1. Stay near City Center: The Heartbeat of Ancient Xi’an
Why Stay Here?
For most first-time visitors, the City Center, nestled within the imposing Ancient City Wall, is the undeniable top choice. This area pulsates with energy and history, placing you right at the epicenter of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks. Imagine stepping out of your accommodation and being minutes away from the majestic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which historically marked time in the city. The vibrant Muslim Quarter, a haven for food lovers, is also within easy walking distance.
Convenience and Connectivity
Staying in the City Center means unparalleled convenience. Many attractions are walkable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the historical ambiance at your own pace. The area is exceptionally well-connected by Xi’an’s efficient metro system, particularly Line 2, making it easy to venture out to sights further afield, like the Terracotta Warriors or the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You’ll find a wide array of accommodation options, from budget hostels to upscale hotels, alongside countless restaurants, bustling shops, and lively markets.
- Pros: Central location, walkability to major sites (Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall), excellent public transport, lively atmosphere, wide range of dining and shopping.
- Ideal for: First-time visitors, sightseers, those who want to be in the middle of the action.
2. Stay near Muslim Quarter: A Culinary and Cultural Feast
A Taste of Tradition
Adjacent to the Drum Tower within the City Center, the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is a vibrant, bustling area renowned for its unique cultural blend and, most famously, its incredible street food. This historic neighborhood has been home to Xi’an’s Hui Muslim community for centuries. As you wander through its narrow, lively streets, you’ll be enveloped by the tantalizing aromas of roasting nuts, grilling meats, and sweet pastries.
Nightlife and Souvenirs
The Muslim Quarter truly comes alive in the evening, transforming into a dazzling spectacle of lights, sounds, and flavors. It’s a fantastic spot for dinner and experiencing local nightlife. Beyond the food, you’ll find numerous shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local products. While some snacks can be a bit pricier due to its popularity, many affordable and delicious local favorites are waiting to be discovered. Staying in or very near the Muslim Quarter is perfect for those who want to dive deep into Xi’an’s culinary scene and enjoy a culturally rich atmosphere right on their doorstep.
- Pros: Unparalleled food experiences, vibrant cultural atmosphere, lively evenings, unique shopping opportunities, close to central attractions.
- Ideal for: Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, travelers seeking lively nightlife.
3. Stay in Southeast Area (Near Big Wild Goose Pagoda): Culture and Calm
A Blend of History and Modernity
Located outside the City Wall to the southeast, the area around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta) offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still being rich in cultural attractions. This district is home to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, and the highly acclaimed Shaanxi History Museum, a must-visit for understanding the region’s profound past. The area features pleasant parks, modern shopping centers, and a good selection of restaurants.
Family-Friendly and Accessible
This neighborhood is particularly well-suited for families, offering more green spaces and attractions that appeal to all ages. The spectacular musical fountain show at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a popular evening attraction. While it’s not as central as staying within the City Wall, the Southeast area is well-connected by public transport, including metro lines, making it easy to reach the City Center and other parts of Xi’an. It provides a good balance between cultural immersion, modern amenities, and a less hectic environment.
- Pros: Close to Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum, family-friendly attractions, good shopping and dining, slightly quieter than the City Center, good transport links.
- Ideal for: Families, culture seekers preferring a slightly calmer base, museum lovers.
4. Stay in Lintong District: Gateway to the Terracotta Warriors
For the Dedicated Explorer
If your primary mission in Xi’an is to marvel at the world-famous Terracotta Army, consider staying in the Lintong District. Located about an hour’s drive east of downtown Xi’an, this area is where the warriors were unearthed and where the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum now stands. Staying in Lintong also provides easier access to other nearby attractions like the Huaqing Pool (Huaqing Palace), known for its hot springs and imperial history.
Pros and Cons
The main advantage of staying in Lintong is the proximity to these major historical sites, allowing for more leisurely visits and potentially avoiding the peak crowds by arriving early. However, it’s important to note that Lintong is quite far from the Xi’an City Center and its other attractions. Accommodation options and dining choices are more limited compared to the central areas, and the atmosphere is generally quieter. This area is best suited for visitors with a very focused itinerary or those who wish to dedicate ample time to exploring the Terracotta Warriors and surrounding sites without the daily commute from the city.
- Pros: Closest proximity to the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Pool, allows for early access to sites.
