72 Hours in Xi'an

A relaxed visa policy makes it easy for tourists in transit to see China's ancient capital. Ma Lie reveals how to make the most of three days at the Silk Road's starting point.

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province and well-known as the hometown of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) Terracotta Warriors, can now be enjoyed by transit visitors. The city will enact a 72-hour visa-free policy beginning June 1 for travelers from 51 countries. It is the first city in Northwest China, and the eighth in the country, approved to implement such a policy.

Transit passengers holding valid visas and a flight ticket to the third country are allowed to stay visa-free in the administrative areas of Xi'an and Xianyang, a city neighboring Xi'an and the location of Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, for three days, says Cui Guozheng, deputy director of the exit and entry administration bureau under the provincial public security department.