Seoul to Xianyang (Weicheng) (ICN–XIY) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

South Korean passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days under China's expanded transit visa exemption policy (renewed through 2025, confirm validity before booking). This applies to tourism, business, and transit purposes at major ports of entry. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in South Korea. A single-entry L (tourist) visa costs KRW 60,000 (about $45) and takes 4 working days. Express processing (2 days) costs KRW 90,000.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. For the visa-free entry, you need a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation. For a visa application, submit the completed form from cova.mfa.gov.cn, a passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background), flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and bank statements. Group tourist visas are available through authorized Korean travel agencies for organized tours.

Direct flights from Seoul Incheon to Beijing (2 hours), Shanghai (2 hours 15 minutes), and dozens of other Chinese cities run daily on Korean Air, Asiana, Air China, China Eastern, and budget carriers like T'way and Jin Air. China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY), trading at roughly 190 KRW per CNY 1. Cash is nearly obsolete in Chinese cities. Alipay now allows foreign passport holders to link Visa/Mastercard for mobile payments. No mandatory vaccinations. A VPN is needed for Google, KakaoTalk, and most Korean apps inside China.

AREX (Airport Railroad Express) runs two services from Seoul Station: the Direct Train (43 min, ₩11,000, reserved seats) and the All-Stop train (66 min, ₩4,550, unreserved). Both trains serve T1 first, then T2; confirm which terminal your airline uses before boarding.Limousine buses depart from major Seoul neighborhoods and hotels (₩16,000–18,000, 60–90 min depending on traffic). KAL and LIMOUSINE services are reliable. Taxis from central Seoul cost ₩65,000–80,000 and take 60–90 minutes. Deluxe (black) taxis are pricier but English-speaking drivers are more common.

Metro Line 14 from T5 to Xi'an North (high-speed rail) takes 30–35 minutes (¥6). From Xi'an North, HSR connects to Beijing (4.5–6h), Chengdu (3.5–4h), and other cities. City centre metro connections require a transfer at Xi'an North or Xi'an station. Airport buses to Bell Tower/city centre cost ¥30 and take 50–70 minutes.Taxis from XIY are metered; the city centre costs ¥80–120. DiDi ride-hail is the standard option and often slightly cheaper. T3 (older terminal) and T5 (newer, international) are separate buildings; confirm your terminal to avoid arriving at the wrong one. T5 is the dominant terminal for most flights.

Semi-arid continental climate in the Wei River valley. Winters are cold (−5 to 5°C, November–February) with frequent fog in the valley. Xi'an is prone to persistent winter fog that reduces visibility for days at a time, causing delays and diversions. Dust and haze are common in spring (March–May) as sandstorms from the northwest reduce air quality and visibility.

Summers are hot (30–38°C, June–August) with occasional thunderstorms. Autumn (September–October) is the clearest season with moderate temperatures (10–22°C). Air pollution combined with weather inversions creates the worst visibility conditions in winter. Winter connections should account for this.