Xi'an's Gay Scene: A Guide
This is our gay-centric guide to Xi'an in China, outlining the best gay-welcoming accommodations, eateries, watering holes, and points of interest.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang, a true icon, a remarkable individual, graced Ancient China! Besides proclaiming himself the initial Emperor of a unified China back in 221 BC, he also commissioned a whole tomb of terracotta sculptures depicting his massive military, who would act as his protection in the afterlife.
This was no simple accomplishment. Old Qin Shi's posthumous army comprised eight thousand soldiers, one hundred thirty chariots with five hundred twenty horses, and one hundred fifty cavalry mounts. And it's extraordinarily impressive to observe!
We traveled to Xi'an expecting to be amazed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang's celebrated Terracotta Warrior sculptures - and, frankly, we definitely were! But unexpectedly, we were also captivated by the delectable street food found in the Muslim Quarter, as well as the city's modest yet lively gay scene.
Most individuals will only visit Xi'an with the expectation of staying just a few days to witness the Terracotta Army before departing. However, we suggest staying for a few extra days. This is a metropolis brimming with an extraordinary history, dating back more than three thousand years, to when it was called 'Chang'an' - one of China's four great ancient capitals, and the origin point of the famous Silk Road trade network. A handful of days simply doesn't do it justice—trust us, you'll be thankful!
This is our detailed gay guide providing guidance on Xi'an's bars, clubs, hotels, and some invaluable inspiration for LGBTQ travelers. All the information presented in this guide is derived from our direct experiences traveling here as a gay couple, alongside notes from gay locals we met during our trip, who help us keep our guide up-to-date.
Heads up: We wanted to inform you that this post includes affiliate links. Which signifies that, should you book something via one of those links, we'll receive a small commission, at no additional expense to you. It aids us in maintaining our blog's operation, so, we thank you for your support! ♥
Most social media applications are obstructed in China.
Moreover, the Internet is heavily regulated by the Chinese government, and many non-Chinese websites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, etc... are not accessible within China. The best method to bypass this is to acquire a VPN service in order to access blocked apps and websites, and to allow you to browse the web anonymously.
Is Xi'an safe for gay travelers?
The concise answer is yes, completely! Xi'an is the gateway to one of China's major attractions, making the local residents exceedingly accustomed to accommodating visitors from across the world. As a gay couple, we never encountered any problems in Xi'an. Securing a double bed in any of the hotels we chose was never an issue. Despite China's lack of proactive LGBTQ rights, we found the locals to be incredibly respectful and well-mannered towards us. At worst, most people assumed we were brothers.
We emphasize that this is our perspective as foreigners. Clearly, the situation for an LGBTQ Chinese local is quite different. Present-day China still has a significant distance to go in order to accept and protect its LGBTQ community. Chinese society remains very conservative and heteronormative. Consequently, while it might feel acceptable as a foreigner, we suggest refraining from any PDAs. Better to save that for the queer-friendly locales we highlight in this guide. You can discover more about the experience of growing up gay in China in our interview with local boy Cass.
Gay friendly hotels in Xi'an
Xi'an is immensely touristy because of the Terracotta Warriors. Therefore, hotels are accustomed to seeing visitors from across the globe, which will, inevitably, include LGBTQ travelers. We determined that the large international chain hotels were the most welcoming and gay-friendly, as their staff adhere to a set of global standards. If opting for a small, family-run hotel or guesthouse, we advise calling in advance to ascertain that they are accommodating to gay travelers.
The subsequent listings are the finest gay-accommodating hotels in Xian that we can personally vouch for, based on a combination of our personal experiences, recommendations from LGBTQ locals, and insights from other gay travelers we encountered:
Must do in Xi'an: See the Terracotta Warriors
Let's be honest, much like us, the principal reason you'll be visiting Xi'an is to observe the Terracotta Army, right? One of the best methods to experience this amazing site is by joining a tour accompanied by a local guide, who will guide you around the area and also offer you insights into the history behind what we found to be one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries globally.
