BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The city of Xi’an is one of China’s oldest, and full of ancient temples, pagodas and historic sights. It also has a strong street food and dining scene as well as a steadily growing number of bars and clubs. We list Xi’an’s best spots to experience its nocturnal vibe.

Xian City Walls at Night

Vice Versa

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Chinese

Vice Versa is Xi’an’s favourite chill out joint. It includes a cafe/restaurant serving Western cuisine during the day and a lively bar serving a variety of local and foreign beers and cocktails at night. A cultural mix of East and West, Vice Versa is popular with both locals and expats and it is a great place to meet new people. On the third floor it has a a skate shop run by Converse pro-skater Xiao Jian.

Park Qin

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Chinese

Located in the basement of a hostel next to South Gate, Park Qin is the only Terracotta Warriors-themed bar in China. Crowded and smokey and with a hipster vibe, it is one of the most lively spots in Xi’an. At Park Qin you can enjoy a variety of tasty cocktails and drinks while you listen to live music. A cafe and a restaurant are also available in its premises.

De Fu Lou Café & Bar

Bar, Nightclub, Tea Room, Chinese, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food

nightclub
©green_intruder/Flickr
A popular hangout with locals, De Fu Lou Cafe & Bar was one of the first bars to open in Xi’an. Located in the De Fu bar alley with numerous neighbouring bars, it offers quality local and imported beers at reasonable prices. It is also known for regular live music as well as live football on a big screen, to be enjoyed with a big glass of German Paulaner in hand.

The Belgian Bar

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Wine, Cocktails, Beer

For those that are nostalgic for a tavern setting, the Belgian Bar is the closest you will find to a Western pub in Xi’an. Here you can find a good selection of imported Belgian beers and draft as well as a choice of quality bar food. The cozy and relaxed atmosphere in the Belgian Bar is perfect for groups of friends who are looking for a relaxed and informal place to chill out.

Near Wall Bar and Xi’an Brewery

Bar, Chinese

The only brewpub in the city, Near Wall Bar brews several Western-style craft beers. Located near youth hostels and the famous “Food Street”, it has a lively central vibe. Its warm, wooden interiors are perfect to enjoy a pint in while unwinding to some live music.

Chateau de Coiffe Nivolle

Bar, Wine Bar, Chinese

A wine bar to experience “authentic French culture” in Xi’an, Chateau de Coiffe Nivolle offers a good variety of French wines to enjoy together with some cheese and home-made bread. This elegant spot stands out in the hustle and bustle of the city as a sophisticated venue as well as a good option for those who are looking for a break from Chinese cuisine.

Salsa

Salsa is a popular two-storey club and one of Xi’an’s most lively dancing venues. With a good mix of English and Chinese songs, choreographed routines and themed party nights, it is the perfect spot to experience the city’s party life. Salsa is a popular spot among young people and gets very crowded during the weekends, so on those days a reservation is recommended .

Caprice Restaurant and Bar

Bar, Gastropub, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Chinese

Champagne
© Counselling/pixabay
Even though it is primarily known as a top-notch Western food restaurant and gastropub, Caprice is also a great cocktail and wine bar. This is a quiet spot to enjoy quality mojitos and unwind in a classy yet cozy environment. With US-style laid back décor, it offers a little stylish escape from the urban chaos of the city.

1 Bar

Bar, Chinese

A popular spot with foreigners, 1+1 Bar is more like a dance club than a bar and the place to see and be seen in Xi’an. Featuring a champagne bar and a disco hall, this is a chic spot for those who want to live it up at night. The colossal Lychee-ritas,served in gigantic frosted beer glasses and topped with four juicy lime slices and a sugarcoated rim, are a must-try.

Carats Jazz Bar and Coffee

Bar, Chinese

This venue is the first large-scale jazz bar in the region and a rare find in Xi’an. 3 carats is a small but lively venue, that offers 10 live jazz shows every night. It is also a hot spot for parties, themed evenings, and well- and imaginative cocktails.
If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad