Where to Stay in Xi’an: Best Areas for a China Visa-Free Transit Stopover (2026)

Xi’an is easily one of my favorite cities in China. With its rich history, incredible food scene, and reputation for being traveler-friendly, Xi’an is also becoming a favorite among those who are able to utilize China’s visa-free transit policies.

If you’re coming in for a 24 hour visa free transit stop, 72 hour visa free transit stop or even 144 transit visit in Xi’an, selecting the perfect district to stay will drastically enhance your experience. Xi’an was the capital of China for over 1,000 years and is home to China’s Terracotta Army. There’s a lot to see and do here, but even if you only have one or two nights in Xi’an, you can still see the main sights and find delicious food and budget-friendly accommodation.

In this guide, I’ll outline the best areas to stay in Xi’an when you have an extended layover or transit visit, as well as the pros/cons of each neighborhood and some hotel recommendations for every budget.

Quick Glance: 5 Best Hotels in Xi’an for a Visa-Free Transit Stopover

Quick Answer: Where Should You Stay in Xi’an?

If you’re short on time, here’s my recommendation:

For most travelers, staying near the Bell Tower inside the ancient city walls is the best choice.

You’ll be within walking distance of Xi’an’s main attractions, restaurants, shopping streets, and transportation links.

Understanding Xi’an’s Visa-Free Transit Rules

Before reserving your accommodation, know your transit situation.
Increasingly, international travelers are eligible for visa-free transit through China when transferring to another country/region.

Depending on your nationality and route, you may be eligible for:

• 24-hour visa free transit
• 72-hour visa free transit
• 144-hour visa free transit

Xi’ans main airport, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), has frequent flights to/from popular cities in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

If you have an overnight layover in Xi’an, book accommodation close to interesting sights and your route to the airport.

Bell Tower & Drum Tower Area (Our Favorite)

If you’ve never been to Xi’ an this is the best area for transit travelers.

Xi’an’s Bell Tower sits right in the center of the city and essentially acts as downtown Xi’ an.

Here you can find:

• Xi’ an City Wall
• Muslim Quarter
• Drum Tower
• Shopping malls
• Metro stations
• Restaurants / Cafes

The city really comes alive at night when the lights illuminate the old architecture.

Pros

✔ Central for sightseeing

✔ Great access to public transportation

✔ Wide variety of hotels

✔ Walking distance to main attractions

✔ Easy dining options

Cons

✖ Popular destination during peak season

✖ Slightly more expensive hotels

Our Hotel Picks:

• Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an
• Grand Noble Hotel Xi’an
• Jinmao Hotel Xi’an Downtown
• Hilton Garden Inn Xi’an Bell Tower

Muslim Quarter (Foodie Favorite)

Muslim Quarter is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Xi’an.

The vibe and culture are completely different from any other city we’ve visited in China.

When you walk into the Muslim Quarter you immediately smell charcoal grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and freshly baked flatbread.

Highlights

• Famous Xi’an street food
• Nightlife
• Traditional buildings
• Close to Bell Tower
• Must Eat Foods
• Roujiamo (Chinese burger)
• Yangrou Paomo
• Biang Biang Noodles
• Persimmon Cakes
• Lamb Skewers

Pros

✔ Local feel

✔ Food is amazing

✔ Nightlife

✔ Walking distance

Cons

✖ Crowded at night

✖ Some smaller / older hotels

Our Hotel Picks:

• Eastern House Boutique Hotel
• Xi’an Dajing Castle Hotel
• Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower

South Gate Area (Best for Families)

The South Gate side of Xi’an City Wall tends to be neglected by most transit visitors.

But if you’re looking for a nice balance between convenience and comfort; this is the area to stay.

South Gate is much quieter than Bell Tower but still very close to everything.

You will also find larger rooms for families with kids at these hotels.

Highlights

• Beautiful Xi’an City Wall
• Family-friendly hotels
• Convenient access to metro station
• Less crowded

Pros

✔ Larger hotels

✔ Quieter

✔ Near attractions

✔ Good prices

Cons

✖ Not many places to eat at night

Our Hotel Picks:

• Gran Melia Xi’an
• Mercure Xi’an South Gate
• Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an

Qujiang District (Luxury Trip)

Qujiang is a great area to stay if your Xi’an layover is part of an extravagant vacation through China.

Qujiang is home to:

• Luxury hotels
• Upscale shopping malls
• Museums
• Beautiful parks

This area is very new compared to Xi’an’s old city.

There are tons of 5-star hotels in this district. Perfect for travelers wanting the best comfort on a long layover.

Highlights

• Luxury hotels
• Beautiful Tang Dynasty inspired architecture
• Beautiful sceneries
• Not as many tourists

Pros

✔ Luxury Hotels

✔ Modern area

✔ Restaurants

✔ Family friendly attractions nearby

Cons

✖ Distance from Bell Tower

✖ More expensive

Our Hotel Picks:

• The Westin Xi’an
• Wyndham Grand Xi’an South
• Gran Melia Xi’an

Xi’ an North Railway Station Area (High-Speed Rail Connections)

Many people transit Xi’an to visit:

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Chengdu
• Chongqing
• Luoyang

All via China’s famous high-speed rail system.

If you need to catch an early train; staying close to Xi’an North Railway Station is ideal.

Xi’an North Railway District is new and convenient. There isn’t much to do downtown though.

Pros

✔ Close to Xi’an North Railway Station

✔ Newer hotels

✔ Not as much traffic

Cons

✖ Not many sightseeing spots nearby

✖ Not much atmosphere

Our Hotel Picks:

• Fairfield by Marriott Xi’an North Station
• Novotel Xi’an North Railway Station

Xi’ an Airport Area (Quick Layovers)

The absolute best situation is if you have an overnight layover.

If you only have a layover for less than 24 hours in Xi’an; staying by Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is your best bet.

Book a hotel here if:

• You arrive late at night
• Leave Xi’an early in the morning
• Don’t want to visit Xi’an
• Staying at an airport hotel takes the stress out of traveling.

Pros

✔ Quick access to airport

✔ Perfect for short layovers

✔ Access to airport shuttle

Cons

✖ No nearby attractions

✖ Not much sightseeing

Our Hotel Picks:

• Hyatt Place Xi’an Airport
• Joyhub Air Hotel Xi’an Airport

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Xi’an?

1 Night

Enough to see everything above listed.

2 Nights

Visit Terracotta Army as well.

3 Nights

Visit Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, Great Mosque and Tang Paradise. Eat as much as you want!

Most visa-free transit passengers will only have two nights.

Sample 48-Hour Xi’an Stopover Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Xi’an ~ Check into Bell Tower hotel ~ Muslim Quarter ~ Drum tower ~ Evening walk on city wall

Day 2: Terracotta Army (Morning) ~ Huaqing Palace ~ Back to city center ~ Xi’ an food tour

Day 3: Breakfast ~ Transfer to airport

Final Verdict: Where Should You Stay in Xi’an?

If you can only remember one place to stay in Xi’an when asking yourself “Where should I stay in Xi’an during a visa- free transit stop? “, remember this: the Bell Tower area.

The Bell Tower area has the best accessibility to transportation, food, attractions, and atmosphere.

If you’re a foodie, you can’t miss checking out the Muslim Quarter. If you’re traveling with family, consider staying in South Gate. And if you’re a luxury traveler on a hotel hunt, check out Qujiang.

Regardless of where you stay in Xi’an, it’s one of the best cities in China to make a stop. Full of history, amazing food and home to world-renowned attractions, your layover can turn into a highlight of your trip to China.