The Muslim Quarter is more than just a food street; it showcases the diverse charm of Xi'an. This area is a melting pot of delicious cuisine, historical ambiance, and everyday community life. In a short time, you can easily experience the city's vibrant pulse and traditional flair.
The Muslim Quarter is also a vibrant Muslim community open to everyone. People come here to eat, shop, and chat; it's not just a food spot for tourists.
This explains why it's not only one of Xi'an's most famous food areas but also a genuine part of the city's diverse history.
Next, we'll guide you on how to explore the alleys, taste local delicacies, and discover nearby attractions.
- Chinese Name: 回民街
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Location: Lianhu District, near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. The Muslim Quarter consists of over ten alleys, including Beiguangji Street, Dapiyuan, and Xiyangshi.
- Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
How to Explore the Xi'an Muslim Quarter Without Missing the Best Parts
Many people think the Muslim Quarter is just one street, but it's actually a network of about ten streets and alleys.
I've visited twice. The first time, I only explored the main street, Beiyuanmen. It was lively but crowded, with stalls catering to tourists, which felt less authentic than I imagined.
The main street, BeiyuanmenThe second time, with a local guide, I discovered the real flavors and vibrant life hidden in the smaller alleys, and I was much more satisfied with the experience.
So, I recommend starting on the main street to soak in the bustling atmosphere. But for authentic food, head to the side streets.
Begin at Beiguangji Street, which is quieter and more community-focused, allowing you to see local life. Then move to Xiyangshi, where you'll find many old shops. Finally, head to Dapiyuan, where the food options are plentiful and diverse.
XiyangshiThis route lets you transition from a local neighborhood feel to a more established food hub, avoiding the overwhelming crowds of the main street. You'll not only taste the Muslim Quarter's diverse cuisine but also gain a deeper understanding of the area's lifestyle and culture, beyond just the bustling main street.
In addition to the three streets mentioned, Sajinqiao, Miao Hou Street, and Maixian Street are also worth visiting.
When to Visit
While the Muslim Quarter is open all day, the best time for exploring and eating is between 10 AM and 10 PM when most restaurants and food stalls are open.
If you prefer fewer crowds, arriving around 10 AM is ideal. The streets are just getting lively, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace without long lines.
For a more vibrant atmosphere, visit in the evening. A common plan is to explore the City Wall or downtown attractions in the afternoon, then head to the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Once the lights are on, the area becomes even more lively and picturesque.
Where and What to Eat
The Muslim Quarter offers a wide variety of food, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are some recommended streets and food shops that locals frequent.
Beiguangji Street:
- Lao Bai's Water Basin Lamb/老白家水盆
- Lao Xu's Persimmon Cakes/老徐家柿子饼
- Xihulan Cured Beef/稀糊烂腊牛肉
- Hongshunxiang Luzhi Liangfen/宏顺祥卤汁凉粉（for Mung Bean Jelly in Savory Sauce）
Luzhi LiangfenHongshunxiang Luzhi Liangfen:
- Southeast Asian Zeng Cake/东南亚甑糕（for Steamed Sticky Rice Cake with Red Dates）
- Jia San's Soup Dumplings/贾三灌汤包
- Manai Wontons/麻乃馄饨
Our guests ate Jia San's Soup DumplingsDapiyuan:
- Shi Family Baozi/石家包子
- Gao's Roasted Meat/高家烤肉
- Yizhenlou/一真楼 (for Lamb Soup with Crumbled Flatbread)
- Grandma Hua's Sour Plum Juice/花奶奶酸梅汤
Gao's Roasted Meatroast meatSajinqiao：
- Liu Ming's Persimmon Pancakes/刘明柿子糊塌
- Ma Wenzhang's Zeng Cake/马文章胖子甑糕
- Liu Xin's Stir-fry Pao Mo/刘信小炒泡馍（for Stir-fried Pita with Beef or Lamb）
- Ma Rong's Egg and Vegetable Jia Mo/马蓉家蛋菜夹馍 (for Egg and Vegetable Stuffed Flatbread)
Persimmon PancakesMiao Hou Street:
- Honghong's Sauerkraut Fried Rice/红红酸菜炒米
- Zhiliang's Steamed Dumplings/志亮灌汤蒸饺
- Yang's Roasted Meat/杨家烤肉
- Faisal's Roasted Meat/费萨尔烤肉
Zhiliang's Steamed DumplingsMaixian Street:
- Ma Wen's Clay Pot Dish/马文砂锅
- Lao Ma's Pancake with Gluten/老马家煎饼卷面筋
- Jia's Mahua and Oil Te/贾家麻花油茶（for Savory Grain Porridge and Fried Dough Twists）
The Muslim Quarter is quite expansive. If you have time, you can explore a few streets at your leisure, spending 2-3 hours tasting different foods.
