The Terracotta Army and the walled city are fantastic, inside the walls are old markets which are fun, but two days max is enough for Xi'an. Outside the walls are dreary houses and factories. Other downers are the taxi drivers who refuse to use meters, just get out of the cab, the beggars which to a Westerner are very aggressive, and the pollution is horrific, took two weeks to clear!! And the use of lights after dark on vehicles/cycles is a rarity so beware when walking, but otherwise it's very safe.
I was recently down in Xi'an for a week and had a great time.
Despite some negative comments given, Xi'an is a "real" Chinese city. The tourist sights are well known but it's a great city to get out and explore. Especially if you like inexpensive street food.
Xi'an is ok and has great Chinese ambiance within the city walls, but I would not stay here more than two or three days. If you don't care about seeing the Terracotta Army and the Great Mosque, then don't bother to come here. The air quality is very bad here and there's not much to do here other than those two things.
Xi'an … An ancient city worth seeing! The lifelike terra-cotta soldier from the Qin dynasty is amazing. However, air quality in this city is terrible.
Xi'an … The terracotta army is magnificent! Altough the city itself is a real dissapointment. Pollution and garbage are what you can expect to meet on the streets. If you decide to go here, then - whatever you do - DO NOT stay at the Shang De Hotel wich is located near the train station! It's a sh*tty place with only one shower in the entire hotel.
Shuyuan International Hostel in Xi'an … In our experience, there are two types of hostels: the type that are in business to get as much money as they can from you for the least amount of comfort and service, and the type that truly welcome travelers and try to give you a positive experience. This hostel was definitely of the latter ilk. The staff were exceedingly helpful and friendly, and were genuinely interested in learning more about different cultures and places, as well as teaching us about theirs. We stayed in a double room with a private bathroom. Although the beds can be a little hard and the bathrooms could use a good anti-mildew scrubbing, the convenient location and great staff balanced out the shortcomings. I recommend it if you want a quiet, welcoming retreat, especially after spending the day being hassled by every hawker and beggar on the street because you're a "lao wai" (foreigner).
Shuyuan International Hostel in Xi'an … I rate this hostel 5 stars because out of all of the places I have stayed in China, this was the best. I was traveling alone and it provided an awesome atmosphere to meet people. Xi'an leaves a little to be desired (besides the terracota soldiers) but the hostel and a trip to HuaShan made up for it. Hua Shan is best hiked at midnight (arriving about 5 in the morning for the sunrise). This hostel gave us the info and the environment to find fellow hikers. Awesome.
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … Fantastic relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff, great food and near all the important facilities without busy noise. I'll be back here, for sure. Thanks so much to the traveller who gave me the promotional flyer for this hostel. Thanks to all the staff at 7 Sages for making my stay a comfortable one.
HI - Xi'an - Bell Tower YH Hostel in Xi'an … Clean, Friendly, Excellent service and food. People were great and a great place to go. I was comfortable and it was cosy. The people there was so nice and when I go back I will have no choice but to go there again.
Hq Guesthouse Xian in Xi'an … We stayed here for three days. The place is clean, the staff are very friendly and helpful. They went out of the way to help us -- even coming to the bank with us, and helping to book flights. Highly recommend.
Han Tang Inn Youth Hostel in Xi'an … We stayed here on two different occasions and both times found it to be great value for money, good location and has friendly, helpful staff. They seem to have improved the kitchen too as I read the previous comments and it seems like there are new staff and the dog is no longer here! Not going to ask where it went though! Free internet is a bonus and the place is kept clean too. Rooms are basic but cheap and with clean linen. One of the best places we have stayed in China.
Shuyuan International Hostel in Xi'an … Culture of the old Xian combine in the essence of the people and staff of this Magical hostel. Thure owner general shows the real deal of adventure and how travelling and backpacking experience should be. Complete with all amenities a traveller could ask for a perfect meal to start and finish your tired days and feel complete soulful on the meal experience. The chef is an excellent tourguide to your palates requirements, take a trip to the zones of flavours and cultures right in their kitchen to your table complete with the brew of the emperors. Friendly front desk host to happily show you tell you where to go as they excitedly direct your days like they are coming with you on your tour. Any questions to helping you out on flight bookings to anything they wont stop. The house keeping staff will greet you with lovely smiles and gestures and magically turn your dirty clothes to near new. The restaurant floor staff the ambassador of the restaurants they will serve you with a smile no…
Shuyuan International Hostel in Xi'an … Unfortunatly i arrived at night into Xi'an and finding the place was rather difficult what with road works/development on the go. However, that being said i cannot fault this establishment. The staff spoke excellent English, and were great company, the food catered for everyone and was of a high standard, and the rooms were what i needed (a bed and air conditioning after a long hot day). The courtyards in the centre of the building were fantastic at two a.m. for a quiet drink. I originally intended on staying for only the two nights but i met some really genuinly nice folks here from all walks of life, and even after six nights i was sad to be leaving. Anybody who passes this way definitely check in.
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … the concept of home influenced my trip to the unforgettable.
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … Beautiful Hostel, friendly, and very helpful staff. We enjoyed our two weeks there even if we had not expected to stay so long!
Shuyuan International Hostel in Xi'an … I had a great time at Shuyuan hostel. The room was fine, had a good shower and decent restaurant. The staf was very friendly and helpful. I forgot the charger for my camera at the room and two weeks later (didn't know I forgot it there) I sent them an email about it and they answered me the next day. They organised someone who was coming to Shanghai to bring it with him and I recovered it the charger one week later in Shanghai.
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … I really liked it here. The hostel itself is a renovated army barracks, so although the rooms may look austere to some, to others it adds to the character. The staff here were truly excellent. they met me from my train and took me to the hostel. They were also an excellent source of advice about Xi'an and it's surrounds. Good location too -- close to both the train station and the city centre attractions (Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter).
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