Where to Stay in Xi'an: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Timers

The main attractions in Xi'an are concentrated within the City Wall, including the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas outside the walls and the Terracotta Warriors, which are about 35 kilometers (21.8 miles) from the city center.

Considering the distance to various attractions, transportation, food, and nightlife, we recommend staying in the Bell Tower area and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area. Here is a detailed introduction, along with answers to some common questions.

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• 1. Bell Tower area
• 2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda area
• FAQs

1. Stay around Bell Tower Area (The City Center) - The Most Convenient Option for First-Timers

If you're looking for the most convenient and well-rounded area, the Bell Tower area is your best choice.

It's the city center and the heart of the old town, perfect for soaking in the ancient city atmosphere, staying close to major landmarks, and enjoying local food options. Transportation is excellent, making it easy to get anywhere.

Bell Tower

Advantages:

• Wide range of mid to high-end hotels.
• Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and City Wall are all within a 5-20 minute walk. You can explore on foot.
• 2 metro lines pass through. The Terracotta Warriors are about an hour's drive away.
• Rich dining options, including Muslim Quarter, Sajinqiao, and Yongxingfang food streets.
• Vibrant nightlife. Read more about Xi'an's Nightlife.

Our guests visited the Muslim Quarter

Disadvantages:

• More tourists, and the environment can get noisy, especially during holidays. Try to avoid hotels facing main roads.
• Traffic congestion during peak hours.  
• Hotel prices surge during holidays. It's better to book 2-3 months in advance.

Tip: If you want to stay in the city center but are concerned about noise, consider the quieter areas within a 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower, such as Yongningmen (near upscale malls and Shuyuanmen Cultural Street) or Dachaishi (near Yongxingfang and Dongxin Street food streets). Both offer convenient transportation and lower prices.

2. Stay around Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area - Best for Tang Culture Lovers & Relaxed Stays

If you want to dive deep into Tang Dynasty culture while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area is ideal.

This is a newer part of the city, quieter than Bell Tower, but still close to everything that matters without being too far.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Advantages:

• Concentration of high-end hotels with modern facilities.
• Close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, and Tang Paradise.
• 2 metro lines pass through. The Terracotta Warriors are about a 50-minute drive away.
• Quieter environment, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
• Rich nightlife, with more Tang cultural experiences and fewer crowds than the Bell Tower.

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

Disadvantages:

• Farther from the City Wall, requiring a 20-30 minute drive by car.
• Dining options aren't as abundant as those in the Muslim Quarter area.

FAQs:

1. Is it better to stay inside or outside the City Wall?

If convenience and walkable access to major landmarks matter most, staying inside the City Wall is the better choice.

If you prefer a more modern environment with shopping malls and a calmer pace, staying outside the City Wall may suit you better.

2. Are there any other recommended accommodation areas in Xi'an?

Benlin District (Wanda Plaza): More budget-friendly, with mostly four-star hotels and lower prices than the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda areas. Located between the city center and the pagoda area, but with fewer landmarks and a quieter evening scene.

High-Tech Zone: Xi'an's business district, mainly suited for business stays. Modern but far from major attractions, making sightseeing inconvenient.

Lintong Area: Ideal for visits focused on the Terracotta Army or the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" show without rushing back to the city. Also home to the closest and best hot spring resorts near Xi'an city center, such as Aegean Sea and Angsana, especially popular in winter. Fewer hotel and dining options than downtown Xi'an.

Aegean Sea Hot Spring Hotel in Lintong

3. How many nights should I stay in Xi'an？

If you just plan to explore Xi'an's main highlights, staying 2 to 3 nights is usually enough.

For reference, a twin room in four-star hotels usually range from RMB 300–600 (about USD 40–85) per night, while five-star hotels are typically around RMB 700–1,100 (about USD 95–140), depending on the season and hotel standard.

Get more information on our How to Plan a Trip to Xi'an guide.

4. If I only visit the Terracotta Army, where should I stay？

If the Terracotta Army is the only attraction you plan to visit, many travelers wonder whether it's better to stay near the site in Lintong District or in Xi'an city center.

In most cases, we recommend staying in the city center. The drive from downtown Xi'an to the Terracotta Army takes only about 40–50 minutes, so visiting the site is still very convenient. More importantly, the city center offers a much wider range of hotels, dining options, and evening activities.

It also makes little difference in travel time when heading to Xi'an Airport or Xi'an North Railway Station, as the journey from the city center is roughly the same as from Lintong.

Staying in Lintong makes sense if your priority is a quiet soak and rest, and you don't care much about nightlife or shopping.

Lintong is known for its hot spring resorts, making it ideal if you want to relax immediately after visiting the Terracotta Army.

Tour Xi'an with China Highlights

We partner with some hotels in Xi'an, allowing us to offer more favorable prices than booking websites. We strive to meet your hotel requirements, such as family rooms, swimming pools, gyms, and laundry facilities.

Furthermore, our private service offers complete customization, allowing us to tailor our services to your needs even while you're traveling. Just contact us.