If you are a first-time visitor to Xi’an, you might be wondering where to stay in Xi’an. The Bell Tower and Yongning Gate area is generally considered the best area for first-time visitors, because you can travel to Xi’an City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter without much hassle.
For fans of lively night views, bustling pedestrian streets and modern hotels, hotels near Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang River might be the best places to stay. If you value Metro transportation and a convenient shopping experience, you can choose Xiaozhai. If you are taking high-speed trains or flights in the early morning, it is worth staying near Xi’an North Railway Station or Xi’an airport.
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- Xi’an Accommodation Guide Map
- 1. Bell Tower — Best Area for First-Time Visitors
- 2. Yongning Gate — Best for a Quieter Stay Near the City Center
- 3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Qujiang — Best Area for Nightlife & Family Trips
- 4. Xiaozhai — Best for Metro Transportation & Shopping
- Other Areas to Consider for Specific Travel Plans
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Xi’an
- Where Should You Stay in Xi’an?
Xi’an Accommodation Guide Map
1. Bell Tower — Best Area for First-Time Visitors
For first-time travelers to Xi’an, hotels near the Bell Tower are usually the best options.
This area is located in the center of Xi’an Ancient City. The Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter are all nearby. It’s also quite convenient to visit the Xi’an City Wall. There is a wide selection of restaurants, convenience stores, shopping malls and hotels. After the evening tour, you can also walk to Muslim Quarter, Sajinqiao and other places to sample local Xi’an food.
For gourmets, staying near the Bell Tower makes it handy to plan a food search in your itinerary.
Bell Tower Station is served by Metro Line 2, which takes you to Yongning Gate, Xiaozhai and Xi’an North Railway Station.
Suitable for: first-time visitors to Xi’an, those staying for only 2–3 nights, those who like searching for restaurants on foot in the evening, or tourists who want to keep daily transportation as simple as possible
What You Need to Know:
The biggest drawback of staying near the Bell Tower is the noise. You can expect large crowds of tourists on holidays and in the evenings, which means rooms near the main streets may be affected by traffic and street noise.
If you are a light sleeper, you don’t necessarily have to stay directly opposite the Bell Tower area. Choosing a hotel that is a 5-to-10-minute walk from the Bell Tower and not on the main street can usually balance overall convenience and your sleep quality well.
If you book a private Xi’an tour with China Xi’an Tour, we can also arrange accommodation based on the order of your daily tours, such as the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, to cut duplicate round trips.
An enchanting evening tour through Xi'an's illuminated landmarks, from the Bell Tower Square to Asia's largest music fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
2. Yongning Gate — Best for a Quieter Stay Near the City Center
If you like the location of the Bell Tower but also wish to stay away from crowds at night, Yongning Gate is a good alternative.
Near the south gate of the Xi’an City Wall, it’s one of the common entrances for climbing the City Wall and cycling, with blocks such as Shuyuan Gate nearby which are suitable for a leisurely walk. It’s also convenient to get to the Bell Tower and Xiaozhai from here.
Compared to the Bell Tower, the main advantage of Yongning Gate is not convenience, but that it’s not as crowded as the core area of the Bell Tower while still close to the city center. If you try to avoid noise and bustle in the evening, but prefer to walk along the City Wall and have a slow-paced dinner, Yongning Gate is probably one of the best areas to stay in Xi’an.
Suitable for: Tourists who want to stay near the Xi’an city center but are concerned about the accommodation environment and their sleep quality at night.
What You Need to Know:
Although it’s indeed quieter than the Bell Tower area, there might still be traffic noise as there is heavy traffic around the south gate. You may consider double-checking the room orientation and insulation quality when you book the hotel room.
3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Qujiang — Best Area for Nightlife & Family Trips
If you’re looking for the best area for experiencing nightlife in Xi’an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang area are worth considering.
Both areas are close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Tang Mall, and the Tang Paradise, with clusters of modern hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. After visiting the Grand Tang Mall in the evening, you can walk back to your hotel nearby without spending extra time on a bus or taxi.
Staying in these areas is especially convenient if your itinerary includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Grand Tang Mall. For visitors traveling with children, or those who don’t like frequent daily transfers, you can also get in touch with China Xi’an Tour to adjust the tour order and private transfer arrangements based on your hotel location.
What You Need to Know:
Hotels near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang area are quite far from the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter and the central area of Xi’an City Wall – about 5 to 7 kilometers, and the ride usually takes 20 to 30 minutes or even longer during peak hours.
If you want to focus on Xi’an City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, and the old city district, it’s more convenient to stay near Bell Tower or Yongning Gate.
If you prefer night views of Tang culture, modern hotels, and a relatively relaxed urban environment, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area is the better choice.
A one-day private Xian tour featuring Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the vibrant Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City illuminated at night.
4. Xiaozhai — Best for Metro Transportation & Shopping
Xiaozhai is not the most typical tourist accommodation area, but it’s a good location for convenient transportation and daily life.
With the Metro Lines 2 and 3 here, you can get to the Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an North Railway Station with ease. You can also find abundant shopping malls, restaurants and daily living facilities nearby, and there is a variety of accommodation available in different price ranges.
A shortcoming of this area is a lack of the “ancient city” atmosphere since it feels more like a modern commercial district, especially at night.
If you are staying in Xi’an for the first time but for two nights only, Bell Tower or Yongning Gate is still the most recommended; if you are staying for 3 to 4 nights and value Metro travel, shopping and convenience of daily life, then consider Xiaozhai instead.
Not sure where each area is located? Check the Xi’an map to see the main hotel areas, nearby attractions, and metro lines at a glance.
