The Muslim Quarter (回民街 – Huimin Jie) in Xi’an is a lively and historic area known for its rich Islamic culture, delicious street food, and vibrant markets. It has been home to the Hui Muslim community for centuries and is a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Xi’an.
- History & Significance
- Why is the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an?
- Cultural Heritage
- What to See & Do in the Muslim Quarter
- Try Local Halal Food
- Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an
- Explore the Markets & Shops
- Night Market Experience
- How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
- Location
- How to get to Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
- Opening Hours
- Ticket Prices
- Best Time to Visit
History & Significance
Why is the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an?
The Muslim Quarter’s origins date back over 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when Xi’an (then called Chang’an) was the starting point of the Silk Road. Arab and Persian traders came to China for trade, settled in Xi’an, and married local Chinese women.
Over generations, they formed the Hui ethnic group, which continues to practice Islam in China today.
Cultural Heritage
- The quarter is home to over 20,000 Hui Muslims.
- The Great Mosque of Xi’an, built in 742 AD, is one of China’s oldest and largest mosques, blending Islamic and Chinese architecture.
- The area has narrow alleys, traditional Chinese-Muslim architecture, and halal food markets, making it an important cultural site.
What to See & Do in the Muslim Quarter
Try Local Halal Food
The Muslim Quarter is Xi’an’s most famous food street. Must-try dishes:
- Roujiamo (肉夹馍) – Chinese “Hamburger”: Slow-cooked beef or lamb in a crispy bun.
- Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍) – Lamb Soup with Flatbread: A Xi’an specialty where you break bread into the soup yourself.
- Biang Biang Noodles (油泼扯面): Thick, hand-pulled noodles with spicy sauce.
- Kebabs & Grilled Lamb Skewers (烤羊肉串): Spiced and grilled over charcoal.
- Persimmon Cakes (柿子饼): Fried pastries made from persimmon fruit.
- Eight-Treasure Porridge (八宝粥): Sweet porridge with nuts and dried fruits.
Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an
Built during the Tang Dynasty (742 AD), this mosque is a unique blend of Chinese pagoda-style architecture and Islamic traditions. It’s still used for daily prayers by local Hui Muslims.
- Highlights: Beautiful courtyards, stone carvings, and Arabic inscriptions.
Explore the Markets & Shops
- Handicrafts: Buy souvenirs like jade, silk, shadow puppets, and calligraphy scrolls.
- Spices & Dried Fruits: Find Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients like cumin, dried dates, and walnuts.
Night Market Experience
- The best time to visit is in the evening when the streets are lit up, and the atmosphere is the most lively.
How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
Location
Address: Beiyuanmen Street, Lianhu District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Nearby landmarks:
- Bell Tower (5-minute walk)
- Drum Tower (3-minute walk)
- Xi’an City Wall (10-minute drive)
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (25-minute drive)
How to get to Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
By Metro
- Line 2: Get off at Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes.
By Bus
- Buses 8, 601, 618, 15, 205, 611 stop near Bell Tower or Drum Tower.
By Taxi
- Tell the driver “回民街 (Huímín Jiē)” or “钟楼” (Zhōnglóu – Bell Tower).
Opening Hours
Street & Markets: Open all day
Food Stalls: Usually 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Great Mosque of Xi’an:
- March – November: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- December – February: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Ticket Prices
- Entry to the Muslim Quarter: Free
- Great Mosque of Xi’an: ¥25
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November): Best weather for walking and food tasting.
- Evening (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Most vibrant atmosphere, perfect for street food and shopping.
