回民街
A maze of Hui-Muslim architecture and street food — Xi'an's most atmospheric evening destination.
The Muslim Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with Hui Muslim architecture, ancient mosques, and street food stalls stretching north from the Drum Tower. It is Xi'an's most vibrant evening destination and a living remnant of the Silk Road — the Hui community has been present here since the Tang Dynasty, when Arab and Persian merchants first settled in Chang'an. Come hungry between 5 and 9pm.
Walk north from the Drum Tower (鼓楼) — the Muslim Quarter begins immediately behind it. The main street is Beiyuanmen Street (北院门). No entry fee. The Great Mosque (大清真寺) inside the quarter charges ¥25 entry and is open to non-Muslim visitors. Evening visits (5–9pm) are best for street food.
Opening Hours
Streets: always open. Great Mosque: 8:00am – 7:00pm.
Entry Fee
Free to walk around. Great Mosque: ¥25.
Address
Beiyuanmen Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an
陕西省西安市莲湖区北院门街
Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.
Show this to locals:
师傅您好，请送我去西安回民街，鼓楼附近，莲湖区北院门。谢谢！
Hello, please take me to Xi'an Muslim Quarter, near the Drum Tower, Beiyuanmen Street, Lianhu District. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
Ask for the Drum Tower (鼓楼) — it's the most famous landmark at the entrance to the Muslim Quarter.
Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.
Take Metro Line 2 to Anren Fang station and walk 10 minutes to the Drum Tower
Arrive at the Drum Tower (鼓楼) — the Muslim Quarter begins directly behind it heading north
Walk into Beiyuanmen Street — stalls begin setting up from around 4:30pm
Must-try foods: roujiamo (肉夹馍 — pork/lamb flatbread), fresh pomegranate juice, biang biang noodles
The Great Mosque (大清真寺) is on a side lane — visit before 7pm; non-Muslims welcome (¥25)
Explore the inner alleys — the quarter extends well beyond the main tourist lane
Eat yang rou pao mo (羊肉泡馍) at one of the restaurants on Dongyang Market Street for the full experience
Come between 5 and 9pm — that is when every stall is operating and the atmosphere is at its peak.
The inner lanes beyond the main tourist strip are quieter and more authentic — don't just walk straight up Beiyuanmen.
The Great Mosque is one of China's finest — Sino-Islamic architecture at its most beautiful. Non-Muslims can enter most areas.
Fresh pomegranate juice is pressed to order at multiple stalls — it is exceptional and unique to Xi'an.
Terracotta Army
兵马俑
8,000 individually sculpted clay warriors buried 2,200 years ago to guard China's first emperor.
Explore →Xi'an City Wall
西安城墙
The most complete ancient city wall in China — 14km of Ming Dynasty ramparts, fully bikeable.
Explore →Big Wild Goose Pagoda
大雁塔
A Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda — and the largest musical fountain in Asia surrounds it at night.
Explore →Save all your travel cards, action guides, and reservations in one place — accessible offline anywhere in China.