Transport · Stations · Xi'an
Xi'an North Railway Station
西安北站. Xi'an's high-speed hub north of the city walls, gateway to the Silk Road, Terracotta Warriors, and the Tang dynasty capital.
About this station
Xi'an North Railway Station serves one of China's most historically significant cities — the former Chang'an, imperial capital through the Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties, and the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road trade routes. The station opened in 2010 as the Xi'an end of the Zhengzhou–Xi'an high-speed line, which was then extended westward toward Lanzhou and eventually Urumqi.
The building is a large, properly considered piece of architecture referencing Tang dynasty palace forms — the bracketed eaves profile and the warm ochre and grey colour scheme are deliberate citations of the nearby restored Tang palace structures in the Da Ming Palace National Heritage Park. The reference works: the station has more character than many comparable facilities.
Xi'an's attractions are spread across a large area. The Terracotta Warriors are about 40 minutes east of the city by shuttle from Xi'an Railway Station (the older central station). The old city walls, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter are all within the walled city, accessible by metro. The Shaanxi History Museum, considered one of China's finest, is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Entry tips
Xi'an North is the city's high-speed hub, located north of the ancient city walls in the Weiyang district. Allow 35 minutes. The station is large but well organised. Note that some conventional trains use the older Xi'an Station (south of the city walls), which is more central.
Security flow
Three-stage process. The station has improved its English signage for foreign visitors. The waiting halls are grouped by zone; check your ticket for the designated hall before entering.
Food inside the station
Xi'an specialities including roujiamo (pork flatbread sandwiches), yangrou paomo (lamb bread soup), and biangbiang noodle varieties alongside standard chains. One of the better stations for regional cuisine representation.
Food nearby
The Weiyang district is primarily residential and commercial. For the full Muslim Quarter street food experience, take Metro Line 4 south toward the old city (approximately 25 minutes).
Transit to the city
Metro Line 4 connects Xi'an North to the Bell Tower area of the old city in about 25 minutes (CNY 5). Taxis to the Muslim Quarter cost approximately CNY 30–45. Ride-hailing apps work reliably.