Visiting China, the Middle Kingdom? Here’s Xi’an, mainland China: where to stay in Xi’an?
Xi’an (pronounced shi-an) is the 14th largest city in the People’s Republic of China, with a population of 8.5 million. Located in the historic province of Shannxi, considered to be the cradle of Chinese civilization, Xi’an has an area the size of Gironde, 9,983 km². The city’s sprawling dimensions are a reflection of China. Xi’an lies at the end of the famous Silk Road and was China’s capital for over 1,000 years, under the reign of 13 dynasties (at the beginning of the first millennium BC). It also boasts a wealth of relics and cultural treasures, including the mausoleums of the Western Hans emperors, ancient fortifications and Chinese pyramids.
According to our estimates, accommodation in Xi’an will cost much less than in a major French city: €250 per month for a studio apartment in downtown Xi’an, and homestay apartments can be found for €17 per night. The city is made up of thirteen administrative subdivisions, which can be likened to districts or arrondissements. If you want to know where to stay in Xi’an, as is often the case, choose the districts closest to the city center. So here’s our overview of where to stay in Xi’an during your stay.
The ramparts of the old town
Photo credit: Flickr – globetrotter_rodrigo
The old town, encircled by imposing walls, is a historic monument in its own right. Symbolizing power in the former imperial capital, staying within the ancient fortifications allows you to discover several districts, including the Muslim Quarter. Between the North Gate and the South Gate, numerous hotels can be booked to sleep in Xi’an, close to historic monuments: General Yang Hucheng Memorial Museum, Xi’an Museum of Muslim History and Culture, several amusement parks, the Great Mosque of Xi’an, Chenghuang Temple.
The Muslim quarter, behind the Drum Tower, is one of the city’s liveliest and most popular with tourists. The main street, Bei Yuan Men, is entirely cobbled and very commercial. In the evening, it transforms into a giant night market, with stores, butchers’ stalls, food and sweets stalls and Muslim markets. The icing on the cake: it’s not difficult to find accommodation in this district.
Beilin
Photo credit: Flickr – UbeIT
The Beilin district is the area south of the fortifications. It’s home to some of Xi’an’s must-see sites: the Shaanxi Art Museum, the Xi’an Museum, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Xingquinggong Park, with its huge lake. Here you’ll find major Western restaurants and, of course, hotels. Beilin is a good compromise for accommodation in Xi’an: a central, shopping area at the heart of a modern, constantly changing China.
Yanta
Photo credit: Flickr – xiquinhosilva
To the south of Xi’an lies the Yanta district, one of the largest. It is home to cultural sites and green spaces, making it an ideal haunt for young people and families visiting Xi’an. The Xi’an Qujiang Museum, for example, is close to the large Tang Paradise Park and its Furong Lake. Further south, on the other side of Furong S Road, a succession of green spaces stretch out, including Qujiang Pond and the Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the chance to taste the famous xiaolongbao, the succulent ravioli typical of Chinese gastronomy, in one of the restaurants. There’s even a concert hall and amusement parks: enough to appeal to young and old alike, and Xi’an has it all.