If you’re searching for one of the top Xi’an tourist attractions, skip the guidebooks and head straight for the sizzling, bustling, and beautifully chaotic Xi’an Muslim Quarter (西安回民街 Xī’ān Huímín Jiē). Tucked behind the ancient Drum Tower (鼓楼 Gǔlóu) and easily accessible from Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站 Xī’ān Huǒchēzhàn), this historic area is more than just a street market — it’s a cultural tapestry woven with food, heritage, and human warmth.
Elaine and I wandered through this maze of aromas and lanterns on a crisp evening, and what we found was unforgettable. She clutched a warm cup of plum soup in one hand and her plush panda in the other, soaking up the buzz like a true foodie-in-training.
🍜 Street Food Heaven: Where the Queue Means Quality
The first thing that hits you is the scent — a hypnotic blend of grilled lamb skewers, stir-fried chili, and bubbling beef broth. We found ourselves in line at one of the stalls selling sour plum soup (冰镇酸梅汤 bīngzhèn suānméitāng) and bowls of freshly pulled biangbiang noodles (油泼扯面 yóupō chěmiàn), one of the most iconic dishes from Shaanxi.
The Xi’an noodle houses (西安面馆 Xī’ān miànguǎn) here know their craft — smooth, chewy textures, fragrant broths, and bowls that never disappoint.
Locals say if there’s a queue, it’s worth the wait. We learned that lesson quickly.
🧄 Crispy, Crunchy, and Addictive: The Magic of Fried Corn Bark
Next up was something I’d never seen before — giant baskets of golden crisps, stacked like edible mountains. These are fried corn bark (玉米锅巴 yùmǐ guōbā), a beloved street snack that crackles with every bite. Vendors offer them in every flavor imaginable: seaweed (海苔味 hǎitái wèi), spicy pepper (辣味 là wèi), garlic (蒜香味 suànxiāng wèi), and even barbecue (烧烤味 shāokǎo wèi).
Elaine loved the cheesy flavor (奶酪味 nǎilào wèi), while I stuck to classic salty.
🌸 When Tradition Meets Instagram: Hanfu and Colorful Sweets
As we walked further, we were greeted by young women dressed in elegant Hanfu (汉服 hànfú), the traditional Chinese dress that makes the Muslim Quarter feel like a living painting. It’s common here to see groups renting Hanfu outfits, posing with skewers in hand or nibbling on Eight-Treasure Mirror Cakes (八宝玫瑰镜糕 bābǎo méiguì jìnggāo).
These vibrant, jelly-like sweets shimmer under market lights. Elaine was instantly drawn to the purple-and-yellow slices. The vendor let her drizzle her own syrup from a rainbow of jars — from osmanthus (桂花 guìhuā) to hawthorn (山楂 shānzhā) and rose (玫瑰 méiguì) — a moment of pure childlike joy.
🕌 Historic Backdrop: Culture in Every Corner
Don’t be fooled — this isn’t just about snacks. This district sits on deep historical roots. The gate near the Xi’an Hui Culture Exhibition Hall (西安屋文文化展览馆 Xī’ān Wūwén Wénhuà Zhǎnlǎnguǎn) reminds us that this place is a living remnant of the ancient Silk Road.
A short walk away, hidden down a quiet alley, you’ll find the Great Mosque of Xi’an (西安清真大寺 Xī’ān Qīngzhēn Dàsì), one of China’s oldest and most beautiful mosques. Founded in 742 CE during the Tang Dynasty, it blends traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic design and is still an active place of worship today.
Whether you’re into history or halal food, this is a must on your list of Xi’an things to do.
🗿 Sculptures, Statues, and Street Art
A walk here isn’t complete without stopping by the bronze sculptures that line the pedestrian streets. Elaine was fascinated by the statue of a man holding a scroll — it turns out he represents the scholar class of ancient Chang’an (长安 Cháng’ān), the former name of Xi’an when it served as the capital of 13 dynasties.
We paused beside a statue of a family, frozen in time. Elaine touched the hands of the bronze girl, smiling as if she had made a new friend.
🌆 Evening Glow and Local Life
As night falls, the area transforms. Neon signs pop to life, glowing in hues of red, green, and gold. We passed dozens of Xi’an restaurants (西安餐厅 Xī’ān cāntīng), each loudly advertising their signature dish: beef flatbreads (牛肉饼 niúròu bǐng), lamb stew, cumin-spiced skewers, and more.
Despite the crowds, the vibe remains relaxed. The Xi’an time zone is China Standard Time (UTC+8), but the evening here seems to slow down with every passing moment. Conversations flow, laughter echoes, and the aroma of grilled meats lingers long after the last bite.
