Introduction of Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter (Chinese Name: 回民街) Xi'an, near the Drum Tower (鼓楼), is one of the must-visit places in Xi'an city for its old street of more than 1,000 years old. Being a symbolic site of Xi'an flavor, this street is well-known for its nearly 300 sorts of food selling here, which attracts a numerous number of foodies to please both their noses and taste buds. Also, the well-preserved folk life gives visitors a great chance to feel the real featured culture in Shaanxi province. Since Muslim Quarter is the gathering place of the Islamic Hui people and is also called Muslim Street and Huimin Street, visitors can appreciate the featured mosques with rich ancient Chinese flavor to feel the inclusive multi-culture of China.
History of Muslim Quarter Xian
According to the history, the Muslim Quarter was a prosperous business street with lots of renowned stores. And more than 2,000 years ago, some businessmen, envoys, students from the ancient Arab, Persia, etc. started their immigration to Chang’an (长安, ancient name of Xi'an) that was later the start of the Silk Road. Since then, they did their business, studied, worked as officials, etc. and lived here from one generation to another. And till now, there are more than 60 thousand Hui people (回族) living in the Muslim Quarter Xi'an.
No matter when you come to Xian, visiting the Muslim Quarter and hunting for local food and snack is the popular thing you must do. Below are 3 recommended Xian Tour Packages including Muslim Quarter:
- 2 Days Xian City Break
- 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
- 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking
Muslim Quarter (snack street)
Things to Do at Muslim Quarter
Watch the Busy Scene of Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter Xi'an has long been prosperous selling delicious food. Visitors can find countless stores selling the local Xi'an snacks and Islamic food. While walking in the big block from Dapiyuan (大皮院) to Qiaozikou (桥梓口), tourists can feel the most civilian and true life of Xi'an. Apart from those, the night scene of the Muslim Quarter is also very worth to experience. You can see this quarter filled with rich atmosphere of civil life with the bright lights and lamps ganging along, buyers bargaining for their desirable commodities, people enjoying food while hanging on the streets, etc. This real vigorous scene will make your Xi'an tour unforgettable.
Appreciate the Featured Buildings in Muslim Quarter
To visit the Muslim Quarter, it is really regret not to pay a visit to the representative mosques and other beautiful buildings.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
As one of the best-preserved and most typical Chinese Mosque, the Great Mosque (清真大寺) of more than 1,200 years old appears in abundant design of traditional Chinese culture in many aspects, which shows China is a great country combining multiple cultures together into a very harmonious one. The Great Mosque of Xi'an in HuajueXiang (化觉巷) is one of the “Top Four Mosque in China”. Besides the spectacular view of blue glazed tiles covering the roof, the delicate carvings on every wall and hundreds of excellent painting works of plants can be called the artistic feast for the eyes, which is also very rare and precious.
The An’ s Courtyard
The An’ s Courtyard is located on No. 125 of HuajueXiang. This courtyard has a long history of more than 200 years. You can appreciate its black bricks and tiles, exquisite carvings as well as paintings on the beams and rafters. It is truly a great place to appreciate the featured quadrangle courtyard of antique beauty.
Local Muslim Seller
The Famous Great Moque of Xi'an
Prosperous Scene of HuajueXiang
Taste the Delicious Xi'an Food in Muslim Quarter
Since the Muslim Quarter is a very famous snack street in Xi'an, it is a treat to taste the various kinds of delicious Xi'an Food along the street. You can try the special local food cooked by the wise and hardworking Hui people, and feel the culture of food and their good heart.
Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup
The Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, also called Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍), is the “Best Food in Shaanxi”. This historic food has long been praised by many visitors worldwide. You can find any one restaurant in this quarter and order this dish. The tough and chewy bean vermicelli, fresh lamb and soft pita bread will make you get into its special flavor.
Soup Dumplings
The Soup Dumplings (灌汤包子) are featured for its fresh soup within the dumplings, tender meat and very thin wrapper. This is not a new way of eating dumplings, but an innovation of its appearance. When you taste the fresh soup and bite the paper-thinned skin, you would know how excellent skill the cook masters. Among all the restaurants selling soup dumplings in Xi'an, Jiasan Soup Dumpling (贾三灌汤包子) is the most famous with the best taste.
