Xi’an Ancient City Youth Hostel is the budget pick, and it offers more atmosphere than most hostels. It stands at 4 Lianhu Road in the Lianhu district, within about two kilometres of the City Wall, and has 60 rooms, mainly standard twin and double rooms. Guests share a garden, a terrace, a cafe and a library, and there is a restaurant serving meals through the day. Bike hire is available for riding the wall, and the front desk can help with tour and ticket information. It suits solo travellers, couples on a budget and anyone who enjoys meeting other visitors in a relaxed setting. Beidajie metro station is a four-minute walk, which makes it easy to reach the Bell Tower and other sights without a taxi, while the airport and railway station are a taxi ride away.
Location and getting around
Beidajie station is around a four-minute walk, and the Bell Tower is roughly two minutes by car. The Great Mosque is about a sixteen-minute walk and the Drum Tower around nineteen. Xi’an Railway Station is about twelve minutes by car, and the airport is around forty-five minutes. The hostel is a convenient base for the City Wall, which is within a short ride.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are simple and clean, with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Public spaces are the hostel’s strength: a garden, a terrace, a coffee shop, a library and a restaurant. Luggage storage, a front desk safe, laundry and a small gym are available, along with free self-parking for those arriving by car. A continental breakfast is available for a fee.
Who it suits
Independent travellers, backpackers and couples who prefer to spend money on food and experiences rather than a hotel room. It is quieter and calmer than many hostels because the rooms are mostly twins and doubles. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from shared areas.
Good to know
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out at noon, with luggage storage for early arrivals. The staff can recommend routes and help with train tickets, and the bike hire is handy for the City Wall. Bring your passport at check-in, as it is required for registration in China. Facilities and services vary, so confirm anything important, such as private bathrooms, when you book.
Making the most of a hostel stay: use the library and the garden to meet other travellers and swap tips about trains, tours and restaurants. Staff are used to helping visitors with maps and ticket questions, and the bike hire makes a morning on the City Wall easy to organise. Pack earplugs and a light lock for your bag, and bring a small towel if you plan to use shared facilities.
Why stay here
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Cafe
- ✓Library
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Bike hire
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Front desk safe
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Is it close to the metro?+
Yes, Beidajie station is around a four-minute walk, and the Bell Tower is about two minutes by car.
Can I rent a bike?+
Bike hire is available, which is handy for cycling the City Wall.
Does it have private rooms?+
Yes, rooms are mainly standard twins and doubles. Confirm bathroom arrangements when you book.
