Xi'an

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Short-Term Rentals

Sections

Categories of Short-Term Rentals in Xi’an

  1. Hotels and Serviced Apartments

    • Description: Hotels and serviced apartments are ideal for travelers who want convenience, amenities, and flexibility. Serviced apartments often include kitchenettes and laundry facilities, making them suitable for longer short-term stays.
    • Examples: Somerset Serviced Residences, Citadines Apart’hotels, and local boutique hotels.

  2. Vacation Rentals (Airbnb and Similar Platforms)

    • Description: Platforms like Airbnb, Tujia (a Chinese equivalent of Airbnb), and Xiaozhu offer a wide range of private apartments, shared spaces, and entire homes. These are great for travelers seeking a more local experience.
    • Examples: Modern apartments in the city center, traditional courtyard homes near the Muslim Quarter, or properties near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

  3. Hostels and Guesthouses

    • Description: Budget-friendly options for solo travelers or backpackers. Many hostels in Xi’an offer private rooms in addition to dormitory-style accommodations.
    • Examples: Hostels near the Bell Tower or the South Gate of the city wall.

  4. Local Short-Term Rentals (Through Agencies or Personal Connections)

    • Description: Renting directly from local landlords or agencies for a few weeks or months. This option is less common for tourists but can be cost-effective for those staying longer.

Typical Costs of Short-Term Rentals in Xi’an

  1. Hotels and Serviced Apartments

    • Budget Hotels: ¥150–¥300 per night ($20–$40 USD).
    • Mid-Range Hotels: ¥300–¥600 per night ($40–$80 USD).
    • Luxury Hotels: ¥800–¥1,500+ per night ($110–$200+ USD).
    • Serviced Apartments: ¥3,000–¥8,000 per month ($400–$1,100 USD), depending on location and amenities.

  2. Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, Tujia, Xiaozhu)

    • Shared Rooms: ¥80–¥200 per night ($11–$30 USD).
    • Entire Apartments: ¥200–¥600 per night ($30–$80 USD).
    • Traditional Courtyard Homes: ¥500–¥1,200 per night ($70–$160 USD).

  3. Hostels and Guesthouses

    • Dormitory Beds: ¥50–¥100 per night ($7–$15 USD).
    • Private Rooms: ¥150–¥300 per night ($20–$40 USD).

  4. Local Short-Term Rentals

    • Studio Apartments: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per month ($280–$550 USD).
    • 1–2 Bedroom Apartments: ¥3,000–¥6,000 per month ($400–$850 USD).

Booking Procedures

  1. Hotels and Serviced Apartments

    • Use international platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Ctrip (a popular Chinese travel platform).
    • Many hotels accept international credit cards, but it’s wise to confirm payment methods in advance.

  2. Vacation Rentals

    • Use platforms like Airbnb, Tujia, or Xiaozhu.
    • Create an account, verify your identity, and communicate with hosts before booking.
    • Payment is typically made online via the platform. Some platforms may require a Chinese payment method (e.g., Alipay or WeChat Pay).

  3. Hostels and Guesthouses

    • Book through platforms like Hostelworld, Agoda, or directly on the hostel’s website.
    • Walk-in bookings are possible but not recommended during peak travel seasons.

  4. Local Short-Term Rentals

    • Contact local real estate agencies or use Chinese rental apps like Anjuke or Lianjia (Beike).
    • Be prepared to negotiate rental terms and provide a deposit (usually one month’s rent).
    • Contracts may be in Chinese, so consider hiring a translator if needed.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language Barrier

    • Many landlords and hosts in Xi’an may not speak English. Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to communicate.
    • If booking through international platforms like Airbnb, look for hosts with good reviews and English-speaking capabilities.

  2. Payment Methods

    • International credit cards are not widely accepted outside of major hotels and platforms like Airbnb.
    • Consider setting up a Chinese payment method (e.g., Alipay or WeChat Pay) for convenience.

  3. Location Matters

    • City Center (Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter): Ideal for tourists who want to explore Xi’an’s historical sites.
    • High-Tech Zone: A modern area with upscale apartments, suitable for business travelers.
    • Qujiang New District: Close to attractions like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise, offering a quieter environment.
    • University Areas: Affordable options near Xi’an Jiaotong University or Northwestern Polytechnical University.

  4. Peak Travel Seasons

    • Xi’an is a popular tourist destination, especially during Chinese holidays (e.g., Spring Festival, National Day). Book accommodations well in advance during these periods.

  5. Utilities and Hidden Costs

    • For local short-term rentals, confirm whether utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are included in the rent.
    • Some landlords may require a cleaning fee or a refundable deposit.

  6. Cultural Etiquette

    • Respect local customs, especially if staying in a traditional courtyard home or a shared space.
    • Remove your shoes when entering homes and avoid loud noises late at night.

  7. Safety and Scams

    • Use reputable platforms and avoid paying cash upfront to unverified landlords.
    • Check reviews and ratings before booking.

Actionable Steps for Booking Short-Term Rentals in Xi’an

  1. Determine Your Budget and Preferences

    • Decide whether you prefer a hotel, serviced apartment, vacation rental, or local rental.

  2. Research Locations

    • Choose a location based on your itinerary and proximity to public transportation.

  3. Use Trusted Platforms

    • For international travelers, platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Ctrip are reliable.

  4. Communicate with Hosts or Agencies

    • Ask about amenities, payment methods, and house rules before confirming your booking.

  5. Prepare Necessary Documents

    • Have your passport and visa ready for check-in or rental agreements.

  6. Download Essential Apps

    • Install apps like Didi (for transportation), Baidu Maps (for navigation), and WeChat (for communication and payments).

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to find and book short-term rentals in Xi’an that suit your needs. Enjoy your stay in this historic and dynamic city!