Find out more
01
W Xi'an
Why we love it
- Stunning gay friendly luxury hotel
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Multiple excellent restaurants on-site
- Lovely spa and wellness facilities
We adore the W brand, as it's renowned for its exceptional gay-friendliness wherever it is found globally. The W Xi'an is no exception, boasting extraordinary architecture that gives the entire hotel the appearance of a colorful and futuristic series of pyramids.
The interior is equally radiant and stunning, with areas adorned in blue while others are bright red. The bedrooms are more subdued and relaxing, yet still punctuated with pops of color and luxurious features throughout.
We experienced tremendous pampering throughout our stay. The staff are amiable and attentive, not reacting when we checked in and requested a room with a double bed. All the rooms provide incredible views, whether of the city or the Qujiang Lake. The rooms are expansive, featuring stunning, marble bathrooms and sizable, freestanding bathtubs for soaking. Some rooms even include a private balcony. It's unsurprising that the W Xi'an is so spacious, as it's the biggest W Hotel across all of Asia!
There's a breathtaking indoor swimming pool, along with a seasonal outdoor one for use when the weather is warm. The Away Spa provides numerous relaxing services, plus there's a delightful hot tub and sauna to soak or steam away all your worries. The hotel features three distinct restaurants on-site, all superb. Our favorite is FU, owing to the delectable Chinese hot pot they specialize in. We advise coming here, even if you're not a guest, as it's a fantastic way to gain insight into this very traditional Chinese way of dining: as part of the hot pot experience, you actually cook your food in the broths presented at your table.
Check availability
02
Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an
Why we love it
- Incredible luxury hotel
- Personal butler service
- Swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities
- Delicious Italian restaurant and multiple bars
For the ultimate luxury experience in Xi'an, you shouldn't overlook the extraordinary Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel. This impressive building has functioned as a hotel since 1953, when it was first opened as a state-run establishment, designed for visiting Chinese leaders and foreign dignitaries. Former guests include French President Francois Mitterrand and US diplomat Henry Kissinger.
Following extensive renovations, the hotel offers a beautiful setting from which to explore the city of Xian.
And when we say gorgeous, we truly mean it! The hotel is situated within forty thousand square meters of landscaped gardens, featuring numerous stunning fountains. Upon entering the art deco building, you're greeted by marble, chandeliers, and sophistication wherever you look. You can choose to stay in a sizable bedroom or one of their palatial suites. All accommodations come with Hermès bathroom amenities, butler service, nightly turndown service, a pillow menu, and evening cocktails in the lobby.
There's a lovely Italian restaurant on-site, Dolce Vita, as well as three different bars for cocktails and light snacks. All guests can enjoy the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in addition to the small fitness room. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, which includes a couples room for that extra romantic touch. We certainly felt like absolute royalty during our stay here, strolling around in our silk bathrobes and having breakfast on the balcony that overlooked the gardens!
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03
The Westin Xi'an
Why we love it
- Affordable 5-star hotel
- Indoor swimming pool
- Excellent gym and spa
- On-site art museum
If you're searching for something that's a little easier on the finances, but still just as comfortable, then we recommend The Westin Xian. While this hotel is more budget-friendly than the preceding two, it's still a five-star establishment, so you won't be lacking anything.
The Westin is within walking distance of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and is also home to the Xian Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts, so it's perfect for guests interested in culture, art or history.
Rooms and suites are spacious, with calming, minimalist decor. We suggest dining at their 'Five Zen5es' restaurant for delicious Sichuan cuisine, and also at their 'Mai' restaurant, where you'll find some of the finest Japanese food in all of Xian.
