This was similar to what was done to create Beijing Subway Line 2, but the plan was scrapped due to successful opposition by preservationists and lack of funding for the project.

In February 2004, the re-drafted plan was submitted to the State Government, which received final approval on September 13, 2006.

It runs north–south and passes under such historic sites as the Bell Tower and the Xi'an City Wall.

Once completed, the system spanned 251.8 km (156.5 mi) and mainly serviced the urban and suburban districts of Xi'an and part of Xianyang.

[6] On June 12, 2019, the NDRC approved the Phase III (2018-2024) Construction Plan of Xi'an Metro.

[7] As of January 2025[update], the network includes 11 metro lines and one commuter railway with a total length of 427.9 km (266 mi) and 270 stations.

The second route, Line 1, was scheduled to start in late 2009 but was brought one year earlier as per Chinese government's response to the Great Recession.

To accelerate the speed of overall economic development between Xi'an and Xianyang cities, the Transportation Department of Xi'an decided to extend Line 1 to promote business travel between the two cities, as well as improve the efficiency of land use alongside Line 1.

The preparation phase for the extension Line 1 started with the compilation of a feasibility study on November 4, 2007.

[12] Construction of Xi'an Metro's Line 3 broke ground in May 2011,[13] began public trial testing on September 20, 2016, and was opened on November 8, 2016.

The 13.65 km (8.48 mi) eastern section from Xi'an Beizhan to Heshao opened on 29 June 2021.

On June 12, 2019, the NDRC approved the Phase III (2018-2024) Construction Plan of Xi'an Metro.