Where to stay in Xi‘an: Best Areas and Hotels (2025)

Quick summary

💰 Luxury: $110+ per night
👍 Mid-Range: $60-$110 per night 
🏠 Budget: Under $40 per night 
🌟 Our Top Pick: MEILIE翎酒店
📍 Best Area: Bell/Drum Tower Area
⭐ Best Value: Yunheyebo Hotel (South Gate of Bell and Drum Tower)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Pick: Xi 'an Zhonglou Orange Crystal Hotel
📷 Best Instagrammable: W XI'AN

Top Recommendation

General tips on picking hotels when traveling

My rule of thumb when traveling, especially in China, is that you should stay relatively central, close to a metro station, walkable to some street food locations.

Trust me, being where things are happening sets your mood up right and saves you precious time you would otherwise spend trying to get places.

Guide to Xi'an‘s Neighbourhoods

Bell/Drum Towers & Muslim Quarter (钟楼/鼓楼/回民街)

Staying in the heart of Xi'an places you within walking distance of major attractions like the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. This area is well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for sightseeing.

Top Picks:

• Luxury — Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an (西安索菲特传奇酒店)
  Historic Art-Deco landmark with indoor pool, spa, lush gardens; 5-min walk to metro; standout service.
• Mid — Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower
  400 m to Zhonglou; family rooms, kids’ club/playground, laundry; great base for Muslim Quarter eats.
• Budget — MEHOOD LESTIE (Bell & Drum / South Gate Branch)
  Value pick near towers; big rooms for price, free laundry; note some windowless room types. 

South Gate / Yongningmen (永宁门)

While still very central, it is more quieter than the busy Bell and Drum Tower areas. Great for evening strolls (or runs) along the City Walls.

Top Picks:

• Luxury — Yun He Ye Bo Hotel (云和夜泊·南门店)
  Stylish boutique by South Gate; convenient for wall walks and old-city photos.
• Mid — Crystal Orange Yongning Gate (桔子水晶·永宁门)
  Modern chain hotel a short hop from the wall; comfy rooms, easy metro access.
• Budget — Wanda Moments Xi'an Yongning Gate
  Simple, reliable rooms near South Gate; breakfast available; airport shuttle service available.

Dayanta / Qujiang (大雁塔 / 曲江新区)

Home to attractions like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise, this area offers a blend of cultural sites and modern entertainment. It's a bit more tranquil compared to the bustling city center.

Picks:

• Luxury — W Xi’an (西安W酒店)
  Resort-style city stay with indoor & outdoor pools, themed family rooms, lake/park walks by Grand Tang Mall.
• Mid — Mercure Xi’an Great Tang Mall (美居·大唐不夜城)
  Walk to Grand Tang Mall; handy for evening light shows and pagoda area.
• Budget — Xitang Hotel (禧唐·大雁塔不夜城店)
  Solid value steps from the night-street action; easy family strolls.

Near Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors are one of the main sights in Xi'an and one of the top reasons tourists visit this historic city. If you want to visit this sight in a relaxed way, it makes sense to stay one night near the site.

Picks:

• Luxury — HUAQING PALACE RESORT & SPA
  A luxury resort with hot springs and beautiful mountain views
• Mid — YOYA RESORT
  Another resort with great views that won't break your budget
• Budget — Yuechangan International Holiday Hotel
  Surprisingly cheap hotel with good standard – great value for money!

Essential China Hotel Booking Tips

Before booking your Xi'an hotel:

• Passport required: All hotels require your passport for registration with local authorities
• Deposits standard: Many hotels require deposit, can be taken off the credit card
• Booking timeline: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for peak seasons during summer holiday and major Chinese festivals
• Language considerations: International hotels have English speaking staff ready to help with any question you might have. It is very common to communicate with hotel staff over WeChat using their autotranslate functionality
• Local apps: You can use WeChat/AliPay for smaller amounts, but international cards are widely accepted in hotels

FAQs

Q: How many days should I stay in Xi’an?
A: Most travellers spend 3–4 days in Xi’an. This allows enough time to see the Terracotta Warriors, explore the ancient city wall, wander the Muslim Quarter, and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Where is the best place to stay in Xi’an for first-timers?
The Bell Tower & Drum Tower area is best for first-time visitors. It’s central, walkable, and gives you easy metro access to all major attractions.

What’s the best area for families in Xi’an?
The Qujiang district (Big Wild Goose Pagoda area) is quieter, with more green space, family-friendly attractions, and modern hotels that often have larger rooms.

Q: Is it better to stay near the Bell Tower or the Muslim Quarter?

A: Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter are very close to each other, however they have a slightly different vibe

• Bell Tower → great for sightseeing, transport, and first visits.
• Muslim Quarter → lively atmosphere, night markets, and food culture, but noisier.

Q: Is Xi’an walkable?
A: Yes, the city center around Bell Tower is very walkable, but for sights outside the center (Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda), you’ll need the metro, taxis, or tours.

Q: What’s the best area to stay in Xi’an for nightlife?
A: The Muslim Quarter offers vibrant street food and local nightlife, while the South Gate area (near the city wall) has more modern bars and cafés.

Q: Should I stay near Xi’an North Railway Station?
A: Only if you have a very early or late train — it’s far from the main attractions. Otherwise, you’re better off in the city center.

Read more about Xi'an:

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