Where to Stay in Xi’an
China
|Pop. 9.6M
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter is the best neighbourhood to stay in Xi’an. The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets. Ideal for first-timers, foodies, culture. Budget travellers can get by on CNY 300/day.
Areas to Avoid in Xi’an
Safety rated "Safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter | The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets. | Mid-range | first-timers, foodies | Generally safe, but be aware of pickpock... |
| South Gate Area (Yongning Gate) | A more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining. | Luxury | first-timers, couples | Very safe day and night; well-lit and pa... |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area | A cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping. | Mid-range | families, culture | Safe during the day and well-patrolled a... |
Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter
Mid-rangeThe bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets.
Generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at nigh...
South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)
LuxuryA more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining.
Very safe day and night; well-lit and patrolled.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area
Mid-rangeA cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping.
Safe during the day and well-patrolled at night, though quieter than the city ce...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Xi’an
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter
The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets.
Our top picks in Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter
Luxurious historic hotel offering a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.
Book NowWell-located hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities.
Book NowBasic but affordable accommodation, popular with budget travelers and students.
Book Now
South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)
A more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining.
Our top picks in South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area
A cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping.
Our top picks in Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area
Comfortable hotel with good facilities, located near the Pagoda.
Book NowLuxury option offering exceptional service and amenities in a prime location.
Book NowModern hotel with good amenities, a short distance from the main attractions.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Xi’an
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Xi’an at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Xi’an
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; while some tourist areas have English, it's not widespread, and a little effort goes a long way in local interactions.
Watch Out For
The 'Tea Ceremony' or 'Art Student' scam: locals befriending you and inviting you to a tea house or for drinks, then presenting a large bill.
Solo Female Travel
Xi'an is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially in crowded markets and at night, and be mindful of your belongings.
Hidden Gems in Xi’an
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Xi'an Museum
While the Terracotta Army gets all the attention, the Xi'an Museum offers a more intimate look at the city's rich history, with fascinating artifacts from ancient dynasties.
Shuyuanmen Street
FREEThis charming pedestrian street is lined with traditional buildings housing calligraphy shops, art galleries, and souvenir stalls, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city center.
Muslim Quarter Food Tour
Venture beyond the main tourist drag of the Muslim Quarter to discover hidden alleys filled with local vendors serving up authentic Xi'an specialties like roujiamo and lamb skewers.
Great Mosque of Xi'an (interior courtyards)
While many see the exterior, exploring the serene inner courtyards of this ancient mosque, a blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, offers a truly tranquil cultural experience.
Qinglong Temple
FREEFamous for its cherry blossoms in spring, this temple complex is a beautiful and less crowded spot to experience traditional Chinese temple architecture and peaceful gardens year-round.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Little Wild Goose Pagoda)
FREEOften overshadowed by its larger counterpart, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda offers a more serene historical site with lovely grounds and fewer crowds, providing a peaceful glimpse into Tang Dynasty architecture.
Things to Do in Xi’an
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Xi’an tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Xi’an
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡77% cheaper than London
CNY 300/day
CNY 700/day
CNY 1500/day
Where to Stay in Xi’an
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Muslim Quarter5 min
- Bell Tower5 min
- Drum Tower10 min
- Great Mosque15 min
Pros
- +Central location with easy access to major attractions
- +Incredible street food scene
- +Lively atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be extremely crowded, especially during peak seasons
- -Street vendors can be persistent
Top stays in Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi'an
$$$Luxurious historic hotel offering a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.
Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square
$$Well-located hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities.
Xi'an Jiaotong University International Students Dormitory
$Basic but affordable accommodation, popular with budget travelers and students.
Citadines Central Xi'an
$$Serviced apartments offering more space and kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays.
Best for
Walk to
- Ancient City Wall5 min
- South Gate5 min
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (via metro)20 min
Pros
- +Direct access to the iconic city walls
- +Good selection of upscale restaurants and shops
- +Well-connected by public transport
Cons
- -Can be less atmospheric than the Muslim Quarter
- -Slightly further from some of the oldest historical sites
Top stays in South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)
The Westin Xi'an
$$$Premium hotel offering excellent service, spacious rooms, and a good range of facilities.