Concerning fitness and relaxation, The Westin Xian has got it right! They possess an indoor swimming pool and an excellent, well-equipped gym with numerous machines and equipment to ensure you can get a workout in. You can partake in a group class, like yoga, Pilates, or Zumba, or work with a personal trainer as well. The Heavenly Spa is aptly named, as it's absolutely heavenly to experience rejuvenating treatments, particularly in the VIP couples room, which has a whirlpool, two massage beds, and a resting area.
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04
Hantangyi International Youth Hostel Xi'an
Why we love it
- Clean and comfy budget accommodation
- Lots of social activities organised
- Cute resident cats
- On-site bar and restaurant
For travelers on a budget, we suggest staying at the Hantangyi International Youth Hostel (also recognized as the Han Tang Inn).
It is perfect for solitary LGBTQ travelers, as everyone is seeking to make new friends and travel companions.
Furthermore, we discovered that everyone working and staying here was open-minded, tolerant, well-travelled, and gay-friendly. Cat-lovers will also be charmed by the resident cats, Mimi and Sheldon!
You can choose from private or dorm-style rooms, all of which are tidy and cozy, providing the essentials you need for a place to rest your head each night. Despite the basic nature of the bedrooms, the hostel also furnishes numerous amenities, including a sauna and massage services. There is also an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a terrace/garden area on top, so you have pretty much everything you could ever require under one roof!
One of the finest attributes of the Han Tang Inn is that the staff organize numerous entertaining social events, aiming to really tighten the bond among guests. We made a lot of new travel buddies (both gay and straight) here. Events encompass movie nights, cooking classes, karaoke, mini-golf, and a 'Happy-Hour' drinks evening.
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Gay bars and clubs in Xi'an
We'll be honest with you. You're not going to journey to Xi'an with the intention of partying. Quite likely, you're here because, like us, you want to visit the Terracotta Army. If you've got some spare time, we recommend checking out the gay scene. It's modest, but a lot of fun and undoubtedly a fresh cultural experience - gay clubbing in China!
When we visited (and at the time we recently updated this article), there was regrettably just one. However, there is a substantial LGBTQ community in Xian. We recommend obtaining a VPN and connecting to gay dating apps like Grindr, Hornet, and Tinder to connect with them. Also, keep an eye out for ad hoc, underground gay gatherings that are exclusively announced through word-of-mouth.
In.D
In.D currently functions as the primary and sole gay bar/club in Xi'an. We suggest checking it out, if solely to experience what gay clubbing is like in China. You'll notice that guys here don't dance. Gay clubs here are all centered around a performance (whether it be drag or sexy GoGo dancers) with the audience watching, seated at tables and chairs.
When we entered In.D, we were assigned a table and informed that we had to spend 200 yuan (approximately $30) per table. This encompassed a choice of twenty bottles of beer or two bottles of (mediocre) wine for our table! We then sat back and reveled in the variety of performances. The cabaret at In.D was some of the most amusing we've observed (see video below), despite the language barrier! There were also various Chinese comedy sketches, solo singing, and charming boy band dancing.
Around 1 am, the shows concluded, the area was cleared, and we were able to dance a bit. We found that most of the Chinese guys at this point either left, or they remained, observing these tipsy foreign queens making fools of themselves on the dance floor! Overall, Chinese guys simply aren't fond of dancing and prefer to observe - you have to experience it!
In.D is situated at 'Taibaoji Xiang,' next to the Starway Hotel on 'Taibaoji Xiang' inside Zhu Qu Men.
Gay saunas in Xi'an
There used to be a handful of gay saunas in Xi'an, including the Zua An gay sauna. However, since 2016, they've all shut down, and we have no record of any new ones in operation. The same applies to outdoor cruising areas.
Our recommendation, if you're seeking to connect with other guys, is to utilize a VPN to connect to applications like Grindr, Hornet, and Tinder. If you wish to meet gay local guys, we also suggest exploring the Blued app, which is the largest gay dating app in China.
Where to eat?
