Beijing to Xian: Best Travel Credit Cards to Use

Traveling from Beijing to Xian is an unforgettable journey, blending modern urban energy with ancient cultural wonders. Whether you're exploring the Great Wall, marveling at the Terracotta Warriors, or indulging in local delicacies like roujiamo and yangrou paomo, having the right travel credit card can make your trip smoother and more rewarding. Here’s a guide to the best credit cards for your Beijing-Xian adventure, covering everything from flight perks to dining discounts.

Why You Need a Travel Credit Card for This Trip

Travel credit cards offer benefits that go beyond simple cashback or points. For a route as popular as Beijing to Xian, the right card can help you:
- Save on flights and hotels with exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards.
- Avoid foreign transaction fees when paying in CNY or using international services.
- Earn bonus points for travel-related expenses like dining, transportation, and tours.
- Access airport lounges for a more comfortable pre-flight experience.

Top Features to Look For

When choosing a card, prioritize:
1. No foreign transaction fees – Essential for international travelers.
2. Travel insurance – Covers delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
3. Airline/hotel partnerships – Especially useful if you frequently book with airlines like Air China or hotels like Hyatt.
4. Flexible rewards – Points transferable to multiple airlines or hotels.

Best Credit Cards for Flights from Beijing to Xian

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

A favorite among travelers, this card offers:
- 2x points on travel and dining worldwide.
- 25% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Primary rental car insurance – Great for road trips around Xian.

Pro Tip: Use points to book flights via Chase’s portal for maximum value, especially on high-demand routes like Beijing-Xian.

Capital One Venture Rewards

Ideal for flexible travelers:
- 2x miles on every purchase.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit – Speeds up airport security.
- No blackout dates when booking flights.

Why It’s Great: Easily redeem miles to erase travel purchases, including last-minute flight upgrades.

Best Cards for Hotel Stays

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®

Perfect for luxury stays in Xian’s historic districts:
- 6x points at Marriott hotels (like the Xian Marriott Hotel).
- Free night award annually after card renewal.
- Silver Elite status – Early check-in/late checkout perks.

Pair It With: Transfer points from Chase or Amex to top off your Bonvoy balance.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass®

For budget-conscious travelers:
- 12x points at Hilton hotels (e.g., Hilton Xian).
- Priority Pass lounge access (10 free visits/year).
- Complimentary Gold status – Free breakfast and room upgrades.

Best Cards for Dining and Local Experiences

American Express® Gold Card

A foodie’s dream for Xian’s street food scene:
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (including local eateries).
- $120 annual dining credit (usable at select global partners).
- No foreign transaction fees.

Hidden Perk: Use the credit for premium dining in Beijing’s Sanlitun or Xian’s Muslim Quarter.

Citi Premier®

Great for cultural tours and transit:
- 3x points on travel, gas, dining, and supermarkets.
- Annual $100 hotel savings on stays over $500.
- Points transfer to airlines like Cathay Pacific or Qantas.

Honorable Mentions

Bank of America® Travel Rewards

• 1.5x points on all purchases.
• No annual fee – Good for occasional travelers.

Discover it® Miles

• 1.5x miles on every purchase.
• First-year mile matching – Doubles your rewards.

Maximizing Your Card Benefits

Book Flights Early

Beijing-Xian is a busy route. Use cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve® to access premium flight deals via Chase Travel.

Leverage Lounge Access

Cards like The Platinum Card® from Amex grant access to lounges in Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY).

Use Local Payment Methods

While credit cards are widely accepted, carry a card with no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Capital One Venture) for smaller vendors.

Combine Points for Big Savings

Transfer points from Amex to Hilton or Marriott for free nights in Xian’s best hotels.

Final Tips

• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
• Carry a backup card – Some smaller shops in Xian may prefer cash or Alipay.
• Check for limited-time offers – Many cards run bonuses for travel to China.

With the right credit card, your Beijing-to-Xian trip can be as rewarding as it is memorable. Pack your bags, grab your card, and get ready to explore!