Where to Stay in Xi'an: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Wondering where to stay in Xi'an? After 2 visits with kids, here are the best neighborhoods and tested hotels — with honest picks at every budget.
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Quick Summary
🏨 Our Top Pick: Four Points by Sheraton Xi'an Bell Tower
📍 Best Area: Bell Tower & Drum Tower
⭐ Best Value: Atour Hotel Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower Square
👨👩👧👦 Family Pick: Bell Tower Hotel (Panoramic Family Room)
📷 Best Instagrammable: W Xi'an
💰 Luxury: $110+ per night
👍 Mid-Range: $50–$110 per night
🏠 Budget: Under $40 per night
The best area to stay in Xi'an for most visitors is the Bell Tower and Drum Tower area — it's central, well-connected by metro, and puts you within walking distance of the Muslim Quarter's legendary street food. I've stayed in Xi'an twice with my family (summer 2023 and 2024) and both times we chose this neighborhood for one simple reason: instead of wasting an hour on breakfast, we'd walk two minutes to the Muslim Quarter and grab freshly made roujiamo and liangpi from the morning stalls. Our top hotel pick is Four Points by Sheraton Xi'an Bell Tower for its combination of international standard, family rooms, and a location that makes everything walkable.
As featured in the Lonely Planet 2025 China guidebook.
🌟 In a hurry? Our top pick in Xi'an:
Four Points by Sheraton Xi'an Bell Tower — international chain with gym, cocktail bar, and family rooms in the heart of the Bell Tower area. Great value for the quality you get.
Quick Comparison: Best Hotels by Area
| Area | Best For | Our Pick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell & Drum Tower | First-timers, families | Four Points by Sheraton | Check prices → |
| South Gate | City Wall lovers, quieter stay | Yun He Ye Bo Hotel | Check prices → |
| Qujiang / Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Culture & nightlife, luxury | W Xi'an | Check prices → |
| Near Terracotta Warriors | Early warriors visit, hot springs | Huaqing Palace Resort | Check prices → |
👉 Browse all Xi'an hotels on Trip.com
Which Area Is Right for You?
Xi'an's main attractions are spread across a few distinct zones, so where you stay matters more than in some Chinese cities. Here's the quick version:
- First time in Xi'an? → Stay near Bell Tower & Drum Tower. It's the most walkable, closest to the Muslim Quarter, and has the best metro connections to everything else.
- Want a quieter, more romantic stay? → Stay near South Gate (Yongningmen). You're still inside the City Wall, but the pace is calmer, and evening walks along the wall are beautiful.
- Into culture, lights, and evening entertainment? → Stay in Qujiang / Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Grand Tang Mall light show is spectacular, and hotel prices can be lower than in the Bell Tower area.
- Want to beat the crowds at the Terracotta Warriors? → Stay near the warriors (Lintong) for one night so you can arrive early before the tour buses.
If you're planning a multi-city trip, check our guide to planning your China itinerary to see how Xi'an fits into a bigger trip — it pairs naturally with Beijing (4.5 hours by bullet train) or Chengdu (3 hours).
Bell Tower & Drum Tower: Best for First-Timers & Families
This is where we've stayed on both our Xi'an trips, and I'd choose it again without hesitation. The Bell Tower sits at the exact center of Xi'an's walled old city, with the Drum Tower and the start of the Muslim Quarter just a few hundred meters west. Metro Lines 2 and 6 intersect at Zhonglou (Bell Tower) station, which means you can reach essentially any attraction in the city with one transfer or less.
What makes this area special isn't just convenience — it's the energy. The Muslim Quarter starts bustling by 8am with vendors firing up grills and stretching noodles, and it doesn't quiet down until well after midnight. Both times we stayed here, our mornings started the same way: a two-minute walk from the hotel to grab roujiamo (Chinese "burgers"), fresh pomegranate juice, and liangpi cold noodles while the kids ran between stalls. It set the tone for every day and saved us the time and expense of hotel breakfasts.
The area is also walkable to the City Wall (you can rent bikes and cycle the full 14km loop), the Great Mosque, and Shuyuanmen Cultural Street with its calligraphy shops and antique stalls. If you stay here, you genuinely don't need taxis for most of your sightseeing.