The best advice is simply to go to the Muslim Quarter every evening. There are numerous different street vendors selling freshly made pulled noodles, dumplings, and other treats. We've also included a few other restaurants that we tried based on recommendations from our local friends:
The Muslim Quarter
Muslims have been residing in Xian for thousands of years, after arriving at the ancient capital via the Silk Road. Today, the neighborhood around Huimin Street is recognized as the Muslim Quarter. It is renowned for its street-food stalls, which sell all sorts of delicacies. We cherished strolling along and tasting various dishes made right in front of us. Some of our favorites, we suggest you look out for, were the stands crafting noodles from scratch and our favorite, the sticky, glutinous rice desserts called, 'gui hua gao.' If you're intrigued by the stories behind the cuisine, we recommend joining a gourmet street food tour with a local guide to escort you to all the finest spots.
Rou Jia Mo
Sometimes referred to as the world's first burger, Rou Jia Mo is a popular street food that has existed for over 2,000 years! It's crafted by placing tender, fatty pork that has been stewed for hours into a handmade bread that's cooked to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. We adored these 'Chinese hamburgers' and consumed a large quantity of them during our time in Xian. You can obtain them at street food stalls or inside local restaurants. Our favorite was at Wang Kui's Juicy Chinese Burger. Ensure you also get your burger with a side of chilled noodles and 'Ice Peak' (Xian's orange soda!), which makes up one of the most beloved fast food meals in China!
De Fa Chang
We have a fondness for steamed dumplings and have sampled them throughout our travels in Asia. We rate the ones in Xian as among the finest we've tried. De Fa Chang is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Xian and one of our go-to places for an absolute dumpling feast. The portions here are substantial, featuring many diverse kinds of dumplings with fillings of chicken, pork, shrimp, vegetables, and even nuts. Some are crafted to resemble adorable little animals. Just make sure to wear loose pants before coming here - all those dumplings, delightful rice, soup, mochi, and tea will leave you feeling stuffed!
Best things to do in Xi'an
While most people will come to Xian to experience the Terracotta Army, we've also included a few other must-sees that we adored in Xi'an and feel you should also check out:
Terracotta Army
Officially designated as the 'Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum,' the site and museum are approximately 40-50 minutes outside Xi'an. There are no direct public transportation links, so the best method to visit this captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site is either with private transport or by joining a guided tour with transportation included. A tour will include an expert guide to provide you with all the details about this highly significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century, the narrative of Emperor Qinshihuang, and the history of the Qin Empire.
Explore the Ancient City of Xian
Make sure you devote time to explore the most ancient areas of the city. Xian is a city brimming with rich history, serving as the origin point of the Silk Road. In addition, it's among China's most ancient cities and one of the four great ancient capitals. The city walls represent the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You can participate in a cycling or walking tour to explore the walls and acquire knowledge about Xi'an's captivating history. We also advise visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda that's over 1,000 years old. Oh, and be certain to observe the large fountain adjacent to it - it's renowned for being the biggest fountain in all of Asia, and every evening, they present a spectacular sound and light show there.
Drum and Bell Towers
There are two other towers worth a visit in Xian: the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower. Both were constructed during the Ming Dynasty and have become a combined symbol of the city. The Bell Tower, in particular, is a grand structure and one of the most well-preserved bell towers from Ancient China. In the past, the bells in the Bell Tower were struck at dawn, while the drums in the Drum Tower were beaten at sunset to signal the end of the workday for locals. Now, you can relish a drum performance in the Drum Tower each day, or merely climb either tower to enjoy exceptional city views. Each night, the towers are illuminated, and you can watch them shining out in the dark.
Cooking class
If there's one thing we gluttonous individuals enjoy when travelling, it's sampling allll the local delicacies. And China certainly has a smorgasbord of deliciousness to sample! The Shaanxi province (where Xi'an is located) is known for a type of noodles known as Biang Biang noodles. This is due to the ‘bang bang' sound they make when they are being made! We love joining cooking classes while traveling, so we can recreate our favorite dishes at home, therefore, we joined a biang biang noodle-cooking class in Xi'an and had a blast. These wide, handmade noodles are served with a spicy sauce and whatever toppings or add-ins you desire.
