The Muslim Quarter is Xi'an's 1300-year-old Hui Muslim neighborhood — the descendants of Silk Road traders who settled here during the Tang dynasty (618-907). The 500m Beiyuanmen pedestrian street + adjacent alleys (Damaishi, Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan) are absolutely packed with Halal food stalls. Must-eat: lamb kebab (羊肉串), biang biang noodles (the 56-stroke character), yangrou paomo (lamb stew with broken flatbread that you crush into the bowl yourself, the iconic Xi'an dish), persimmon cake (柿子饼). Free entry; food HK$5-30 per item. Best 6-10 PM. The Great Mosque (Tang-era, free entry, gorgeous fusion Tang+Islamic architecture) is hidden in the alleys — 5 min walk from the main drag.
Address
Beiyuanmen, Xi'an
北院门
Highlights
- Biang Biang Noodles56-stroke character; hand-pulled flat noodle
- Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍)Lamb soup; you tear the flatbread yourself
- Great Mosque (大清真寺)Hidden Tang-era mosque; free, gorgeous architecture
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Evening 6-10 PM
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: metro direct
Photos
What travelers say (5 reviews)
Foodie·TripAdvisor·5/5
1300-year-old Hui Muslim food street. Lamb kebabs, biang biang noodles, yangrou paomo, persimmon cake. Best 6-10 PM. Cash only.
2026-04-12
回民街·Xiaohongshu·5/5
回民街必吃：羊肉泡馍、肉夹馍、biang biang面、柿子饼。北院门主街+永兴坊都试试。
2026-03-25
Eric V.·Google Maps·5/5
1300-year Hui Muslim community. The Great Mosque hidden in the alleys is gorgeous Tang-era architecture, ¥25 entry.
2026-04-28
FoodAsia·YouTube·5/5
Tried 25 items in one night — every snack is legitimate. Biang biang noodle is the must-try; the 56-stroke character is itself an attraction.
2026-02-12
Wei P.·Ctrip·5/5
晚6-10点最热闹。建议从鼓楼北门进，沿北院门一直走。现金为主，部分接受支付宝。
2026-04-08