- Cons: Far from Xi’an City Center and other attractions, fewer accommodation and dining options, quieter atmosphere.
- Ideal for: Visitors whose main focus is the Terracotta Army, those with limited time wanting to prioritize this site.
5. Stay near Railway Stations or Airport: Convenience for Travelers on the Go
Strategic Stays
For travelers with early departures or late arrivals, staying near Xi’an’s main transportation hubs can be a practical choice. Xi’an has two major railway stations: Xi’an Railway Station (closer to the city center and the north gate of the City Wall) and Xi’an North Railway Station (further north, serving high-speed trains and connected by Metro Line 2 and Line 4). Both areas offer a range of mid-range hotels. Similarly, the area around Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), located northwest of the city, has hotels catering to transit passengers, though it’s less developed for tourism.
Focus on Practicality
These locations prioritize convenience for travel logistics over immediate access to tourist attractions. While you can easily reach the city center via public transport (especially from the railway stations), the immediate surroundings might lack the charm and vibrancy of the more central tourist areas. This option is best for short stays, layovers, or if you have a very tight travel schedule.
- Pros: Convenient for early/late train or plane travel, good transport links from stations to the city.
- Cons: Less tourist-focused, further from main attractions (especially the airport), surroundings can be less appealing.
- Ideal for: Travelers with tight schedules, early departures/late arrivals, short stopovers.
6. Stay in High-Tech Zone & Xincheng District: Modern Comforts
Business and Contemporary Living
The High-Tech Industries Development Zone, located in the southwest suburbs, is a modern, rapidly developing area of Xi’an. It’s characterized by new buildings, international companies, universities, and contemporary shopping malls. This area caters more to business travelers or those looking for modern amenities and a quieter, more residential feel away from the hustle and bustle of the historic center. Similarly, the Xincheng District, particularly its western parts, offers a more local, peaceful atmosphere while still being relatively accessible to the city center via metro.
Considerations
While these areas offer comfortable accommodations and a glimpse into modern Xi’an, they are further from the main historical attractions. You’ll need to rely on the metro or taxis to reach sites like the City Wall or the Terracotta Warriors. These districts are a good choice if you prefer a more contemporary environment, are in Xi’an for business, or desire a quieter stay and don’t mind commuting for sightseeing.
- Pros: Modern amenities, quieter environment, good for business travelers (High-Tech Zone), local feel (Xincheng).
- Cons: Further from main historical attractions, requires commuting for sightseeing.
- Ideal for: Business travelers, those seeking modern comforts, visitors preferring a quieter, more residential stay.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which area best suits your travel style and priorities:
13 Days China Top City Tour : Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Guilin Shanghai
6 Days Xi’an-Chengdu Cultural Tours : Terracotta Warriors & Pandas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Xi'an?
For first-time visitors, the City Center (inside the Ancient City Wall) is highly recommended. It offers the most convenient access to major historical sites like the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and the City Wall itself. It’s also a hub for transportation, dining, and shopping, providing a vibrant and comprehensive introduction to Xi’an.
I love food! Where should I stay in Xi'an?
If food is a top priority, the Muslim Quarter is your best bet. This area is famous for its incredible array of street food, traditional snacks, and bustling atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Staying here or very close by puts you right in the heart of Xi’an’s most exciting culinary scene.
Where is a good area in Xi'an for families traveling with children?
The Southeast area, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, is an excellent choice for families. It offers a good mix of cultural attractions like the Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum, along with parks, shopping malls, and the impressive evening fountain show. It’s generally quieter than the bustling City Center but still well-connected.
My main goal is to see the Terracotta Warriors. Should I stay near the site?
If the Terracotta Warriors are your primary focus, staying in the Lintong District can be convenient. This will minimize travel time to the museum. However, be aware that Lintong is about an hour from downtown Xi’an, with fewer dining and accommodation options compared to the city center. It’s best if you plan to dedicate significant time to the Terracotta Army and nearby Huaqing Pool.
Is it easy to get around Xi'an from these areas?
Yes, Xi’an has a good public transportation system. The City Center and the Southeast area (Big Wild Goose Pagoda) are particularly well-served by the metro and buses, making it easy to reach most attractions. Even from areas like the High-Tech Zone or Xincheng District, the metro provides efficient access to the historical core. Areas near the railway stations also offer excellent transport links.