What we loved: Being able to walk out the door and be eating incredible street food within minutes. The kids loved the atmosphere — it felt like a permanent festival.
Watch out for: It can be noisy at night, especially on streets closest to the Muslim Quarter. Ask for a higher floor or a room facing away from the main road.
⭐ Top Pick: Four Points by Sheraton Xi'an Bell Tower
Why it's our top pick: This is the sweet spot between international reliability and genuine value. As a Marriott property, you get consistent standards — a proper gym (something many Xi'an hotels lack), a cocktail bar, and English-speaking staff. But what really sets it apart are the family rooms, which are spacious by Chinese hotel standards, and the location right in the Bell Tower area. It's the kind of hotel where you don't have to compromise on comfort or convenience.
Price: From ~¥500/night (~€65) | Location: Bell Tower area, walkable to Muslim Quarter | Metro: Near Zhonglou station
→ Check current prices on Trip.com
Also Great: Atour Hotel Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower Square
Atour is one of China's best mid-tier hotel chains — we've seen them across the country and they consistently deliver modern rooms, good service, and thoughtful touches like a free snack bar and reading lounge. This location is excellent, right on Bell and Drum Tower Square. If you want the panoramic Bell Tower experience, request the Privilege Suite — the view is similar to what you'd get in a luxury hotel at a fraction of the price. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, and the standard is genuinely high for the price point.
Price: From ~¥400/night (~€50) | Location: Directly on Bell and Drum Tower Square | Metro: Steps from Zhonglou station
→ Check availability on Trip.com
Luxury: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an (西安索菲特传奇酒店)
If budget isn't your main concern, the Sofitel Legend is Xi'an's most prestigious hotel. The building itself is a historic Art Deco landmark with lush gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa. Service is a step above everything else in the city — think butler-level attention. It's a 5-minute walk to the nearest metro station and an easy stroll to the Muslim Quarter. This is where you stay if you want to feel like you're in a different era.
Price: From ~¥1,200/night (~€155) | Location: 5 min walk to metro, near Bell Tower | Standout: Historic landmark, indoor pool, gardens
→ Check current rates on Trip.com
Our Family Stay: Bell Tower Hotel (钟楼饭店)
This is where we stayed with our kids, and the panoramic views alone made it worth it. We booked the Deluxe Bell Tower Panoramic Family Room — it overlooks the Bell Tower directly, and watching it light up at night from our room was one of those travel moments you don't forget. The hotel is a bit dated compared to newer options, and there's no swimming pool or gym. But it's well maintained, the location is unbeatable (right next to the metro), and the family room came with thoughtful kid-friendly touches: a little tipi tent, cuddly toys, and duplo blocks that kept our daughters busy while we recharged.
Price: From ~¥450/night (~€58) | Location: Directly overlooking Bell Tower | Metro: Zhonglou station adjacent | Note: Request the panoramic family room for the views
→ Check availability on Trip.com
Budget Pick: Ibis Hotel Xi'an Bell Tower Metro Station
We also stayed at the Ibis on our trips, and it does exactly what you'd expect from the chain — clean, functional rooms at a great price. What stood out was the location: about two minutes' walk from the start of the Muslim Quarter stalls, and right next to a metro station. They also have washing machines and tumble dryers available, which is a genuine lifesaver on longer trips with kids. It's definitely a budget hotel in feel — don't expect atmosphere — but if you'd rather spend your money on experiences than your room, this is a smart choice.
Price: From ~¥250/night (~€32) | Location: 2 min walk to Muslim Quarter | Metro: Adjacent to station | Bonus: Washing machine & dryer
South Gate / Yongningmen (永宁门): Best for a Quieter Stay
Still inside the City Wall and very much central, the South Gate area offers a calmer alternative to the buzz around Bell Tower. Yongningmen is one of the most photogenic gates in Xi'an's ancient wall — beautifully lit at night — and staying here puts you within walking distance of evening strolls (or runs) along the top of the wall. The Shuyuanmen Cultural Street is nearby, lined with calligraphy shops and teahouses. It's quieter than the Muslim Quarter area after dark, which is either a plus or a minus depending on what you're after.
