism Hotline: +86-29-12301
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
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Related Resources
Xi'an 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit — FAQ
Can I leave Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) during a 144-hour (240-hour) transit?
Yes — if your nationality is on the 57-country eligible list and you hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. After border inspection at the 240-hour transit counter you receive a temporary entry permit for up to 240 hours (10 days), and you can leave the airport freely.
Can I visit the Terracotta Army on a visa-free transit?
Yes — tourism is a permitted activity under the 240-hour policy. The site is in Lintong District, about 40 km east of downtown: Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Palace then a local bus or short taxi ride. Allow 3-4 hours on site and go at opening time for the thinnest crowds.
Is XIY the only 240-hour transit port in Shaanxi?
Yes — Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is Shaanxi province's single designated port for the policy. You can enter at XIY and exit through any other designated port in China, or the reverse; your exit city does not have to match your entry city.
Can I climb Mount Huashan during my transit?
Yes. Huashan is in Shaanxi, well inside the permitted area, and under the 240-hour policy cross-province travel is allowed as well. High-speed trains reach Huashan North from Xi'an North in roughly 30-60 minutes (train types and times vary — recheck when booking), and the mountain needs a full day.
How early should I arrive at XIY for the transit procedure?
The transit inspection happens after landing — factor in 1-2 hours at the 240-hour transit counter during peak arrivals. Also budget ground time: XIY sits about 50 km from downtown, roughly an hour by Metro (Line 14 then Line 2). Your airline checks the third-country ticket before boarding, so keep that booking handy at check-in.
Source: National Immigration Administration — Visa-Free Transit Policies, updated 2026-08-20. Data verified 2026-09-06.
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© 2026 China Neighbor ·Original article: · Last verified:Sep 6, 2026
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