Hotel in Xi'an 710001, China
Hump Hostel Xi'an
Award-winning hostel inside Xi'an city wall with courtyard setting, rooftop terrace, and excellent Chinese fusion restaurant. Clean facilities, organized tours to Terracotta Warriors, and helpful English-speaking staff. Great social scene.
Hump Hostel Xi'an occupies a traditional courtyard building within the ancient city walls of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, a city that served as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of more than a dozen Chinese dynasties. The hostel is located on Beixin Street in the Beilin District, less than ten minutes' walk from the South Gate (Yongning Gate) of the 14th-century Ming-era city wall and approximately 15 minutes' walk from the Bell Tower at Xi'an's historic centre.
Named after the legendary Hump Route — the WWII-era Himalayan aerial supply corridor that sustained Allied forces in China — the hostel blends historical atmosphere with practical backpacker amenities. The interior courtyard provides a sheltered communal space with seating beneath mature trees, ideal for meeting fellow travellers. A rooftop terrace looks out over the low rooflines of the old city toward the city wall's crenellated battlements.
Accommodation ranges from dormitory beds in clean 4- to 8-bed mixed and female-only rooms to private en-suite double rooms. Bunk beds feature individual reading lights and plug sockets, and secure lockers are available in all dormitory rooms. Showers maintain consistent hot water throughout the day.
The hostel's restaurant is widely praised and serves an inventive Chinese fusion menu alongside Western comfort food at backpacker-friendly prices. A full bar operates into the late evening, making the common area a natural gathering point. The hostel organises group trips to the Museum of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors and Horses (approximately 35 kilometres east), the Huaqing Hot Springs, and guided cycling tours along the top of the Ming dynasty city wall. Bikes are available for rental on site.
Staff are fluent in English and assist with high-speed rail ticket bookings, onward itinerary planning, and arranging permits for less-visited sites across Shaanxi province. The social atmosphere is one of the hostel's defining qualities, with communal dinners and organised activities making it straightforward for solo travellers to connect. On-site laundry and luggage storage complete the practical amenities. The hostel has received multiple Hostelworld and Booking.com awards for quality and is consistently rated among the top hostels in Xi'an. Rates range from approximately CNY 70 to CNY 220 per night depending on room type and season.
Amenities
- rooftop terrace
- restaurant
- bar
- tour booking
- bike rental
- courtyard
- laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +86 29 8728 7899
Location
2 Beixin Street, Beilin District, Xi'an 710001
34.2639, 108.9500 — View on map
Highlights
- Historic courtyard setting inside Xi'an's 14th-century Ming dynasty city wall in the Beilin District
- Rooftop terrace with city views over the old town rooflines toward the illuminated city wall battlements
- Award-winning on-site restaurant serving Chinese fusion cuisine and Western dishes at backpacker prices
- Organised daily tours to the Terracotta Warriors Museum 35 km east, with shared transport from the hostel
- English-speaking staff with deep local knowledge of Shaanxi's historical and archaeological sites
Tips
- Book the Terracotta Warriors tour from the hostel desk — shared minivans depart at 8:30 am and cost significantly less than private taxis from the city.
- The hostel fills quickly during Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October and May); reserve at least three to four weeks ahead.
- The Muslim Quarter is a 10-minute walk — visit before 10 am for breakfast buns and fresh pomegranate juice before the main crowds arrive.
- Bike rental allows guests to cycle the top of the city wall (rented separately at the wall entrance); the hostel can advise on the nearest pedestrian access gate.
- Female-only dorm rooms are available — request specifically at booking as mixed rooms are the default allocation when availability is tight.
FAQ
How far is the hostel from the Terracotta Warriors?
The Museum of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors is approximately 35 kilometres east, a 40–50 minute drive. The hostel organises shared group transport departing at 8:30 am daily, which is the most cost-effective option for independent travellers.
Does the hostel have private rooms?
Yes, private en-suite double rooms are available alongside dormitory beds. Private rooms are limited in number and should be booked in advance, particularly during peak travel periods and national holidays.
Is the hostel open 24 hours?
The hostel maintains a 24-hour reception, and guests receive a keycard for the main entrance allowing unrestricted access at all hours. The bar and restaurant operate to set closing times.
Can the hostel help book train tickets?
Staff assist with reserving high-speed rail tickets between Xi'an and major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guilin. A passport is required for rail ticket purchases in China, so present it when requesting bookings.
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a traditional courtyard building with some steps between levels, and dormitory areas above the ground floor are accessed by a staircase without lift access. The property is not well-suited for guests with significant mobility limitations. The surrounding city wall area and many old-town lanes are partially accessible by wheelchair, though surfaces are uneven cobblestone in sections.
When to visit
Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) are the most pleasant seasons in Xi'an, with mild temperatures ideal for walking the city wall and visiting outdoor archaeological sites. The Terracotta Warriors Museum is open year-round but crowds peak sharply during Chinese national holidays in May and October.