You're still only about 20 minutes on foot from Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter, or one metro stop on Line 2. For couples or travelers who want the old-city atmosphere without the noise, this is the sweet spot.
What we noticed: The South Gate area has a more upscale feel, with modern malls and good restaurants nearby. It's less touristy than the Bell Tower area but still genuinely convenient.
Top Pick: Yun He Ye Bo Hotel (云和夜泊·南门店)
A stylish boutique hotel right by South Gate — perfect for photographers and anyone who wants the City Wall on their doorstep. The design is contemporary with Chinese touches, and the rooms are well-appointed. Convenient for wall walks and old-city photos, and the evening atmosphere around South Gate is beautiful.
Price: From ~¥600/night (~€78) | Location: Steps from South Gate / Yongningmen
→ Check current prices on Trip.com
Mid-Range: Crystal Orange Yongning Gate (桔子水晶·永宁门)
A modern chain hotel a short hop from the City Wall. Rooms are comfortable and well-designed for the price, with easy metro access. A solid mid-range choice that doesn't try to be more than it is — clean, convenient, good value.
Price: From ~¥350/night (~€45) | Location: Near South Gate | Metro: Yongningmen station
→ Check availability on Trip.com
Budget: Wanda Moments Xi'an Yongning Gate
Simple, reliable rooms near South Gate with breakfast available and an airport shuttle service. A dependable budget choice if you want the South Gate location without the luxury price tag.
Price: From ~¥200/night (~€26) | Location: Near South Gate
Qujiang / Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔 / 曲江新区): Best for Culture & Evening Entertainment
The Qujiang area, anchored by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, is Xi'an's cultural and entertainment district. It's home to the Shaanxi History Museum (one of China's best), Tang Paradise park, and the Grand Tang Mall — a pedestrian street that comes alive every evening with an incredible light show and street performances.
We visited Qujiang in the evening and it was genuinely impressive — the light show along the Grand Tang Mall is one of the best free entertainment experiences we've had anywhere in China. The kids were mesmerized by the street performers and the sheer scale of it all. It's a different vibe from the old-city neighborhoods: more modern, more spacious, with wider boulevards and more green space. Hotels here tend to be newer and often offer better value per square meter than the cramped Bell Tower area.
The trade-off is that you're further from the Muslim Quarter (about 20–30 minutes by metro or taxi) and the area around the pagoda doesn't have the same walkable street food scene. But if you value space, modern amenities, and evening entertainment over being in the thick of the old city, Qujiang is excellent.
⭐ Top Pick: W Xi'an (西安W酒店)
A resort-style city stay that feels like an escape. The W has both indoor and outdoor pools, themed family rooms, and sits right by the Grand Tang Mall with its evening light shows and lake walks. If you want luxury and a fun, design-forward atmosphere, this is the one. It's also genuinely family-friendly — the themed rooms are a hit with kids.
Price: From ~¥800/night (~€103) | Location: Adjacent to Grand Tang Mall | Standout: Indoor & outdoor pools, family rooms
→ Check current rates on Trip.com
Mid-Range: Mercure Xi'an Great Tang Mall (美居·大唐不夜城)
Walking distance to the Grand Tang Mall and its evening light shows. Modern, comfortable rooms at a reasonable price point. A practical base for exploring the Qujiang area without the luxury price tag.
Price: From ~¥400/night (~€52) | Location: Walk to Grand Tang Mall & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
→ Check availability on Trip.com
Budget: Xitang Hotel (禧唐·大雁塔不夜城店)
Solid value just steps from the Grand Tang Mall night-street action. If you want to be near the evening entertainment on a budget, this is your best bet. Easy for family strolls along the pedestrian mall.
Price: From ~¥200/night (~€26) | Location: Steps from Grand Tang Mall
Near the Terracotta Warriors (Lintong): Best for Early-Morning Visits & Hot Springs
The Terracotta Warriors are one of China's most iconic sights and the main reason many people visit Xi'an. They're located in Lintong, about 40–50 minutes east of the city center by taxi or bus. Most visitors do a day trip from downtown, which works fine but means arriving mid-morning when the tour groups are already thick.