The Chinese Hamburger
Chinese Hamburger, or Chinese Sandwich, or Rou Jia Mo (肉夹馍) in Chinese pronunciation, is a characteristic food in Shaanxi. The hot crispy bun with the tender meat and vegetable fillings inside give you the very great tasting experience.
Besides the above recommended featured food, there are many tasteful snacks for you to have fun in the sea of delicacy, such as the persimmon doughnuts, liangpi noodles, hammered candy, jinXi'anyouta, jing cake, etc. which makes you feel time limited to taste them all.
Useful Links:
>> Xian Must-East Food and Snacks
>> Top Recommended Xian Restaurants
Featured Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup
Delicious Dumplings
Rou Jia Mo - Chinese Hamburger
Visit Muslim Quarter and the Around
Stroll along the Muslim Quarter to taste different delicious food and feel the local civil life of Xi'an. After that, you can go toward north to see the featured Great Mosque of rich Islamic architectural culture and to appreciate its antique quadrangle dwelling in the An ‘s Courtyard along the HuajueXiang. Then, you are recommended to go east to the Bell & Drum Tower Square to admire the grand historic towers and feel the ear-pleasing sounds. (For 2-3 hours)
Bell & Drum Tower Square
Built in the 1990s, The Bell & Drum Square (钟鼓楼) welcomes a great quantity of tourists every year. Here stand the Bell Tower of over 600 years and the Drum Tower which is the biggest one so far in China. Standing on the square, you can appreciate the grand appearances of the two towers, and hear the very euphonic chime and drumbeat, which is a great opportunity to feel the old life of ancient Chinese people who count the time by such sounds.
Popular Xian Tour Packages:
>> 2 Days Xi'an City Break
>> 3 Days Classic Xi'an Tour
Bell & Drum Tower Square
How to Get to Muslim Quarter
Independent Travel
Since the Muslim Quarter Xi'an is situated at the central place of this city, it very convenient and time-saving to get there. You can choose a taxi, bus, subway and other vehicle to arrive easily.
By subway
Take the subway line 2 to get off at the Bell & Drum Tower Station, and walk for about 5 mins.
Travel with China Discovery (Top Recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private Xian tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to visit Muslim Quarter and other popular Xian attractions with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.
Click to Enlarge Location Maps of Muslim Quarter of Xi'an
Tips to Visit Muslim Quarter
1. Almost all the snacks in Muslim Street are very enough in quantity, therefore it is suggested to choose the smaller one so that you can taste more kinds of food.
2. Since this street is the gathering place for Hui people, please respect the local Islamic customs, like do not bring a Rou Jia Mo with pork filling into a Islamic restaurant, and do not wear shorts or short skirts visiting a mosque, etc.
How to Plan a Xi'an Tour
Xian has a lot of places to visit. Terracotta Warriors and Horses is definitely the No.1 must-see. After that, take a stroll or rent a bike on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, to enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi’an. Then try some local snacks at the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter. On the next day, you can go to visit Da Cien Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to feel the Buddhist culture, then get a deeper understanding of the past of this city in Shaanxi History Museum. If you are interested in mountain climbing, don’t miss the challenging Mount Huashan which is famous for lofty peaks and steep paths. If you have other ideas or questions about a Xian tour, please feel free to contact us. We are also specialized in customized tours according to your own requirements, interests, travelling budgets, etc.
- 2 Days Xian City Break
- 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
- 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking
Biking on Xian Ancient City Wall
Keep Reading on Xian Popular Attractions
- Terracotta Warriors
- Mount Huashan
- Xian Ancient City Wall
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Bell Tower
- Drum Tower
- Great Mosque
- Shaanxi History Museum
- Huaqing Pool
- Hanyangling Museum
- Tang Paradise
- Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles)
Xian Essential Travel Guide
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- How to Spend 4 Days in Xian
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Keep Reading on Xian Tours
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Recommended Xian Tours
Top 3 Xian tours chosen by most customers to explore Xian in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
3 Days Classic Xian Tour (Best Highlights Plus Enjoyable Pace)
Xian
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Xian
3 Days Xian Mount Huashan Leisure Tour (Best for Families and Seniors)
Xian / Mount Huashan / Xian
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