Muslim Quarter Travel Guide
North Gate · Halal Snacks · Drum Tower Night Market
Muslim Street is the most concentrated and bustling area of halal snacks in Xi'an. Beiyuanmen, on the north side of the Drum Tower, serves as the main axis, with stalls on both sides selling beef and mutton paomo, cured beef, persimmon cakes, and liangpi. Its value lies not in being the 'most delicious,' but in being the 'most Xi'an.'
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Destination Details
Huimin Street is not just a single street, but a large Muslim residential area north of the Drum Tower, centered around Beiyuanmen. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area was the commercial and dining center within Xi'an City. Nowadays, it is one of the places with the highest density of out-of-town tourists.
Main Highlights
Beiyuanmen Main Street
The most bustling section, with dense shops offering steamed bread in mutton soup, barbecue, mirror cakes, and persimmon cakes all lined up. The advantage is the variety and lively atmosphere; the disadvantage is that the prices and flavors tend to be more catered to tourists.
Huajue Lane Grand Mosque
Many people eat on the street and leave, missing this mosque. It combines Chinese wooden architecture with Islamic prayer functions, featuring deep courtyards and intricate wood carvings. It represents the true essence of this street area. Proper attire is required to enter.
Drum Tower and Bell Tower
The southern end of Huimin Street is the Drum Tower; further east is the Bell Tower. The night view between the two towers is one of the most iconic photos of Xi'an.
Recommended Duration
- 1 hour: Walk along the main street and have a look at the Drum Tower.
- More than 2 hours: Include the Grand Mosque and the surrounding alleys.
Local Tips
- The shops locals frequent are mostly in the side alleys and Xiyang Market, not on the main street.
- For steamed bread in mutton soup, you have to tear the bread yourself; the smaller the pieces, the better the flavor. If in a hurry, you can ask the shop to cut it with a machine.
- Some shops close during Ramadan and prayer times.
