🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Xi’an

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: CNY 300/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Mar, Apr, Oct

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Xi’an

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Scenic view of a historic street in Valencia, Spain with a prominent bell tower under a cloudy sky.

José Antonio Otegui Auzmendi / Pexels

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

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Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi'an$$$

Luxurious historic hotel offering a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.

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Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square$$

Well-located hotel with comfortable rooms and good amenities.

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Xi'an Jiaotong University International Students Dormitory$

Basic but affordable accommodation, popular with budget travelers and students.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but be aware o...Mid-rangefirst-timersfoodies

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a bird is perched on the roof of a building

icy leaf / Unsplash

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

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Qujiang International Hotel$$

Comfortable hotel with good facilities, located near the Pagoda.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Xi'an$$$

Luxury option offering exceptional service and amenities in a prime location.

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Wyndham Grand Xi'an South$$

Modern hotel with good amenities, a short distance from the main attractions.

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🛡️ Safe during the day and well-p...Mid-rangefamiliesculture

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MChe Lee / Unsplash

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)

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The Westin Xi'an$$$

Premium hotel offering excellent service, spacious rooms, and a good range of facilities.

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Hilton Xi'an$$$

Reliable international chain hotel known for its comfort and amenities.

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Novotel Xi'an City Center$$

Modern hotel conveniently located with good access to transport and attractions.

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🛡️ Very safe day and night; well-...Luxuryfirst-timerscouples

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter	Mid-range	The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets.	first-timersfoodies
South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)	Luxury	A more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining.	first-timerscouples
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area	Mid-range	A cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping.	familiesculture

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Xi’an

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Xi’an

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Xi’an. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Xi’an

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Xi’an

Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter

Mid-range

The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets.

first-timersfoodiesculture

+Central location with easy access to major attractions
+Incredible street food scene
+Lively atmosphere

-Can be extremely crowded, especially during peak seasons
-Street vendors can be persistent

🏨 Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi'an 🏨 Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square 🏨 Xi'an Jiaotong University International Students Dormitory

South Gate Area (Yongning Gate)

Luxury

A more modern and upscale area surrounding the ancient city walls, offering good shopping and dining.

first-timerscouplesluxury

+Direct access to the iconic city walls
+Good selection of upscale restaurants and shops
+Well-connected by public transport

-Can be less atmospheric than the Muslim Quarter
-Slightly further from some of the oldest historical sites

🏨 The Westin Xi'an 🏨 Hilton Xi'an 🏨 Novotel Xi'an City Center

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area

Mid-range

A cultural and modern district centered around a significant Buddhist landmark, with parks and shopping.

familiesculturefirst-timers

+Home to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and surrounding cultural sites
+Pleasant parks and open spaces
+Good transport links

-Further from the city center and Muslim Quarter
-Can be tourist-centric with fewer local dining options

🏨 Qujiang International Hotel 🏨 Shangri-La Hotel, Xi'an 🏨 Wyndham Grand Xi'an South

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 300/day

Hostel dorm bed at Shuyuanmen Youth HostelCNY 60

Roujiamo (meat burger) and Liangpi (cold noodles) from a street vendorCNY 20

Unlimited day pass for Xi'an MetroCNY 15

Entrance ticket to the Terracotta Army MuseumCNY 120

Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an (entrance fee)CNY 25

Dumplings at De Fa Chang Restaurant (budget section)CNY 60

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Hidden Gems in Xi’an

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Shuyuanmen Street

FREE

This 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.

streetNear the Bell Tower

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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.

foodMuslim Quarter

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Xi’an

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Xi’an Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Xi’an on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Xi’an Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Xi’an with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Xi’an: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Xi’an's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Xi’an: Scenic Excursion

Escape Xi’an for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Xi’an Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Xi’an's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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View all tours in Xi’an

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1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Xi’an

Backpackers in Xi’an: FAQ

What is the best area in Xi’an for backpackers?

Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter is our top pick for backpackers in Xi’an. The bustling heart of the city, packed with historical sites, street food, and vibrant markets. It is a mid-range area known for first-timers, foodies, culture.

Is Xi’an safe for backpackers?

Xi’an is rated "Safe" overall. Most tourist areas, especially around the Bell Tower and South Gate, are well-lit and busy. Stick to well-populated and lit streets. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Xi’an for backpackers?

Expect to spend around CNY 300 per day in Xi’an as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Xi’an?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Xi’an?

The most affordable hostels in Xi’an are typically found in Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Xi’an Guides

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