Best areas to stay in Xi'an
1. Inside the city walls (Xincheng, Lianhu and Beilin Districts)
The first three central districts sit within the Second Ring Road and are considered the birthplace of Xi'an's urban area. This is where you find the Bell and Drum Towers, the Beilin Museum and the North Gate, all within walking distance of one another. It is the most practical base for a first visit, since the main sights inside the walls are clustered together and the area is well served by the subway.
Accommodation here ranges from budget guesthouses and hostels to mid-range hotels, including places along Jie Fang Lu going directly south from the train station and options near the Bell Tower and the South Gate. Note that rooms close to bar areas can be noisy, and that the walled city is compact, so a location just inside or just outside the walls makes little practical difference to your sightseeing.
2. Qujiang New District (southern suburbs, Yanta District)
Qujiang New District lies in the southeast of the city and forms part of Yanta District. It is focused on cultural and tourism industries and holds major attractions including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Qujiang Ocean World and the Tang Dynasty Night Market. It suits visitors who want to be close to these sights and are happy to base themselves outside the walls.
This is a good choice if your priority is the pagoda and the evening market rather than the old walled core. Expect a mix of mid-range and upscale places, including serviced apartments in the wider Yanta District. It connects to the centre by metro and road, so plan on using transport rather than walking to the Bell and Drum Towers.
3. Around the railway station and the north wall
The area just outside the city walls near the train station is where you find the cheapest rooms, including several run-down budget hotels and at least six international youth hostels in the centre of the city. It is the obvious base for budget travellers and for anyone arriving or leaving by train, with the station within walking distance and bus and metro links into the centre.
Bargaining is possible here, especially if you stay more than one night. The trade-off is that this is a transit-oriented area rather than a sightseeing one, so you will travel to the Bell and Drum Towers and the museums rather than stroll to them.
4. The western side of the city
The western part of Xi'an includes the Xixian New Area, which sits between the urban areas of Xi'an and Xianyang and is still under development. Within the city itself, the west wall area is a quieter spot, with hostels set along the inside of the West City Wall and a tram and bus connection to the train station.
This suits travellers who prefer a calm location with easy transport links over proximity to the main sights. Expect budget and mid-range accommodation rather than a dense cluster of options, and check your connection to the metro before committing.
5. The northern suburbs (Chang'an and Ba Ecological Districts)
The northern suburbs sit on the Weihe Plain and include the Chang'an and Ba Ecological Districts, the latter at the river confluence well northeast of the walled city. This is where you find large upscale hotels with river views and extensive conference facilities, on the opposite bank from the Euro-Asia Economic Forum.
It suits business travellers and anyone attending events in the area rather than sightseers, since it is a substantial distance from the walled city and its attractions. Plan on taxis or metro plus bus for every trip into the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheap, sometimes run-down hotels cluster near the train station, and there are several international youth hostels in the centre of the city. Dorm beds and simple singles are the norm, bargaining is possible for longer stays, and booking online usually saves money.
- Mid-range: Business hotels and apartment-style properties, including studios and one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments with kitchens and gyms. These are found in the central districts and in Yanta District, with easy access to the metro.
- Splurge: Large four- and five-star hotels with pools, spas, multiple restaurants and conference facilities, located outside the walls to the south, east and northeast, plus heritage-style properties in the central area.
Best area for a first visit
Stay inside the city walls, in Xincheng, Lianhu or Beilin District. The Bell and Drum Towers, the Beilin Museum and the North Gate are all here, so you can cover the historic core on foot and use the subway for everything else. It also gives you the widest choice of accommodation, from hostels to mid-range hotels, without committing to a long commute each day.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the Terracotta Army?
The mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor lies east of Xi'an, outside the districts described here. Most visitors base themselves in the city and travel out for the day rather than staying nearby.
Is it better to stay inside or outside the city walls?
Inside the walls puts you within walking distance of the Bell and Drum Towers and the Beilin Museum. Just outside the walls, near the train station and along the north and west walls, you will find cheaper rooms and hostels, with bus and metro connections into the centre.
Which area is best for nightlife and evening activities?
Qujiang New District holds the Tang Dynasty Night Market and is focused on tourism and culture, making it the strongest option for evenings out. In the centre, hostels near the Bell Tower and the South Gate run regular events, and rooms close to bars can be noisy.
Can I find budget accommodation in the centre of Xi'an?
Yes. There are at least six international youth hostels in the centre of the city, and a few decent cheap hotels inside the walls on Jie Fang Lu, going directly south from the train station. Booking online usually saves money.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.