Other Areas to Consider for Specific Travel Plans
The following areas are not unsatisfactory, but staying here only makes sense if your itinerary meets specific circumstances.
Lintong — For Terracotta Army, Evening Show or Hot Springs
Lintong is near the Terracotta Warriors attraction and the Huaqing Palace, a good spot for watching the large-scale live historical dance drama Chang Hen Ge and bathing in the hot springs. If you are only interested in the Terracotta Warriors, there is no particular need to stay in Lintong for your whole itinerary – a round trip from central Xi’an is more efficient.
However, if you plan to visit Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace, then watch the Song of Everlasting Sorrow (Chang Hen Ge) show or have a hot spring bath, staying a night in Lintong would save you a lot of trouble.
A hassle-free half-day Xian layover tour visiting the 8000-strong Terracotta Warriors with a private guide from airport arrival to departure, no shopping stops.
Xi’an North Railway Station — For Late Arrivals or Early Trains
If you arrive in Xi’an late by high-speed rail, or take the high-speed rail early the next morning, consider staying near Xi’an North Railway Station.
In addition, it’s not recommended to stay near Xi’an North Railway Station for the sake of convenient transportation. You can still get to Xi’an North Railway Station easily if you stay in areas like Bell Tower and Xiaozhai, where you also have more dining and sightseeing options in the evenings.
Xi’an Airport — For Late Flights or Early Departures
Staying near Xi’an airport is more practical when arriving in the early morning or when your flight is very early the next day.
If you arrive at the airport at any time other than the two circumstances, staying near the airport may not be convenient, as you’ll need to move to another hotel near the city center the next day.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Xi’an
Bell Tower or Big Wild Goose Pagoda?
For first-time visitors to Xi’an and those who value the ancient city atmosphere, dining, and convenience of getting around on foot, choose the Bell Tower. If you like the night views of Tang-dynasty culture at the Grand Tang Mall, and modern hotels, choose the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
If you are struggling between the two options and can’t make up your mind, consider the Bell Tower.
Inside or Outside the City Wall?
For first-time visitors to Xi’an, it’s recommended to stay inside the Xi’an City Wall or near the South Gate.
First trips to Xi’an usually last only 2 to 3 days, and staying in the center of the ancient city can reduce the extra travel time in the evening. If you prefer modern shopping malls, spacious hotels, and relatively quiet environments, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Qujiang, or Xiaozhai are more suitable.
Where Should I Stay for Xi’an North Railway Station?
If you’re not taking the high-speed rail too early or too late, staying in the city center is fine.
It’s only recommended to stay overnight near Xi’an North Railway Station if you arrive late at night or need to take the high-speed rail very early the next day.
Which Area Is Best for Family Trips in Xi’an?
If you travel to Xi’an for the first time with your children, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang areas can offer a more pleasant family trip experience.
There are many modern hotels near Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang, and both areas are close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Tang Mall, and the Tang Paradise. If you are mainly visiting these attractions on the day, you can return to the hotel with less traffic trouble after concluding your itinerary in the evening.
If your itinerary focuses more on the Terracotta Army, the City Wall, and the old city district, staying near the Bell Tower is also convenient.
How Much Do Xi’an Hotels Cost?
Xi’an hotel prices are significantly affected by dates (especially holidays) and locations. The following prices are for reference only:
- Budget hotel: approximately CNY 150–300 / overnight
- Mid-range hotel: approximately CNY 300–500 / overnight
- 4-star hotel: approximately CNY 500–800 / overnight
- Luxury and 5-star hotel: approximately CNY 800–1,500+ / overnight
Popular hotels in the core areas of the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are generally more expensive; Yongning Gate, Xiaozhai, and locations slightly further from the core attractions offer a wider range of accommodation options for different price ranges.
The prices above are for reference only. It’s recommended to try to avoid China’s National Day, May Day, Spring Festival and summer holiday peaks; if you happen to travel during these peaks, it’s recommended to book your hotel as early as possible. Popular hotels and room types are usually more expensive and in high demand.
How Many Nights Should I Stay in Xi’an?
If it’s your first time in Xi’an, it’s recommended to stay for 2 to 3 nights.
You can cover major attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for a 2-night stay; if you also want to try the local food, visit more districts, or want to travel at a relaxed pace, then it’s recommended to arrange a 3-night stay.
If you are also planning to visit Mount Hua, another day is needed for a better travel experience.
If you are unsure how many days you should spend on your Xi’an tour, check How to Plan a Trip to Xi’an before you decide where to stay in Xi’an based on your itinerary.
Where Should You Stay in Xi’an?
If you don’t want to spend too much time comparing where to stay in Xi’an, here is a list for quick picks:
- First time in Xi’an → Bell Tower
- Want to stay in the heart of the ancient city but stay away from crowds at night → Yongning Gate
- Love Tang culture night view / Travel with children → Big Wild Goose Pagoda or Qujiang
- Value Metro transportation and shopping convenience → Xiaozhai
- Terracotta Warriors + Chang Hen Ge performance / Hot Springs → 1 night in Lintong
- Early morning high-speed rail → 1 night stay at Xi’an North Railway Station
- Early morning flight → 1 night at Xi’an airport
If you’re still unsure where to stay in Xi’an, China Xian Tour can help you choose a suitable accommodation area while arranging pick-up, drop-off and tour route planning services based on your itinerary and budget.
If you are visiting Xi’an for the first time and staying for 2 to 3 nights, the Bell Tower or Yongning Gate is usually the most convenient and safest choice.
