Muslim Street in Xian

Facts of Muslim Street

Names: simplified Chinese:回民街; Pinyin: Huímín Jiē

History: more than 1000 years

Location: Near the Square of Bell Drum Towers in Beilin District

Located in the center of Xian city, Muslim Street (回民街) is the hub of the community where Muslims have lived there since the Han Dynasty. The area used to be a trade center of the ancient Silk Road. Nowadays it is one of the most beautiful and "different" places in Xian with its unique culture and traditions of Hui Minority.

This narrow street is just behind Xian's landmark - the Drum Tower, stretching some 500 meters from south to north. It is paved with dark colored stones. The buildings lined along are well preserved to its original style of Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasties (1644-1911). Most of the structures are used as stores and restaurants which are all operated by Moslems. Here people can find authentic hand-making crafts of Hui Minority, tasty food, and snacks. Hui cuisine has its own uniqueness, it worth taking the risk to try if you would. Most popular authentic Islamic specialties are the Yang Rou Pao Mo (tear the local Hui bread into pieces and put them in the soup with mutton), Rou Jia Mo (meat stuffed in wheat buns), Jiasan Guan Tang Bao (it is the most famous Xian snack brand, a kind of steamed bun stuffed with juicy beef or mutton) and many kinds of noodles. In the community, there are more than 10 big and small mosques for Hui people to worship. Some of them are only open to the locals.

Muslim Street History

Muslim street has a history more than 1000 years. It was the starting point of Silk Road and accumulated a lot of merchants and diplomatic envoys from Persia and Arab. They settle down and married. Their descendants make up most parts of the population in the area. People in the community keep strict religious disciplines and pass down the Islam culture and traditions that can be obviously seen from their costume and cuisine. People here are familiar with each other and friendly to visitors.

Tips for a visit of Muslim Street

Street food is tasty if your stomach would like to take a risk.

There are also other attractions to be found near the street, such as the Drum Tower, the Great Mosque and Gao Family's Courtyard.

With central location in the city, Muslim Street is easy to get to by public bus and taxi.

Famous Shops and Restaurants at Muslim Street

There are many famous shops and vendors at the Xian Muslim Street and are definitely worth a visit when you are in Xian. Here are a few examples:

1. Lao Mi Jia: This restaurant is known for its delicious beef noodles, which are made using a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations.

2. Qian Xiang Yi: This shop sells traditional Chinese-style pastries, such as sesame cakes and walnut cookies.

3. Tong Sheng Xiang: This vendor is famous for its lamb skewers, which are seasoned with cumin and other spices and grilled over an open flame.

4. Xi'an Islamic Bookstore: This shop sells a variety of Islamic books, including religious texts and histories of the Muslim community in China.

5.  Zong Tang Fu: This restaurant specializes in roujiamo, a type of Chinese-style hamburger made with braised pork belly and stuffed into a crispy, chewy bread.

Muslim Street Tours

Muslim Street has been an important part of Xian city life. A city visit of Xian always includes a glimpse of Muslim Street when visiting the Ancient City Wall. If time permit, we suggest experiencing the bustling night market and sample some of the delicious street food that the Xian Muslim Street has to offer. Plan a cultural, foody, and exciting Xian tour to your own interests.