Hilton Xi'an
$$$Reliable international chain hotel known for its comfort and amenities.
Novotel Xi'an City Center
$$Modern hotel conveniently located with good access to transport and attractions.
Best for
Walk to
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda10 min
- Xi'an Museum15 min
- Tang Paradise20 min
Pros
- +Home to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and surrounding cultural sites
- +Pleasant parks and open spaces
- +Good transport links
Cons
- -Further from the city center and Muslim Quarter
- -Can be tourist-centric with fewer local dining options
Top stays in Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area
Qujiang International Hotel
$$Comfortable hotel with good facilities, located near the Pagoda.
Shangri-La Hotel, Xi'an
$$$Luxury option offering exceptional service and amenities in a prime location.
Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
$$Modern hotel with good amenities, a short distance from the main attractions.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas far outside the ring roads with poor public transport links: These areas are primarily residential and offer little of interest to tourists, with inconvenient access to major attractions.
Insider tip: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; while some tourist areas have English, it's not widespread, and a little effort goes a long way in local interactions.
Where to Stay in Xi’an
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter
The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets.
Stay in South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)
A more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining.
Stay in Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area
A cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Xi’an
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List Your PropertySafety in Xi’an
SafeSolo Female Travel
Xi'an is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially in crowded markets and at night, and be mindful of your belongings.
At Night
Most tourist areas, especially around the Bell Tower and South Gate, are well-lit and busy. Stick to well-populated and lit streets.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'Tea Ceremony' or 'Art Student' scam: locals befriending you and inviting you to a tea house or for drinks, then presenting a large bill.
- 2Overcharging by unofficial taxis or rickshaws.
- 3Fake tourist information centers or touts selling overpriced tours.
Compare hotel deals in Xi’an
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Xi’an
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in China
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for China and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Xi’an
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Airport bus (Line 2 or 3 to city center) takes approx. 60-90 mins and costs 25 CNY; Metro Line 14 to North Station (transfer to Line 2) takes approx. 50 mins and costs 7 CNY.
🎫
Day Pass
No specific day pass, but a rechargeable transport card can be used across metro and buses.
Single: Metro: 2-8 CNY depending on distance.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good30-70 Mbps in cafes and hotels
Public Transport
Metro system (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 14, 15, 16) is efficient and covers most tourist areas; buses are extensive but can be confusing for non-Mandarin speakers.
Ride-share
Didi (China's Uber); approx. 15-30 CNY for short rides within the city center.
Transport Tip
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Hotels, many cafes (often requiring a local phone number for access), public Wi-Fi hotspots (can be unreliable).
Coworking
Limited options directly within tourist areas; some business centers exist (e.g., in hotels) but daily passes are uncommon and may require membership.
Rent a Car in Xi’an
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, Oct
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Hotels & Accommodation in Xi’an
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Who Is Xi’an Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to China
This area provides an immediate immersion into Xi'an's history, culture, and famous cuisine, with easy access to key landmarks.
Food Enthusiasts
The vibrant Muslim Quarter is a culinary paradise offering an unparalleled variety of authentic and delicious street food.
Culture Seekers
This district is home to significant Buddhist sites and museums, offering a deeper dive into historical and religious Xi'an.
Luxury Travelers
This area offers a more refined experience with upscale hotels, shopping, and dining, plus direct access to the ancient city walls.
Families
The combination of cultural sites, open spaces, and family-friendly entertainment makes this a comfortable base for families.
Xi’an on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Xi’an
Xi'an is the capital of the Chinese province of Shaanxi. A sub-provincial city on the Guanzhong plain, the city is the third-most populous city in Western China after Chongqing and Chengdu, as well as the most populous city in Northwestern China. Its total population was 12.95 million in the 2020 census, including an urban population of 9.28 million.
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