Visit Xian in October

Plan your Xian tour  in October? Generally, October is an ideal month to visit Xian in terms of comfortable weather and autumn hues. But you’d  better avoid visiting Xian during the week-long holiday (October 01 – 07 ) – China National Day.

Like other tourist cities,  Xian is packed with domestic tourists during the most important red-letter day in China.

The Weather in October in Xian

Xian’ average temperature in October ranges from 19℃ ~ 10℃. The first half month of October falls above 20℃ and the later half below 20℃, a bit colder and you need to wear warmly if you are going to visit Xian at the end of October.

Though a dry city, Xian in October expects some rain and you need to bring your rain jacket or umbrella. Check out the online daily weather report for your visit in Xian.

Historical Weather Data for October in Xian

This past historical weather data is quite useful for you to plan your trip to Xian well in advance.  You may use the data to decide what to wear and what to see  on your coming trip to Xian.

What to Wear

For the first half of October, you may wear T-shirt, thin pants or jeans during daytime; long sleeve shirts thin jackets in the evening. For the later half of October, you may wear long sleeve shirts, pants or jeans during the day; jackets in the evening.

October expects some rain, and you should remember to bring your rain jacket or umbrella. If it rains, the feeling temperature will be much lower and  you should put on more.

Xian is a dry and grey historical city. Wearing brightly, you will make brilliant photos.

Where to Stay

Xian is a very compact and walkable city, so no matter where you are going to stay you will easily get to the major attractions and shopping areas in Xian.

The city layout within Xian City Wall is based on a grid pattern centrally denoted by the grand Bell Tower (钟楼), which levels out four main avenues clockwise: East avenue (Dong Dajie 东大街), South Avenue ( Nan Dajie 南大街), West Avenue (Xi Dajie 西大街) and North Avenue (Bei Dajie 北大街). Xian Railway Station is just located on the northeast corner of Xian city wall while Xian Airport is located 40km northwest of Xian.

The areas near Bell Tower, East Avenue, South Avenue, West Avenue and North Avenue are considered ideal places to stay in Xian.   Check out the link for more information – Where to Stay in Xian.

What to See

Xian is well known for its historical relics, both above ground and underneath. Season or weather changes make no  big difference for sightseeing in Xian though October is a good time for autumn views.

So if you travel Xian in October as a first-time visitor, you may cover the major attractions like Terracotta Warriors, Xian City Wall, Xian Muslim Quarter,  the Great Mosque Bell & Drum Towers and the list could be longer if you stay in Xian for quite a few days.  Check out the Top 10 Attractions in Xian for more information.

The Mid-October through Mid-November is the best time to see autumn colours around Xian. If you are a leaf-peeping enthusiast, Xian does have something to offer. But most of the places for autumn leaves in Xian are out of town.

For the time-strapped visitors, Xingqing Palace Park （兴庆宫公园） is a good alternative. Xingqing Palace Park is located in the eastern suburb of Xian, about 6km to the east of Bell Tower, the city center of Xian. It was built on the former site of the Xingqing Palace of the Tang Dynasty.

Today the relics of the former Xingqing Palace has been turned into a free city park. There are some original relics of the former Xingqing Palace. In addition, some ponds, pavilion, halls and buildings have been rebuilt according to the Tang Dynasty style.

Xingqing Palace Park is an ideal place to view the autumn leaves in Xian. Xingqing Lake built on the former “Dragon Lake” is ringed with dense trees and green lawns, changing into a color wonderland in autumn.

It is very easy for you to take a bus from Bello Tower to Xingqing Palace Park 兴庆宫. Take the buses from the east of Bell Tower – Bus 43, 622 or 203 along the East Avenue and get off at the stop of the North Gate of Xingqing Palace Park 兴庆公园北门站 ( 5 stops and 20 minutes ), then walk 210 meters to the park.

Check out the Top Places for Autumn Views in Xian.

What to Eat

Xian is a haven for eaters. Hitting the foot streets of Muslim Quarter is a must for first-time visitors.

It is said there are over 300 Muslim local snacks on the streets in Xian Muslim Quarter that attract a consistent flow of visitors everyday coming here to savor or just have a glimpse.

Have a bite of some of the local food: the famous Xi’an Liangpi (cold skin noodles) , the lamb skewers, the cuttlefish, the yogurt, pomegranate juice and the list could be much longer.
Check out Tips for Visiting Muslim Quarter in Xian  for more information.