Where to Stay in Xi'an: best areas and hotels for your trip

Choosing where to stay in Xi'an makes a big difference to your trip. The city is one of the oldest and most historically significant in China, famous for the Terracotta Army, the impressive City Wall and the lively Muslim Quarter.

Unlike modern cities such as Shanghai or Beijing, Xi'an has a very well-preserved historic centre, and most of the best accommodation options are located inside or close to the City Wall.

If it is your first time in Xi'an, the ideal is to stay near the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter. This location allows you to explore the city on foot, visit the historic attractions and enjoy the city's nightlife without needing any transport.

Comparison of the best areas to stay in Xi'an

Average price ranges researched for the next 1–2 months on Booking, Trip.com and similar platforms. Prices may vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book and the hotel category.

Best area for first-time visitors: Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower area is the historic heart of Xi'an and the best place to stay on a first visit to the city. It sits at the exact centre of the ancient urban core, with easy walking access to the Muslim Quarter, markets, restaurants and public transport.

Staying in this area means being just a few minutes' walk from the most visited sites in the old city, with metro lines nearby to reach the Terracotta Army and other more distant attractions.

Is it worth staying near the Bell Tower?

Yes. It is the best overall location in Xi'an for those who want convenience, history and easy access to everything the city has to offer.

Recommended hotels near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Best area for historic immersion: Inside the City Wall

Xi'an's City Wall is one of the best-preserved in China and marks the boundary of the ancient urban centre. Staying inside the wall is a special experience: the streets have more historic character, there is less heavy traffic and you can explore the city at a more leisurely pace.

This area is ideal for travellers who want to truly feel inside the ancient city of Xi'an, walk the historic streets and enjoy an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is it worth staying inside the Xi'an City Wall?

Yes, especially for those visiting Xi'an with an interest in history and culture. The location inside the wall makes it much easier to visit the historic centre's attractions and to walk or cycle along the wall itself.

Recommended hotels inside the City Wall

Best area for food and atmosphere: Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is one of the most vibrant and lively areas of Xi'an. The narrow streets are packed with food stalls, craft shops and a unique multicultural atmosphere that contrasts with the rest of the city.

Staying close to the Muslim Quarter is ideal for travellers who want an intense gastronomic experience, from the famous rou jia mo (Chinese burger) to hand-pulled biang biang noodles.

Is it worth staying near the Muslim Quarter?

Yes, especially for those who put food and cultural experience at the top of their list. It is also one of the areas with the most nightlife and activity in Xi'an.

One thing to note is that streets near the market can be quite noisy during peak hours.

Recommended hotels near the Muslim Quarter

Best value area: South Gate / Yongningmen

The South Gate area, also known as Yongningmen, tends to have more affordable hotels than the Bell Tower centre, but still with a good location for exploring the historic city.

It is a good choice for travellers who want to save money without giving up a location close to the main attractions.

Is it worth staying near the South Gate in Xi'an?

Yes, especially for those spending more than two nights in Xi'an or looking to balance cost and location. The South Gate itself is an impressive attraction, with the illuminated wall at night and periodic shows.

Recommended hotels near the South Gate / Yongningmen

Best area for transport: Xi'an North Railway Station

Xi'an North Railway Station is the city's high-speed rail terminal and sits a little outside the historic centre. Staying in this area makes most sense for those arriving or departing Xi'an by train, or for those planning to visit the Terracotta Army on arrival.

The area itself has less tourist charm than the historic centre, but it is convenient for quick connections.

Is it worth staying near Xi'an North Station?

Only in specific cases. For most travellers, staying near the historic centre is the better choice. But if you arrive late, leave early or need transport logistics, this area can be convenient.

Recommended hotels near Xi'an North Railway Station

Do you need to stay inside the City Wall in Xi'an?

It is not essential, but it is highly recommended for a first visit. Staying inside or very close to the City Wall places you at the historic heart of Xi'an, with walking access to the main attractions and an atmosphere that is simply not found outside the wall.

If the budget allows, choosing accommodation inside or near the wall can make the experience in Xi'an far richer and more practical.

How many nights should you stay in Xi'an?

The ideal is 2 to 3 nights in Xi'an. With 2 nights, you can visit the Terracotta Army, explore the Muslim Quarter, walk along the City Wall and see the Bell and Drum Towers.

With 3 nights, the visit becomes more relaxed and you can include other attractions such as the Great Mosque, the Shaanxi History Museum and evening walks through the illuminated city.

Is Xi'an good for a first trip to China?

Yes. Xi'an is one of the most historic and fascinating cities in China. The Terracotta Army alone justifies the visit, but the combination with the City Wall, the Muslim Quarter and the local gastronomy makes Xi'an a complete experience, and a very different one from China's modern megacities.

Does Xi'an pair well with Beijing and Shanghai?

Yes. Xi'an sits well between Beijing and Shanghai on many China itineraries. A common route is:

Beijing → Xi'an → Chengdu → Shanghai

Or combined with the Hunan region:

Xi'an → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang

The city works very well as a historic stopover before moving on to natural destinations or modern cities in China.

My final recommendation

For a first visit to Xi'an, the best choice is to stay near the Bell Tower, inside or close to the City Wall. This central location allows you to explore everything on foot and use the metro for more distant attractions.

If food and market atmosphere are the priority, the Muslim Quarter is the best area. If budget is the main factor, the South Gate offers more affordable accommodation without sacrificing a historic location.

Xi'an deserves at least 2 nights so you can visit the Terracotta Army at a comfortable pace, explore the historic city and enjoy the unique experience that the capital of China's ancient dynasties has to offer.