Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport follows the same rules as every other mainland Chinese airport: all smoking is outdoors only, and there is nothing available after security. The 2016 national indoor smoking ban closed every airside smoking room across mainland China, and XIY is no exception. If you are a smoker passing through on your way to the Terracotta Warriors, plan your last cigarette before you clear security.

Before Security

Designated outdoor smoking zones are located near the terminal exits on both the arrivals and departures levels. These are free to use, marked with standard Chinese and English signage, and typically have ashtrays. Expect them to be busy during peak domestic travel hours, since domestic smoking rates in China remain high.

• Departures level: head outside through the main terminal exits before entering the check-in hall or proceeding to security.

• Arrivals level: outdoor zones are accessible near the arrivals exit curb.

XIY has three terminals, so look for the designated zones at the exits of whichever terminal your flight uses.

After Security

There is no smoking of any kind permitted airside at XIY. No indoor smoking rooms, no outdoor terraces past the security checkpoint, and no airline lounge with a smoking area. If you need to smoke during a long layover, you will need to exit the secure zone, smoke at the outdoor curbside area, and re-clear security. Allow plenty of time: at a three-terminal airport, the walk from your gate to the exit and back through security can easily take 45 to 60 minutes depending on queue lengths.

Vaping Rules

Vaping is treated identically to smoking under Chinese airport rules: outdoor zones only. Since November 2022, China has also implemented a state monopoly on e-cigarettes, banning all flavours except tobacco. Bringing non-Chinese vape products into the country is restricted. Do not vape inside the terminal; enforcement at Chinese airports is active.

Transit and Layovers

If you are connecting through XIY on an international itinerary, exiting the secure zone to smoke means going through immigration and then re-clearing security and immigration on the way back. Factor in at least 60 to 90 minutes for this round trip, and only attempt it if your layover is three hours or more.

Bottom Line

Smoke before you go through security; once airside at XIY there are zero options. Budget enough time to exit and re-enter if you have a long layover.