Plan your trip to Xi'an
We've compiled some useful hints and suggestions to assist you in planning your own trip to Xi'an. Keep reading to discover everything the gay traveller should know before going.
Travel insurance: We always ensure we have travel insurance because you simply can't predict when you might miss a flight, misplace your luggage, or encounter some other mishap on your travels. We endorse Heymondo Travel Insurance for your trip to Xi'an, because they offer affordable and comprehensive coverage. It's also very easy to submit a claim online if the need arises.
Visa requirements: Passport holders from specific countries (such as the United Kingdom and all European Union citizens) can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. If you're visiting Xian from countries such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, you'll need to apply for a visa online.
Getting around: Within the city of Xi'an, you can move around via buses, taxis, and the metro, or even by renting a bicycle.
Vaccinations: All travelers to Xi'an should ensure they're current with routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella, etc. Most travellers to China should also be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Depending on where else within the country you'll be visiting and what you might be doing, you might require additional vaccinations. Ensure you check the CDC website and consult with your doctor well before finalizing any travel arrangements.
Currency: The currency utilized in China (and, therefore, Xi'an) is the Renminbi, represented by the code RMB or CNY. While the official name is Renminbi, it's also commonly referred to as the Chinese Yuan, though technically, a yuan is a fundamental unit of the Renminbi, with RMB banknotes beginning at one Yuan and going up to 100 Yuan. The symbol for the yuan in Chinese is &20803;. Presently, US$1 equates to approximately 7.10 yuan, €1 is worth about 7.76 yuan, and £1 converts to around 8.84 yuan.
Tipping culture: Generally, tipping in China is not customary at all, and you might cause confusion or even offense if you try to leave a tip. In certain more tourist-oriented destinations, such as Xi'an, for example, Chinese workers at high-end hotels might be more accustomed to receiving tips, however, it's not really necessary. Take a look at this guide for further information on why you shouldn't tip in China.
Internet access: There are complimentary WiFi hotspots across Xi'an. We recommend buying a local SIM card from one of the main phone providers - remember to carry your passport, as they'll require it to register the new SIM.
Online privacy: Many Western websites such as Instagram, Facebook, and even Google are blocked in China, thus, if you're wanting to connect with friends or family back home while in Xi'an, you'll require a VPN. We invariably use Express VPN whenever we're travelling, because they offer a reliable and affordable method for browsing the internet with complete anonymity.
Accommodation: There are many more lodging options in Xi'an than those we've highlighted here. We enjoy using Booking.com to choose our accommodations, as they have a comprehensive listing of lodging choices, and they also furnish the best prices. As an additional perk, they also provide 24/7 online customer support and free cancellation for most listings.
Sightseeing and adventure: Our favored platform for exploring remarkable activities to do in Xi'an is GetYourGuide because they offer a highly user-friendly booking process with free cancellation and 24-hour customer service.
When to visit: Xi'an experiences four distinctive seasons with frigid winters, hot summers, rainy autumns, and mild springs. Spring is definitely the most pleasant time to visit weather-wise, though you can certainly visit at any time, just remember to bring the appropriate attire!
To delve deeper, watch our China travel video as we savored our way from Beijing in the north all the way south via Pingyao, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yangshuo, through to Shangri-La:
Gay map of Xi'an
Here's a gay map of Xi'an, incorporating all the gay bars, clubs, hotels, and sightseeing highlights that we've mentioned in this post. Employ it to orchestrate your own incredible gay trip to Xi'an!
Read more travel adventures like this in our book!
We've published our very own gay travel book titled, ‘Out in the World'. It encompasses all our practical safety tips, firsthand advice, and travel stories from a few of our preferred destinations.
We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!