Shu Yuan

nmagann
nmagann
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
2
Photos
Editor Pick

Shuyuan

  • April 23, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Paul Bacon from Rotherham, United Kingdom
Because it was just a few days before the start of the Chinese New Year, we were stranded. It seemed as though all of China was on the move, making finding room on a train a traumatic and ultimately fruitless task. With no way to Xi'an we were left twiddling or thumbs. Thankfully though, we had found the best place in town to do so.No, before I begin to wax lyrical about the Shuyuan I will concede that it does have a couple of faults: (i) It has no central heating, instead it relies upon fan heaters to keep the rooms warm. This means that in winter things can be just a little brisk. (ii) The tours they provide, whilst not a rip-off could be better organised.With that done and dusted I can get on with discussing what I really liked about the Shuyuan. First off we arrived at well before 7am after 11 hours on a hard sleeper bunk from Beijing and they led us straight into our room with absolutely no fuss. Second, the location is awesome, sat just inside the southern section of the ancient walls, it is within walking distance to the Muslim Quarter, the Drum Tower and even the Wild Goose Pagoda. I also have to say that I genuinely appreciated the architecture of the place, built as it was in an old Chinese style around two secluded courtyards. It was this, coupled with the absent central heating though, that meant the rooms could be a touch cold. Many opened directly out onto the courtyard and into the cold morning air.In reality though, all the things mentioned above amount amount to nothing more than mere trivialities. What really endeared the place to me was the bar. Cold local brews were just 3RMB ($.35), the food was both Western and Chinese and in both cases excellent. There were couches upon which to relax and chat as well as English magazines to peruse as you sipped your drink. We were in Xi'an for 4 nights, during which it seemed the Shuyuan's bar had a magnetic effect. Perhaps if it hadn't have had, there would be more entries in this journal about other places to eat and drink in Xi'an.

From journal Xi'an

Editor Pick

Shu Yuan

  • July 29, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by nmagann from Ventura, California
Shu Yuan

This is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. The outside was an incredible elaborately designed, definitely Chinese building. Walk inside and pass the check in lobby to find several open areas with comfortable furniture and lush plants. Everyone resting or eating gathered in these areas to chat with fellow travelers and enjoy the gentle breeze.

At the end of these patios was a quaint restaurant and bar that served reasonably priced food and had food and drink specials several nights of the week. There were also shelves of travel magazines and books to read.

There is also a full service travel agency equipped to book tours, train and air travel requirements. They also sell maps, books and toiletries.

The rooms had two sets of bunk beds with individual lights overhead and air conditioning. There were also large lockable lockers. Linen and big thick comforters were provided.

Restrooms and showers were down the hall with both style of toilets. No paper products were provided nor soap. Right next to the city wall which can be walked on for Y10 and is lit up at night and across from the number 603 bus which goes to the train station (to transfer to mini buses), the location was quite good as well. And for $10 a night…

From journal HIKE HEAVENS Of XIAN

Compare Xian Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Xian Travel Deals