Where To Stay In Xian For The First Time?

Planning your first Xian travel adventure?

Figuring out where to base yourself is key to a smooth and enjoyable introduction to this ancient capital. With its impressive city walls, awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, and vibrant local culture, Xian offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. The best area for you depends on what you want most: ultimate convenience to major sights, a deep cultural immersion, modern comforts, or perhaps a quieter retreat. This guide breaks down the top areas for first-time visitors to Xian, helping you find your ideal home base.

Here’s a quick comparison of our top recommended areas for first-timers in Xian:

Area	Best For	Top Attractions	Vibe/Atmosphere	Avg. Hotel Price (USD)
Bell Tower & City Center	Ultimate convenience, first-time visitors	Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Walls	Bustling, tourist-friendly, central	$60-120
Shuyuanmen (Cultural Street)	Cultural immersion, history lovers	Ancient-style street, calligraphy shops, near City Walls	Traditional, artistic, charming	$50-100
Near South Gate (Nanmen)	City Wall access, balanced location	South Gate, easier wall access, good transport	Historic yet accessible, slightly quieter	$55-110
Xiaozhai/Shaanxi History Museum	Modern comforts, museum access	Shaanxi History Museum, Big Goose Pagoda	Modern, commercial, convenient	$65-130
Lianhu District (West)	Value, local experience	Local markets, parks, fewer tourists	Authentic, residential, budget-friendly	$35-75

Now let’s explore each area in detail:

1. The Bell Tower & City Center: The Beating Heart (Top Pick for Most First-Timers!)

Why Stay Here? You literally cannot get more central. This is the absolute core of Xian, marked by the iconic Bell Tower. Staying here puts you within easy walking distance or a very short metro ride (Bell Tower Station is a major interchange) to the Drum Tower, the vibrant Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) with its incredible street food, and the South Gate (Nanmen) access point to the magnificent City Walls. Countless shops, restaurants (from local to international), and amenities are right outside your door.
Is This Area For You? Choose this if you prioritize maximum convenience to top sights, easy access to public transport (metro & buses), and want to be in the thick of the action. It’s perfect for those who want to step out and immediately feel the city’s energy. Be prepared for crowds and hustle, especially evenings and weekends.
Accommodation Range: Extensive! From well-known international chains (Hilton, Sofitel, Ibis Styles) to comfortable Chinese brands and smaller guesthouses. Options suit most budgets, though prime location often comes with a premium.
Pro Tip: Look for hotels actually inside the walled city center (within the rectangle formed by the City Walls) for the easiest access. Rooftop bars with Bell Tower views are a great perk!

2. Shuyuanmen (Cultural Street): Immersed in History & Charm

Why Stay Here? Located just inside the South Gate (Nanmen) and stretching eastwards, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street is a pedestrianized lane lined with traditional Qing Dynasty-style architecture. It’s quieter than the Bell Tower area but still incredibly atmospheric and steeped in culture. Think calligraphy shops, art stores, antique dealers, and traditional tea houses. Direct access to the City Walls at South Gate is a major plus.
Is This Area For You? Ideal if you appreciate a more traditional, cultural, and slightly less frenetic atmosphere than the absolute city center, while still being very well-connected (South Gate metro station). It offers a unique blend of history and charm right on your doorstep. Great for leisurely walks and soaking up old Xian vibes.
Accommodation Range: Features charming boutique hotels often housed in traditional buildings, some higher-end options, and a few well-regarded hostels. Focuses more on unique character than massive international chains.
Pro Tip: Explore the street early morning or late evening for the most peaceful experience before the day-tripping calligraphy shoppers arrive.

3. Near the South Gate (Nanmen): Wall Access & Balance

Why Stay Here? The South Gate (Yongningmen) is arguably the most impressive and busiest gate of the City Walls. Staying in the immediate vicinity offers unbeatable, easy access for walking or biking the walls first thing in the morning or at sunset. You’re also just a short walk north into Shuyuanmen or the city center, or south towards the lively bar street near the Shuncheng Alley area. Good metro access via South Gate Station.
Is This Area For You? Perfect if easy, frequent access to the City Walls is a top priority and you want a location that’s a stone’s throw from the center (Bell Tower ~15-20 min walk) but feels slightly more focused. Offers a good balance between historic atmosphere and convenience, with plenty of dining options nearby.
Accommodation Range: Mix of international hotels (like the Westin), comfortable Chinese business hotels, and some smaller boutique options, often offering great views of the imposing gate and walls.
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic spot for photographers wanting those iconic wall and gate shots without a long commute.

4. Xiaozhai / Near Shaanxi History Museum: Modern Comfort & Museum Focus

Why Stay Here? Located south of the City Walls, Xiaozhai is a major modern commercial hub centered around its huge crossroads and underground mall. It’s home to the excellent Shaanxi History Museum (book tickets online WAY in advance!) and provides relatively easy access (metro or taxi) to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) and its surrounding park/music fountain area. Offers modern amenities, diverse dining, and great shopping.
Is This Area For You? Choose this if you prefer a more modern, less touristy-at-night atmosphere with excellent shopping/eating complexes and prioritize easy access to the Shaanxi History Museum. It’s well-connected by metro (Line 2 & 3 interchange at Xiaozhai Station). Be aware it’s a bit further from the walled center and Muslim Quarter (~20-30 mins by metro).
Accommodation Range: Dominated by modern international and Chinese business hotels, serviced apartments, and some upscale options. Caters well to those seeking contemporary comfort and efficiency.
Pro Tip: The area can feel very bustling and anonymous compared to the historic center. Ideal if museum access and modern conveniences top your list.

5. Lianhu District (West of Center): Local Flavor & Value

Why Stay Here? Encompassing areas west and northwest of the Bell Tower, within the City Walls, Lianhu offers a more local, lived-in feel. You’ll find authentic markets, local eateries, and quieter residential streets while still being within walking distance (or a short cycle rickshaw ride) to the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter. Often provides better value for money.
Is This Area For You? Great for travelers seeking an authentic local experience without sacrificing too much convenience, and who are comfortable navigating slightly less polished streets. Budget-conscious travelers will find excellent value here. It lacks the immediate “wow” factor of the Bell Tower but has its own charm.
Accommodation Range: Primarily Chinese business hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Fewer large international brands, more focus on practicality and value.
Pro Tip: Explore the local breakfast options (jianbing - savory crepes, hulatang - peppery soup) for a true taste of Xian life.

First Time in Xian Travel Tips: Choosing & Booking

Prioritize Location: Especially for a short first visit, being near a metro station (Lines 1, 2, 4 are most useful for tourists) and within reasonable distance of the Walled City is crucial. Sacrificing a slightly cheaper rate for a better location often saves time and money on transport.
Book Well Ahead: Xian is popular year-round. Secure your accommodation, especially if aiming for a specific boutique hotel or prime location like near the Bell Tower/South Gate, several months in advance for the best selection and rates.
Consider the Metro: Xian’s metro is clean, efficient, and expanding. Staying near a station (especially Line 2 connecting the North Railway Station, Bell Tower, and Xiaozhai) significantly boosts your mobility. The airport metro line is also very convenient.
Check Reviews Carefully: Pay attention to recent reviews mentioning location accuracy, noise levels (central areas are loud!), bed comfort, and hot water reliability. Western brands generally offer predictable standards.
Visa & Payments: Ensure you have the correct Chinese visa. While international hotels accept major credit cards, smaller places and most local transactions heavily favor mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) or cash (RMB). Have some local currency on hand.

❗ Safety & Cultural Considerations for Xian Travel

General Safety: Xian is generally a very safe city for tourists, even at night in busy areas like the Muslim Quarter or near the Bell Tower. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your belongings in crowded places, be cautious with overly friendly strangers, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (Didi).
Air Quality: Xian can experience periods of poor air quality, especially in winter. Sensitive travelers should check forecasts and consider packing a mask. Most international hotels have good air filtration.
Crossing Streets: Be extremely vigilant! Traffic, especially scooters and bikes, can be unpredictable. Use marked crossings when possible but don’t assume vehicles will stop. Cross steadily with the flow of locals.
Haggling: Expected in markets (like the Muslim Quarter) and for souvenirs, but not in fixed-price stores or restaurants. Be polite and see it as part of the interaction.
Respect: The Terracotta Army site is a tomb complex. Maintain a respectful demeanor. Dress modestly when visiting active religious sites like temples or mosques (shoulders and knees covered).

Ready to Explore Xian?

Choosing the right base sets the tone for your first Xian travel experience. For most first-timers seeking the quintessential mix of ancient wonders and modern buzz, the Bell Tower & City Center or the South Gate/Shuyuanmen areas offer unbeatable convenience and atmosphere. If modern comforts and museum access top your list, Xiaozhai is a strong contender. Wherever you stay, Xian’s captivating blend of history, culture, and delicious food awaits! Now that you know where to stay in Xian for the first time, start browsing hotels and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Happy travels!