We actually skipped the Terracotta Warriors on our trips because the journey felt too long with young kids for a day trip — and that's exactly the scenario where staying one night near the site makes sense. You can arrive early (before 9am) when the pits are at their quietest, and still have time to visit nearby Huaqing Palace and its hot springs in the afternoon.
The Lintong area also has some of the best hot spring resorts near Xi'an, making it a popular winter retreat. Just know that dining and nightlife options are limited compared to downtown — this is a one-night strategic stop, not your main base.
Top Pick: Huaqing Palace Resort & Spa
A luxury resort with natural hot springs and mountain views. If you're staying near the warriors, this is the way to do it — soak in the hot springs after a day of sightseeing, then visit the warriors first thing in the morning before heading back to the city.
Price: From ~¥700/night (~€90) | Location: Near Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace | Standout: Natural hot springs
→ Check current rates on Trip.com
Mid-Range: YOYA Resort
Another resort option with great views that won't break your budget. A good alternative to the Huaqing Palace if you want the Lintong experience without the top-end price.
Price: From ~¥400/night (~€52) | Location: Near Terracotta Warriors
→ Check availability on Trip.com
Budget: Yuechangan International Holiday Hotel
Surprisingly good hotel with a solid standard at a low price. If you just need one night near the warriors and don't want to spend much, this is great value for money.
Price: From ~¥150/night (~€19) | Location: Near Terracotta Warriors
Where NOT to Stay in Xi'an
High-Tech Zone (高新区): Xi'an's business district has sleek hotels and modern malls, but it's far from all the major tourist attractions. Unless you're in Xi'an for work, there's no reason to base yourself here — you'll spend too much time commuting to the sights that make Xi'an worth visiting.
Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站): This is where high-speed trains arrive and depart, and some visitors are tempted by cheaper hotel prices nearby. Don't do it unless you have a very early or very late train — the station is far north of the city center with nothing of interest within walking distance. The metro connects it to Bell Tower in about 25 minutes, so it's easy to get there on the day of your train.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Xi'an
Best time to book: Reserve 6–8 weeks ahead if you're visiting during peak seasons: summer holidays (July–August), Golden Week (October 1–7), and Chinese New Year (dates vary). Prices can jump 40–60% during these periods. For spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) — the best seasons to visit Xi'an — booking 3–4 weeks out usually gets good rates.
Room types: Most Chinese hotels charge per room, not per guest. Twin rooms are widely available and often the same price as doubles. Family rooms with extra beds or connected rooms exist at mid-range and higher hotels, but you'll need to specifically search for them.
Payment: International credit cards are accepted at all hotels in this guide. You won't need WeChat Pay or AliPay for your hotel — but you'll need them for almost everything else. See our AliPay setup guide to get ready before you arrive.
Breakfast matters: Book a rate with breakfast included when possible. Hotel breakfast buffets in Xi'an typically include both Chinese and Western options. That said, in the Bell Tower area specifically, I'd actually skip hotel breakfast — the Muslim Quarter morning food scene is better and cheaper than any hotel buffet.
Xi'an-specific tip: Show the hotel name in Chinese characters to your taxi driver. English hotel names in Xi'an are often completely different from the Chinese names, and drivers won't recognize the English version. I keep a screenshot of each hotel's Chinese name and address on my phone — it saves confusion every time.
For more detailed guidance on booking hotels across China, see our complete guide to booking hotels in China.
Where to Go Next from Xi'an
Xi'an connects easily to other major destinations by high-speed train. Here are the routes that make the most sense:
🚄 Beijing — 4.5 hours by bullet train. The classic combo for first-time China visitors: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and hutong neighborhoods. If you can only visit two cities, make it Beijing + Xi'an.
→ Beijing Travel Guide | Where to Stay in Beijing
🚄 Chengdu — 3 hours by bullet train. Giant pandas, incredible Sichuan food, and a more relaxed pace than Xi'an. This was our next stop on one trip and it pairs perfectly.
