Muslim Quarter & Street Food
Street food, mosques, and a thousand years of Muslim culture in the heart of Xi'an
Highlights — Why we like Muslim Quarter & Street Food
Intro
The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in China. Home to Xi'an's Hui Muslim community — descendants of Arab and Persian traders who settled along the Silk Road over a thousand years ago — the quarter is a dense labyrinth of lanes packed with food stalls, mosques, souvenir shops, and the irresistible smells of lamb skewers, sesame flatbreads, and deep-fried pastries.
Best Time to Visit
Evening, from 5pm onwards, any day of the week.
Getting There
Walking distance from Xi'an Bell Tower (500 metres northwest). Metro Line 2 to Bell Tower station.
Tickets & Entry
- Typical visit
2-3 hours
Local Tips
The quarter is most atmospheric in the evening from about 5pm when the full complement of food stalls is operating and the neon signs illuminate the lanes. The Great Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors (¥25, modest dress required) but closes during prayer times. Bargaining is expected at souvenir stalls but not at food stalls.
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