Xi'an Muslim Street
Xi’an Muslim Street, also known as Muslim Quarter, near the Drum Tower, is one of the must-see places in Xi'an because of its long history of more than 1,000 years. It is the place where Islamists of the Hui ethnic group gather, so visitors can appreciate the mosques with a rich ancient Chinese flavor to feel the inclusive multiculturalism of China.
History of Xi'an Muslim Street
According to historical data, the Muslim Quarter was a prosperous shopping street with many renowned shops.
More than 2,000 years ago, some businessmen, envoys, students from ancient Arabia, Persia began to immigrate to Chang'an (ancient name of Xi'an). Since then, they did their business, studied, worked as civil servants and lived here from one generation to the next. And until now, there are more than 60 thousand people of the Hui ethnic group residing in the Muslim neighborhood of Xi'an.
Being a symbolic site of the city, Muslim Street is famous for nearly 300 types of exquisite food, which attracts a large number of diners to taste. Furthermore, the well-preserved residences give visitors a chance to get to know the real local culture.
Attractions of Xi'an Muslim Street
Representative mosques and other beautiful buildings are worth visiting. As one of the best-preserved and most typical mosques in China, the Great Mosque has a history of more than 1,200 years, and fully appears design of traditional Chinese culture in many aspects, proving that China is a great country that combines multiple cultures in a very harmonious one.
The Great Mosque located in Huajue Alley is one of the “Four Best Mosques in China”. Apart from the spectacular view of the blue tiles covering the ceiling, the delicate carvings on each wall and the hundreds of excellent plant painting works are the artistic feast for the eyes, very rare and precious.
Things to Do at Xi'an Muslim Street
You certainly have to try the delicious foods along the street. Bread soaked in mutton soup, also called Yangrou Paomo in Chinese, is the best food in Shaanxi. This historic food has long been praised by many visitors around the world. The hard and chewy bean noodles, fresh lamb and soft bread will make you fall in love with its special taste.
Chinese Burger, or Rou Jia Mo, is the other characteristic food in Xi'an. The hot and crispy bun with the tender meat and vegetable fillings inside give it a great flavor experience. In addition to the above-mentioned foods, there are many tasteful snacks for you to enjoy in the sea of gastronomy, such as persimmon donuts, rice noodles (liangpi in Chinese), hammered candy, jing cakes, etc.
No matter when you come to Xian, visiting Muslim Street and tasting local cuisine and snacks is the most popular thing to do. Furthermore, the night scene of the Muslim Quarter is also very worth experiencing. You can see this neighborhood filled with a rich atmosphere of civil life with bright lights and lamps being turned on, shoppers haggling for their desired products, people enjoying food while hanging on the streets, etc. This truly vigorous setting will make your visit to Xi'an unforgettable.