→ Chengdu with Kids | Where to Stay in Chengdu
🚄 Lanzhou & Xiahe — 3 hours to Lanzhou, then onward to the Tibetan borderlands. If you want to go off the beaten path, Xiahe's Labrang Monastery is one of the most extraordinary places we've visited in China.
→ Lanzhou, Xiahe & Labrang Monastery Guide
🚄 Shanghai — 6 hours by bullet train (or 2-hour flight). China's most international city, with a spectacular skyline and Disneyland.
→ Shanghai Travel Guide | Where to Stay in Shanghai
→ How to buy train tickets in China | Our 3-Week China Itinerary | 2-Week China Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best area to stay in Xi'an?
A: The best area for most visitors is the Bell Tower and Drum Tower area. It's the most central neighborhood, walkable to the Muslim Quarter and City Wall, and well-connected by Metro Lines 2 and 6. We've stayed here twice and the combination of food, sightseeing, and transport access is hard to beat anywhere else in the city.
Q: How much does a hotel cost in Xi'an?
A: Budget hotels in Xi'an start from around ¥200/night (roughly €26/CHF 25). Mid-range hotels typically cost ¥350–600/night, and luxury options range from ¥800/night upward. Xi'an is generally cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai for similar hotel quality. Prices rise significantly during Golden Week (October 1–7) and summer holidays.
Q: How many days should I stay in Xi'an?
A: Most travelers spend 3–4 days in Xi'an. This gives you time to see the Terracotta Warriors, explore the ancient City Wall, wander the Muslim Quarter, and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area. If you add a night near the warriors or want to visit Mount Hua, add an extra day. For more detail, see our guide to Xi'an with kids.
Q: Is it better to stay near the Bell Tower or the Muslim Quarter?
A: They're very close to each other — about a 10-minute walk — so you'll have easy access to both from either area. The Bell Tower side is better for transport (metro station right there) and has a wider range of hotels. The Muslim Quarter side is livelier and more atmospheric, but noisier, especially at night.
Q: Is Xi'an walkable?
A: The city center inside the walls is very walkable — you can easily cover the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall, and South Gate on foot. For sights outside the walls (Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum), you'll need the metro, taxis, or tours.
Q: Should I stay near Xi'an North Railway Station?
A: Only if you have a very early or very late train. The station is far from all major attractions, and the metro takes about 25 minutes to Bell Tower. You're better off staying in the city center and taking the metro to the station on your departure day.
Q: Do hotels in Xi'an have English-speaking staff?
A: All international chain hotels (Sheraton, Sofitel, W, Mercure) have English-speaking reception staff. Smaller Chinese hotels may have limited English, but communicating through WeChat's translate function works well — it's actually very common in China for hotel staff to message guests this way.
Q: Should I book hotels in Xi'an in advance?
A: Yes, especially during peak seasons (summer, Golden Week, Chinese New Year). I always book refundable rates on Trip.com 4–8 weeks ahead and adjust as our plans firm up. For shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), you have more flexibility but still benefit from booking ahead for the best-located hotels.
Plan Your Xi'an Trip
🏨 Where to stay: You're already here! Scroll up to our top picks
👨👩👧 Xi'an with kids: Complete family guide to Xi'an
🎭 Don't miss: Tuo Ling Legend Show — spectacular evening performance
🌳 Local gem: Xingqinggong Park — where Xi'an locals actually hang out
🗓️ Plan your route: How to plan your China itinerary
🚂 Book trains: How to buy train tickets in China
📱 Essential apps: AliPay setup guide | Public transport guide
🌐 Stay connected: How to access Google in China
✈️ Book flights: Find flights to Xi'an
🎟️ Book activities: Xi'an tours & tickets on Klook
🚕 Airport transfer: Book a private transfer
Xi'an is one of those cities that rewards staying in the right spot — get that choice right, and everything else falls into place. For us, being able to stumble out of our hotel and into the Muslim Quarter for breakfast made the whole trip feel effortless.
Have a question about where to stay in Xi'an? Drop a comment below or send me a message — I'm happy to help you plan.
Happy travels!
Magda 🐼
Read More About Xi'an
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