For a more relaxed and fun way to explore, try our tuk-tuk experience. It lets you see more with less walking. Our local guide will take you around the area, helping you find the best spots to eat, making your experience both efficient and authentic.
Tip: This is a Muslim neighborhood, so most restaurants are halal. Beef and lamb are the staples here, but you'll also find plenty of halal noodles and snacks, including beef roujiamo, sesame cold noodles, and halal biangbiang noodles.
If you don't eat lamb, no worries. There are plenty of beef dishes and vegetarian options, so you can still enjoy the Muslim food experience.
Beyond Food: What to See in/Near the Xi'an Muslim Quarter
Beyond the delicious food, there are great spots around the Muslim Quarter that are worth a visit. Adding them to your itinerary can enrich your experience without taking much extra time.
If you're interested in Islamic culture, check out the Great Mosque in Huajue Lane (5-minute walking from Beiyuanmen).
It's one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. Its architecture resembles a traditional Chinese garden rather than the typical Middle Eastern style, making it a unique stop to learn about Chinese Muslim culture.
Muslims can pray here, but even if you're not, a stroll through the peaceful courtyard offers a glimpse into the quiet, everyday life of the area.
If you're interested in the Great Mosque, see our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour. All our itineraries can be adjusted and customized for you.
Our guests visited the Great MosqueIf you're interested in traditional Chinese crafts, consider adding the Gao Family Mansion (5-minute walking from Beiyuanmen) to your itinerary.
They often have 15-minute shadow puppet shows, offering a fun cultural treat after a meal. This gives you a direct look at how folk art is woven into everyday life, rather than just being something you see in museums.
The Gao Family Mansion
Shadow puppetryIf you visit the Muslim Quarter in the evening, I highly recommend checking out the near by Bell Tower and Drum Tower. They're beautifully lit at night, offering a great view of Xi'an's ancient cityscape. It's a perfect way to extend your food adventure into a nighttime stroll.
The Bell Tower at nightHow to Get There
Many guides suggest taking the metro to Bell Tower Station and walking into the bustling main street of the Muslim Quarter. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and dive straight into a more local vibe, take Metro Line 6 and get off at Guangji Street Station. From there, enter the area via Beiguangji Street.
If you're taking a taxi, it's best to get dropped off at the entrance of the area, such as the Beiguangji Street intersection or near the Shaanxi Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (close to Dapiyuan). From there, it's about a 5-minute walk into the quarter.
If you're staying near the Bell or Drum Tower, it's just a convenient 10-15 minute walk to the Muslim Quarter.
Explore Muslim Quarter with Travel China
Experience Xi'an's Muslim Quarter with ease and confidence on a private guided tour. With us, you can explore the best streets, discover hidden gems, and taste authentic local flavors without worrying about the details.
Check out our Xi'an tours for more inspiration. We can include the Muslim Quarter alongside other iconic sights, allowing you to fully enjoy the city's history, flavors, and atmosphere in one seamless, unforgettable itinerary. Just reach out to us, and let's plan your adventure.
Our guide and guests enjoyed local cuisine in the Muslim Quarter
