Planning to film in Xi’an, China? This ancient city, famous for the Terracotta Warriors and its rich Silk Road history, offers incredible cultural and historical backdrops. However, for visiting production teams, understanding local conditions is key to a smooth shoot. Since 2012, Shoot In China has been helping international crews navigate the unique challenges of filming in Xi’an by providing bilingual crew, gear rental, and fixer services.
🚆 Transportation in Xi’an
Xi’an is well connected domestically by high-speed trains and an international airport (Xi’an Xianyang International Airport). Within the city, taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are available, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. The metro system is reliable and covers most major districts, but for production, a private van and driver is usually the most efficient option—especially when moving gear between locations.
🍜 Food & Local Cuisine
Xi’an is known for its Shaanxi-style cuisine, featuring bold, savory flavors and plenty of noodles and bread-based dishes. Famous options include biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burger), and yangrou paomo (mutton soup with flatbread). International cuisine is available but limited compared to major hubs like Shanghai or Beijing, so crews with specific dietary requirements should plan ahead.
💱 Currency & Payments
China’s currency is the Renminbi (RMB), and most transactions in Xi’an—like the rest of China—are handled via mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay). While some hotels accept international credit cards, most restaurants and shops do not. For visiting crews, having a local fixer arrange payments or assist with mobile payment setup can be a big help.
🌤 Weather & Filming Seasons
Xi’an has four distinct seasons:
- Spring (March–May) – Mild temperatures, good for outdoor shoots, occasional sandstorms.
- Summer (June–August) – Hot and humid, with occasional heavy rain.
- Autumn (September–November) – Cool, clear skies, often considered the best filming season.
- Winter (December–February) – Cold and dry, occasional snow.
Plan wardrobe, gear protection, and lighting accordingly.
🎥 Film Production Resources in Xi’an
Compared to major Chinese production hubs, Xi’an has limited film production resources. While there are some local crews and rental options, availability is restricted, and high-end cinema gear may need to be brought in from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu. Crew depth is also limited, so booking early is essential—especially during peak shooting seasons.
🌐 Internet & Connectivity
Internet in Xi’an can be slow compared to larger cities, and access to certain websites and platforms (including Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) is blocked by the Great Firewall. If your production needs cloud uploads or certain online tools, plan for VPN access (where permitted) and backup offline workflows.
🏛 Local Environment & Cultural Considerations
Xi’an is culturally rich and politically conservative compared to coastal cities. Productions should be mindful of content sensitivity—topics related to politics, religion, and certain historical narratives may require careful handling or may not be permitted. A local fixer can advise on these matters and help with the necessary permits.
🎯 How Shoot In China Can Help
At Shoot In China, we understand the unique challenges of filming in Xi’an. We offer:
- Bilingual Crew – Directors of Photography, camera operators, sound techs, and assistants.
- Equipment Rental – Cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, drones, and audio gear.
- Fixer Services – Permits, locations, translation, and on-set coordination.
- Logistics Management – Transport, accommodation, and catering arrangements.
Whether you’re filming a documentary in the Muslim Quarter, a corporate video at a Xi’an tech park, or historical content at the city walls, we ensure your shoot runs smoothly and on schedule.
📩 Plan Your Xi’an Shoot with Us
If you’re preparing to film in Xi’an, contact Shoot In China for a tailored production plan. We’ll help you navigate the city’s logistical, cultural, and technical challenges so you can focus on creating outstanding content.