❤️ A Snapshot of the City’s Soul
Even in the heart of tourist central, you’ll feel the warmth of the Xi’an population (西安市民 Xī’ān shìmín). From vendors offering samples to passersby helping tourists read menus, kindness lives here.
This district is more than food. It’s a living memory of Xi’an’s identity — a blend of Islamic culture, Tang Dynasty tradition, and everyday joy. If you’re stepping off the train from Xi’an Railway Station, consider making this your first stop.
🚶 Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
- 🕌 Don’t miss: Great Mosque of Xi’an (清真大寺 Qīngzhēn Dàsì)
- 🏛️ Pair with a visit to Xi’an Museum (西安博物院 Xī’ān Bówùyuàn) for deeper historical context
- 🍢 Must-try foods:
- Roujiamo (肉夹馍 ròujiāmó) – the Chinese burger
- Liangpi (凉皮 liángpí) – cold skin noodles
- Biangbiang noodles (油泼扯面 yóupō chěmiàn)
- Mirror cake (玫瑰镜糕 méiguì jìnggāo)
- Fried lamb skewers (羊肉串 yángròu chuàn)
- 📍 Getting there: From Xi’an Railway Station, take Metro Line 2 to Bell Tower (钟楼 Zhōnglóu) and walk 5 minutes.
- 🎯 Best time to visit: Late afternoon to evening for food and photos
Whether you’re exploring as a curious traveler, a foodie, or a parent looking to share something meaningful with your kids, the Xi’an Muslim Quarter promises more than snacks. It’s where culture comes alive — in sizzling grills, silk robes, and soft laughter under lanterns.
Elaine and I left with full bellies and happy hearts, already planning our return.
Additional Useful Travel Tips:
10 Essential Tips for Foreign Travelers in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
1. Perfect Timing for the Best Experience
- Morning visits (9–11 AM): Fewer crowds, fresher food.
- Evening buzz (6–10 PM): Lanterns, live cooking, and vibrant energy—ideal for photos!
- Avoid lunch rush (12–1:30 PM): Overcrowded and hot.
2. Payment Smarts
- Cash is essential: Small vendors (like rose cake stalls) only take cash (¥10/20 notes).
- Mobile payments: Larger restaurants accept Alipay/WeChat Pay (set up before your trip).
- ATMs: Located near the Great Mosque—withdraw cash early.
3. Must-Try Halal Street Foods
- Beef Pancakes (宫廷香酥牛肉饼): Crispy, flaky, and ¥6 each—follow the longest lines!
- Biangbiang Noodles: Customize spice level: “Wēi là” (微辣) = mild, “Bù là” (不辣) = no spice.
- Persimmon Cakes (柿子饼): Sticky-sweet, best eaten warm (¥5–8).
4. Navigation Made Easy
- Meeting point: The Great Mosque (西安清真寺)—easy to spot and centrally located.
- Public transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station (钟楼站), then a 5-minute walk south.
- Taxi tip: Show drivers “回民街” (Huímín Jiē) for the Muslim Quarter.
5. Bargaining Like a Local
- Souvenirs (scarves, crafts): Start at 50% of the quoted price, smile, and negotiate playfully.
- Food prices are fixed: Never haggle over meals—it’s considered rude.
6. Cultural Respect
- Mosque visits: Cover shoulders/knees (shawls available for rent).
- Ordering food: Point with your palm up or use chopsticks—never your index finger.
- Photography: Ask permission before snapping photos of vendors or locals.
7. Hygiene & Dietary Needs
- Survival kit: Pack tissues, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes (stalls rarely provide napkins).
- Vegetarian/vegan? Say: “Wǒ chī sù” (我吃素) = “I eat vegetarian.”
- Food allergies: Learn “Wǒ duì [food] guòmǐn” (我对[食物]过敏) = “I’m allergic to [food].”
8. Hidden Gems Off the Main Streets
- Gaotang Lane (高家大院): Quiet courtyard with traditional shadow puppet shows (¥15).
- Backstreet eats: Venture behind the main drag for cheaper, authentic flavors (try “Lao Ma’s Lamb Soup”).
9. Smart Day-Trip Combos
- Morning: Terracotta Warriors (arrive at 8 AM to beat crowds).
- Afternoon: Muslim Quarter food crawl (hungry after sightseeing!).
- Guided tours: Book with Lost Plate Xi’an for insider access to hidden stalls.
10. Emergency Phrases & Contacts
- Restrooms: “Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?” (洗手间在哪里？) = “Where’s the toilet?”
- Help needed: “Bāng bang wǒ!” (帮帮我！) = “Help me!”
- Emergency numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Tourist Hotline: 12301 (English-speaking staff).
