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.
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 … 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.
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.
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!
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … Hands down the best hostel I've ever stayed at (and I travel a lot). We booked a private and a couple of nights in a dorm and found everything to be clean and comfortable. The feeling of the place is great! It's relaxing and pleasant. They have hot showers, bathrooms, laundry, and a restaurant with tables and cheap beer/tea/food. It's close to the Rail station and if you let them know ahead, someone will pick you up and walk you to the hostel. Highly Highly recommend it. Doing the Terra Cotta Worriers on your own is easy. In the morning, before 11 a.m., take the bus to the site (the hot baths are on the way). You can then get off, do your thing, and come back to catch the bus back. Just ask at the front desk what bus to take. The site takes two or three hours, the drive there and back about an hour.
Xian ShuYuan International Youth 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…
Xian ShuYuan International Youth 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.
Backpax Hostel in Xi'an … I stayed in Backpax for five days in April this year. my friend and I found the hostel to be clean, modern, and welcoming. It was easy to find and in a very central area, just a walking distance to the Bell tower and Drum tower and all the shopping you could possibly need. The room was clean, the beds were comfortable, and the rooms had lockers with keys which was great! The staff were incredibly friendly and knew a lot about the area and were helpful in organising tours and train tickets. The food was also great! It's quiet when you want it to be and at night there was a bit of night life which was nice! On top of all this it is reasonably priced! I will definitely stay here again and I can highly recommend it to all travelers!
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).
HI - Xi'an - Qixian (7 sages) YH Hostel in Xi'an … the concept of home influenced my trip to the unforgettable.
Xian ShuYuan International Youth 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 - Bell Tower YH Hostel in Xi'an … I was in this hostel in april 2009. It was fantastic. Excellent location, bus stops just in the sema square located. Good breakfast at the bar. Very clean room. Good attention at reception desk. Cheap internet access. The only thing, not much tourism information.
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.
Xian ShuYuan International Youth 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.
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