Xi'an Mistakes & Scams Guide
Honest advice to help you dodge the common traps and travel safely.
Why This Page Matters
China is very safe for visitors — violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. What to watch for is overcharging, tourist traps, and unnecessary hassle. Knowing these scams can help you save money, time, and stress.
Unlicensed Tour Guides at the Terracotta Army
High RiskHow the Scam Works
Near the Terracotta Army parking lot, large numbers of people claiming to be “official guides” will swarm around you to solicit business. However, these individuals are not official guides—their explanations are riddled with errors, and they’ll eventually try to lure you into shopping.
How to Avoid
Only approach the official tour guides at the entrance to Pit 1 (they wear uniforms and carry ID badges). Group tours cost about 20 yuan per person.
Real Advice
Official tour guides are located inside the entrance hall of Pit No. 1—do not accept any “tour guides” who approach you outside in the parking lot or on the street.
The “freshly cut fruit” trap on Hui Muslim Street
Medium RiskHow the Scam Works
Freshly cut fruit stalls on the main street of Hui Muslim Street either don’t display prices or list extremely low ones. After you’ve picked your fruit, they’ll weigh it and tell you “50 yuan”—only to reveal that this is the price per liang or that the scale has been tampered with.
How to Avoid
Do not buy freshly cut fruit from roadside stalls. If you want fruit, go to a supermarket.
Real Advice
Too many people have fallen for this scam on Hui Minority Street—if you want fruit, go to a legitimate fruit store.
Fake Taxis
Medium RiskHow the Scam Works
Near the train station and the Terracotta Army site, there are unlicensed vehicles posing as taxis. They don’t use the meter and charge arbitrary prices.
How to Avoid
Use Didi to hail a ride, and wait in line at the official taxi stand.
Real Advice
Didi works just as well in Xi’an. Once you leave the train station or a tourist site, open the Didi app first and ignore the “drivers” soliciting passengers on the street.
China Is Very Safe
Despite the warnings above, remember: China has some of the lowest violent-crime rates in the world, and crime against foreigners is extremely rare. What's listed is mostly about overcharging and inconvenience — not danger. Use basic common sense, trust your instincts, and you'll have a wonderful, safe trip.