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When I first considered living in Xi'an as a digital nomad, most people gave me confused looks. "Why not Shanghai? Why not Chengdu?" But after spending three full months based in China's ancient capital, I can tell you it was one of the smartest decisions I've made — and probably the most affordable extended stay I've ever had in a major city.
Xi'an sits at a fascinating crossroads: it's a Tier-2 Chinese city with a population of over 13 million, rich with over 3,000 years of history, yet increasingly modern with a booming tech sector in the High-tech Development Zone (Gaoxin). For a Xi'an digital nomad, this means you get the infrastructure and convenience of a major Chinese city at a fraction of Beijing or Shanghai prices — plus you're living inside what is essentially an open-air museum.
This guide covers everything I learned during my Xi'an long stay — from securing a Xi'an apartment rental to finding coworking spaces, understanding healthcare, building a social life, and mapping out a realistic 3-month budget. Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, or location-independent entrepreneur, this is the guide I wish I'd had before landing at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.
1 Why Choose Xi'an for a 3-Month Digital Nomad Stay?
The Cost Advantage
Let's address the biggest draw first: Xi'an is dramatically cheaper than China's Tier-1 cities. During my stay in 2024, my total monthly expenses (rent, food, transport, coworking, entertainment) averaged around:
The Infrastructure
Xi'an has excellent digital infrastructure. The city has 5G coverage across central districts, high-speed fiber internet is standard in most apartments, and the Xi'an Metro currently operates 8 lines covering major areas. Coworking culture is growing rapidly, especially in the Yanta and Gaoxin districts.
The Lifestyle Balance
Unlike the relentless pace of Shenzhen or Shanghai, Xi'an moves at a slightly slower rhythm. The Xi'an City Wall (城墙) is a 13.7 km loop that doubles as a running and cycling track. The Muslim Quarter (回民街) offers some of the best street food in China. Weekend trips to Huashan Mountain or the Terracotta Warriors are genuinely easy. It's a city where work-life balance feels achievable.
It's a city where work-life balance feels achievable — ancient walls for morning jogs, the best street food in China for dinner, and mountains for weekend adventures.— Tour Bridza
The Growing Nomad Scene
The digital nomad community in Xi'an is still small compared to Chiang Mai or Bali — which is actually a plus. You won't find a "nomad ghetto," but you will find a growing number of long-term expats, English teachers, tech workers, and freelancers who've chosen to base themselves here. I'll cover how to find them later in this guide.
2 Visa Options for a 3-Month Stay in Xi'an
China's visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your nearest Chinese embassy or at visaforchina.org before planning your trip. Information below reflects early 2025 policies.
What Are the Visa Options for Living in Xi'an Long-Term?
Here are the most realistic options for a Xi'an digital nomad planning a 3-month stay:
Option 1: Tourist Visa (L Visa) — 60 or 90 Days
The most straightforward option. Citizens of many countries can apply for an L visa with 60-day or 90-day validity. Some nationalities now qualify for 30-day visa-free entry if entering through specific ports.
China has expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy (applicable at Xi'an Xianyang Airport for citizens of 54 countries), but this only allows 6 days — not enough for a long stay.
Cost: Approximately $60–140 USD depending on nationality and processing speed
Single vs. Multiple Entry: If you plan weekend trips to neighboring countries (Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok are all 3–4 hour flights from Xi'an), apply for a multiple-entry visa
Option 2: China Work Visa (Z Visa) with a Company
If you're employed by a Chinese company or have a work permit arrangement, the Z visa is the proper long-term route. Some digital nomads obtain these through teaching positions or tech roles in Xi'an's Gaoxin district companies.
Option 3: Business Visa (M Visa)
If you have legitimate business activities in China (meetings, conferences, partnerships), an M visa can provide 60–90 day stays with possible extensions.
Option 4: The Visa Run Method
Some long-term digital nomads obtain a 60-day L visa and then do a quick trip to Hong Kong, South Korea, or Southeast Asia to reset. A round-trip flight from Xi'an to Hong Kong (via Xi'an Xianyang International Airport) can cost as little as ¥1,200–2,000 ($165–275) if booked in advance.
Whatever visa you get, register with your local police station (派出所, pài chū suǒ) within 24 hours of arriving at your apartment. Your landlord or hotel handles this automatically, but if you're renting independently, you must do it yourself.
Failure to register can result in fines of ¥2,000+ and complications on future visa applications.
3 Finding a Xi'an Apartment Rental: Ziroom, Lianjia & More
This is the section I wish I'd had before arriving. Securing a Xi'an apartment rental as a foreigner can feel daunting, but it's actually quite manageable if you know which platforms to use.
The Two Main Platforms
🏠 Ziroom (自如, zì rú)
This is my top recommendation for digital nomads. Ziroom is a professionally managed rental platform that operates like a blend between Airbnb and traditional leasing. Properties are furnished, cleaned regularly, and come with standardized amenities.
How it works: Download the Ziroom app (available on Chinese app stores), browse by district, and schedule viewings.
| District | Description | Price (¥/month) | Price ($/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yanta District | Near Dayan Pagoda | ¥2,200–3,500 | ~$305–485/mo |
| Beilin District | Inside city walls, near Bell Tower | ¥1,800–3,000 | ~$250–415/mo |
| Gaoxin District | High-tech Zone, western-friendly | ¥2,000–3,200 | ~$275–440/mo |
| Qujiang New District | Upscale, near parks | ¥2,500–4,000 | ~$345–550/mo |
Minimum lease: Usually 1 month (some require 3 months) | Deposits: Typically 1 month's rent + 1 month deposit
Platform Comparison
✅ Ziroom (自如)
- No language barrier issues (app has some English)
- Professional management
- Included Wi-Fi
- No surprise fees
- Slightly higher than market rate
- Management fees added (usually 10% of rent)
🏠 Lianjia / Beike (链家/贝壳)
- 10–20% cheaper than Ziroom
- Wider selection
- Negotiable pricing
- Requires more Chinese language ability
- Quality varies wildly
- Some landlords reluctant to rent to foreigners
Go with Ziroom for your first time. The premium you pay (roughly ¥200–400/month over market rate) is worth the peace of mind, professional management, and English-friendly booking process.— Tour Bridza
I rented a studio in Gaoxin District through Ziroom for ¥2,500/month including management fees, and it came fully furnished with a desk, high-speed Wi-Fi, a washing machine, and a proper kitchen — everything a digital nomad needs.
4 Coworking Spaces in Xi'an
Xi'an's coworking scene is growing quickly. You'll find both large chains and indie spaces, primarily concentrated in the Gaoxin and Yanta districts. Many cafés also serve as informal coworking spots with reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets — a growing trend across the city.
Many coworking spaces in Xi'an offer trial days or weekly passes. Test a few before committing to a monthly membership. Spaces in Gaoxin tend to have better English support and a more international crowd.