Xi’an is China’s most important city for Muslim travelers. The ancient Silk Road capital has the country’s largest Muslim quarter, the magnificent Great Mosque, and unrivaled Hui halal cuisine. See our halal food guides for dining options. Explore halal food in Xian for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.
Why Xi’an for Muslims
- Largest Muslim Quarter: 500+ halal restaurants
- Great Mosque: Built 742 CE, stunning
- 30,000+ Hui Muslims: Active community
- Silk Road heritage: 1,300+ years of Islam
- Halal food paradise: Best in China
Must-See Attractions
Islamic Heritage
- Great Mosque: Chinese-style mosque (742 CE)
- Muslim Quarter streets: Historic neighborhood
- Huimin Street: Food market
- Ancient drum tower: Near Muslim Quarter
General Attractions
- Terracotta Warriors: World famous
- City Walls: Bike around them
- Bell Tower: City center
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Tang Dynasty
Great Mosque of Xi’an
One of China’s most important mosques:
- Built 742 CE: Tang Dynasty
- Chinese architecture: Unique style
- Active worship: Daily prayers
- Gardens: Beautiful courtyards
- Visitors welcome: Modest dress required
- One of largest: In China
Muslim Quarter
The Experience
- Centuries old: Historic Muslim neighborhood
- Night market: Best after 6pm
- 500+ food stalls: All halal
- Crowded: Peak 7-10pm
- Atmospheric: Lanterns and cooking smoke
Must-Try Foods
- Yangrou Paomo: Lamb soup, you tear the bread
- Roujiamo: “Chinese hamburger”
- Lamb skewers: Xinjiang style
- Biangbiang noodles: Wide belt noodles
- Persimmon cakes: Sweet street food
Best Stalls
- Lao Sun Jia: Famous for paomo
- Jia San Guantang Baozi: Soup dumplings
- Countless family stalls: Explore freely
Hui Muslim Culture
Xi’an’s Hui community:
- Chinese Muslims: 1,300+ year heritage
- Distinct cuisine: Halal Chinese fusion
- White caps visible: Men’s traditional dress
- Integrated culture: Chinese and Islamic
Best Experiences
- Great Mosque: Morning visit
- Muslim Quarter dinner: Evening food tour
- Terracotta Warriors: Half day trip
- Paomo ritual: Learn to tear the bread
- Night market: Wander and eat
Practical Tips
- Evening best: Muslim Quarter comes alive
- Cash useful: Street stalls prefer cash
- Great Mosque early: Fewer crowds
- Paomo lesson: Watch locals first
- Pace yourself: So much food to try
- Weekends crowded: Weeknights calmer