Xi'an, China 🇨🇳
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China's oldest cities, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.15 USD. Major banks include ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Data plans are affordable. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard accepted in major establishments, though cash is still common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hostels, and hotels. Websites like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and local Chinese sites offer listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate platforms like Anjuke and 58.com offer many options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Xi'an Travellers' Garden offer rooms starting at around CNY 80 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | InnoSpace is a popular coworking location with various amenities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | V60 Specialty Coffee offers a great atmosphere with good Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Xi'an International Community hosts regular meetups for expats and locals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Xi'an Expats group on Facebook is active in organizing gatherings and cultural exchanges. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | DiDi is the most popular ride-hailing app in Xi'an. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo provide convenient bike-sharing services across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Xi'an is landlocked; nearest coastal city, Yantai, is approximately 1,200 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Shaanxi Airlines operates regional flights around China. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and China Eastern Airlines operate international flights from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | G30 highway connects Xi'an to major cities across China. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xi'an Railway Station is the main hub for train services, including high-speed trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | A public transport card can be purchased for buses and the metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Xi'an with surrounding cities like Chengdu and Lanzhou. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Xi'an International Medical Center provides good services for expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogini Yoga Studio offers classes in a relaxed environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness provide various fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, such as Laundromat Xi'an, with affordable pricing. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me offer extensive food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biangbiang noodles, a local specialty known for its wide, hand-pulled noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut is a well-known vegan restaurant chain in Xi'an. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dehua Bakery is famous for its traditional Chinese pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Shuyuanmen Street is great for budget shopping and exploring local crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Taobao and JD.com are popular options for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Sun Art and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Muslim Quarter has vibrant nightlife and street food options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Xi'an Brewery offers local craft beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Republic offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Muslim Quarter is renowned for its street food stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizza Hut and KFC are popular for international fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Terracotta Army and the ancient City Wall are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Xi'an Museum showcases the city's ancient history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are iconic historical landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque of Xi'an is a significant cultural and religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Xi'an Silk Road International Arts Festival occurs every autumn. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Muslim Quarter is rich in culture, food, and shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Xi'an Theater hosts traditional and contemporary performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Shuyuanmen Calligraphy Street is known for handicrafts and traditional art. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in cafes and bars around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | City wall murals and local street art can be found around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Xi'an International Community teach authentic local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Xi'an Art Museum showcases local and contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Tang Paradise showcases Tang Dynasty culture and architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Xi'an is known as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Hua, one of China's Five Great Mountains, is a popular hiking destination. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Qinling Mountains National Park is about an hour's drive from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along Xi'an City Wall offer scenic cycling and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The South Gate of the Xi'an City Wall provides beautiful city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Xi'an Wetland Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks in Xi'an allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Express delivery services like SF Express and China Post are widely available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near the city center provide repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have ping pong tables available for free play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin language schools, like Xi'an International Studies University, offer classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Xi'an Public Library is quiet and conducive for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Xi'an International Community Center offers various services and activities for foreigners. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer a great spot for gaming and socializing. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Xi'an; visit local entertainment venues for games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CNY 800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CNY 600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CNY 1,320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 17,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CNY 1,020,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CNY 2,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CNY 1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Chinese tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% for most goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations that may affect foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% for property transfers. |