Xi'an travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Xi'an's after-dark scene centers on Yongxingfang, a themed Tang-dynasty-styled street of bars and food stalls east of the Bell Tower, and Defu Lane, a dense bar strip of more than 50 venues just inside the South Gate of the City Wall. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower square hosts a free nightly light and music display, and Qujiang New District in the southeast has grown into a newer nightlife area anchored by live-music venues. Most bars run until around 1:00-2:00AM, with Defu Lane staying lively later on weekends.
The scene splits into a handful of distinct areas: Yongxingfang (Tang-dynasty-themed bar street with lantern-lit courtyards and costumed staff, popular with domestic tourists), Defu Lane (a dense, 50-plus-venue bar strip inside the South Gate favored by younger locals and students), Qujiang New District (a newer area with live-music venues and lounges), and the free nightly Bell Tower/Drum Tower Square light and music show, which functions as low-key evening entertainment rather than a bar scene.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Yongxingfang
A themed Tang-dynasty-styled street of bars, food stalls and a wine museum, with lantern displays and street performances after dark, east of the Bell Tower in Xincheng District.
Defu Lane (South Gate)
A dense strip of more than 50 bars, cafes and small clubs just inside the City Wall's South Gate in Beilin District, the closest thing Xi'an has to a concentrated bar street.
Qujiang New District
A newer nightlife area in Yanta District anchored by live-music venues and modern lounges, popular with a younger, more local crowd.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Yongxingfang Tang-Style Bar Street
Known for: A themed street of Tang-dynasty-styled bars and lounges within the wider Yongxingfang complex, serving cocktails and local craft beer amid lantern-lit courtyards
Yongxingfang, Dong Xin Jie, Xincheng District, Xi'an 710005
Defu Lane Bar Street
Known for: A dense strip of more than 50 bars, cafes and small clubs just inside the South Gate, Xi'an's closest equivalent to a concentrated nightlife district
Defu Lane, South Gate (Yongningmen), Beilin District, Xi'an 710001
MAO Livehouse Xi'an
Known for: A 600-person live-music venue in Qujiang New District, part of a nationwide chain of Chinese indie and rock live-music clubs
1F, South Street/East Creative Valley Square, No. 3369 Yan Xiang Road, Qujiang New Area, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061
Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square Night Light Show
Known for: A free nightly light and music display around the plaza connecting the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Xi'an's most accessible evening entertainment
Bell and Drum Tower Square, Lianhu/Beilin District border, Xi'an 710002
Qujiang New District Nightlife Strip
Known for: A newer cluster of modern lounges, karaoke venues and cocktail bars in Yanta District, popular with young Xi'an professionals
Qujiang New District, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061
City Wall South Gate Night Walk & Illumination
Known for: Evening access to walk or cycle a lit section of the City Wall near the South Gate, combined with the Defu Lane bar strip just below
South Gate (Yongningmen), City Wall, Beilin District, Xi'an 710001
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Han Tang Wine Story (Yongxingfang Wine Museum & Lounge)
Cover: Museum entry may apply; lounge seating typically has no separate cover
Hours: Daily 10:00AM-11:00PM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Items
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Didi (ride-hailing app) is the most reliable way back after venues close, since street-hailing after midnight can be slow away from the main strips
Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card covers most bar tabs; carry some cash as backup at smaller Defu Lane venues
Carry a passport or a photo of it; some venues ask for ID
Yongxingfang is at its best right after sunset when the lanterns are lit but before the heaviest crowds arrive
Defu Lane can feel touristy near the South Gate entrance; venues further down the lane tend to be quieter and more local