XIANGZIMEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL IN XI’AN

We might have spent more time relaxing in the comfortable atmosphere of the Xiangzimen International Youth Hostel in Xi’an than we did out exploring the city and I’m not ashamed to admit it. The day we arrived I think I spent six to eight hours straight sitting in the bar downstairs working on my laptop while delicious, filling food and drinks were brought before me!

There is a good deal to see and do in Xi’an but by the time we reached it I was in desperate need of a break and took advantage of all the hostel had to offer at great prices. We’ve come to notice that YHA member hostels seem to be better than the rest in China and Xiangzimen International Youth Hostel was my top pick for our time in the country. Here’s why.

Private Room:

While a little cramped, the private room was quiet and comfortable with a private bathroom included. In fact I’ll restate how quiet our wing of the hostel was, with a beautifully decorated, two-story atrium outside our door.  The bed bordered on being too soft but I slept comfortably each night, despite being woken early each morning by sunlight shining through our small, curtain-less window.

The bathroom was clean and spacious with a western toilet, (no flushing TP), and shower. The drains didn’t work too well, so every time we showered it took a good 10 minutes for the pool on the bathroom floor to drain away which became a slight nuisance.

There was a TV with plenty of channels, all in Chinese, that allowed for some early morning World Cup watching from bed. WiFi could also be picked up in the room.

Amenities:

Here’s where this place really shined. The restaurant/bar downstairs was amazing with big, delicious western-style and Chinese dishes at great prices. For breakfast I’d recommend the English Breakfast, lunch the coconut beef curry and dinner any of their big pasta plates. There is stiff competition for good food over in the muslim quarter, but if you’re looking to rest and refuel it’s too easy to get addicted to this place. We spent many a long lunch/coffee/dinner break relaxing on their big, red couches while working on our laptops and happily eating.

Come evening there is a lively atmosphere as tourists and locals gather in the bar’s comfortable setting, eating and ordering drinks from their extensive list. My favorite being the caramel macchiato. The Wifi is good and can be picked up all over the place and the staff is incredibly friendly and fluent in English, quick to help guests find what they need.

Pricing:

We paid 120 CNY a night for the private room which, given the amenities, was well worth it. Meals where between 20 and 40 CNY and were always satisfying and drinks including coffees and beers cost between 15 and 20 CNY.

Location:

The hostel is located just inside the historic Xi’an City Wall’s South Gate. There is plenty to see and do within walking distance, (the muslim quarter is just 15 minutes away on foot), and bus stops and metro stops nearby.

Next hostel on our route was sadly one of the worst: BEIJING CITY CENTRAL YOUTH HOTEL IN CHINA.