Xi'an Muslim Quarter Travel Guide: Street Food, Culture & Nightlife

Why Visit Xi’an Muslim Quarter?

The Xi’an Muslim Quarter offers three major attractions for foreign travelers: First, it’s a "halal food paradise" with nearly 300 unique snacks, catering to both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors. Second, it blends Islamic and Chinese cultural elements, showcased in architecture like the Great Mosque. Third, visitors can interact with local Hui residents, observe traditional crafts, and experience Xi’an's authentic folk customs. Its prime location and affordable prices make it a must-visit spot in the city.

Xi'an Day Tour Package: Premier Private Fully Guided Tour with Terracotta Warriors & Xi'an Highlights Highlights Xi'an City Tour: Discover Xi'an's Rich Heritage and Must-See Attractions

Location & Transportation
Location: The Xi’an Muslim Quarter is located in Lianhu District, Xi’an, centered on Beiyuanmen, adjacent to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, with Shehui Road to the east, Zaoci Lane to the west, West Avenue to the south, and Hongfu ·Street to the north.

Transportation: It is very convenient to reach by various means of transportation.
- From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): You can take the subway Line 14 to North Railway Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Bell Tower Station (the cheapest way, taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes) , or take a taxi (about 32 minutes, costing $14-$17).
- From Xi’an Railway Station: Take Bus 611 to Bell Tower West Station, then walk about 10 minutes (400 meters) to reach.
- By subway: Take Line 2 or 6 to Bell Tower Station, exit from the north exit, and you will reach the quarter.
- Peak hour reminder: It is not recommended to take a taxi directly to Beiyuanmen during peak hours due to serious traffic jams.

Street Food Exploration— The Soul of Xi’an Muslim Quarter
Must-Try Traditional Snacks
Lamb Soup with Bread (Yang Rou Pao Mo):
One of the most iconic snacks in Xi’an, it is a staple of Hui Muslim cuisine . The dish is made by breaking pita bread into small pieces, then boiling it with lamb slices, green onions, garlic, and coriander in a rich lamb broth . The correct way to eat it is to break the bread into pieces as small as soybeans with your own hands, which is not only a ritual but also allows the bread to absorb the broth better.

· Recommended Shop: Liu Xin Beef and Mutton Paomo (Sajinqiao), located at No. 129 Sajinqiao, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 7:00-21:00 (peak hours 11:00-14:00, may need to queue).
· Features: The broth is simmered with fresh lamb bones and mutton, and the shop provides free pickled garlic and spicy sauce. It is a must-try for Lamb Soup with Bread, and simple English tips are available.

Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan):
Grilled over hot charcoal, the skewers are covered with cumin and chili, juicy and slightly fatty, with a strong aroma . It is recommended to pair it with flatbread and sweet black tea.

· Recommended Shop: Xiao Ma Barbecue (Xuexi Lane), located at No. 36 Xuexi Lane, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 16:00-01:00 (nighttime is the peak, suitable for late-night food lovers).
· Features: 30-year-old time-honored shop, 1-yuan lamb skewers, fresh meat, no additives, and the boss can speak simple English.

Roujiamo (Halal Beef/Mutton Burger):
A Hui-style version of the famous Chinese hamburger, with tender marinated beef or mutton stuffed into a crispy baked bun.

· Recommended Shop: Yang Tian Yu Braised Beef and Mutton (Beiyuanmen), located at No. 87 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 8:00-20:00.
· Features: The beef and mutton are marinated for 6 hours with 18 kinds of spices, the bun is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and vacuum-packed products are available for takeaway.

Biang Biang Noodles:
A thick, wide noodle dish, chewy and flavorful, served with chili oil, garlic, and green onions.

· Recommended Shop: Lanzhou Lamian King (Huimin Street), located at No. 15 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 8:00-22:00.
· Features: The noodles are hand-pulled on the spot, with 6 thickness options (from thin to thick), and the shop has an English menu and accepts mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay). It is suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there is usually no long queue.

Spicy Beef Ball Soup (Rou Wan Hu La Tang):
A popular breakfast for locals, with chewy beef balls, vegetables, and a thick, spicy broth.

· Recommended Shop: Ma Hong Stir-Fried Paomo (Sajinqiao), located at No. 108 Sajinqiao, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 6:30-14:00 (only open in the morning, best for breakfast).
· Features: Beef balls are handmade, chewy, and the broth is spicy and appetizing, with optional spiciness.

Steamed Soup Dumplings (Jiaozi):
Tender skin, juicy meat, not greasy, with a delicate shape.

· Recommended Shop: Qingfang Steamed Dumplings (Xiyangshi), located at No. 72 Xiyangshi, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 7:00-21:30.
· Features: Thin skin and juicy filling, filled with beef and green onions, halal, and the shop provides disposable chopsticks and simple English instructions.

Featured Main Courses
Stir-Fried Lamb Soup with Bread (Chao Pao Mo):
A more flavorful variant of Lamb Soup with Bread, stir-fried with chili, garlic, and green onions, spicy and sour, very appetizing. It is a popular main course for lunch and dinner.

· Recommended store: Laowujia Specialty Stir fried Steamed Bun (Dapiyuan Store)
· Address: No. 91 Dapiyuan, Huimin Street, Xi'an City
· Business hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-21:30
· Phone: 13032995267
· Features: Handmade bread, stir-fried on high heat, the broth is thick and flavorful, and you can adjust the spiciness according to your taste.

Steamed Beef Crispy Meat (Xiao Su Rou):
A classic Hui-style main course, made by marinating beef with spices, wrapping it in starch, steaming it, and then pouring it with a special sauce. The meat is tender and crispy, not greasy.

· Recommended store: Dingjia Xiaosu Meat (Huimin Street Store)
· Address: No. 223, West Exit of Dapiyuan, Xi'an City
· Business hours: 10:30-20:30
· Phone: 13991976168
· Features: 50-year-old time-honored shop, the beef is tender and flavorful, served with rice, which is a perfect match.

Braised Beef and Mutton Platter:
A combination of braised beef and mutton, marinated with 18 kinds of traditional spices for 6 hours, the meat is tender and easy to chew, with a strong sauce flavor. It can be eaten directly or with flatbread.

· Recommended store: Laotiejia cured beef and mutton (Huimin Street store)
· Address: 60 meters northeast of the intersection of Daxue Xi Lane and West Street, Xi'an City
· Business hours: 06:00-22:00
· Phone: 13991129671
· Features: Vacuum-packed products are available for takeaway, suitable as souvenirs, and the shop accepts mobile payment.

Desserts & Drinks:
Zeng Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake):
A traditional dessert from the Tang Dynasty, made by steaming glutinous rice, red dates, red beans, and kidney beans . It is sweet and glutinous, with a strong jujube aroma.

· Recommended Shop: Old Ma Zeng Gao (Dapiyuan), located at No. 45 Dapiyuan, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 7:30-20:30.
· Features: Steamed on the spot, warm and sweet, suitable for breakfast or afternoon tea, affordable (8-12 RMB per portion).

Milk Egg Fermented Glutinous Rice (Nai Lao Jiao Zao):
A warm dessert made with fresh milk, eggs, and fermented glutinous rice, cooked on the spot, creamy and sweet.

· Recommended Shop: Hua Nainai Sour Plum Soup (Dapiyuan), located at No. 68 Dapiyuan, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
· Business Hours: 9:00-21:00.
· Features: Made with fresh milk and local fermented glutinous rice, you can add red dates and wolfberries, and it is served hot, suitable for cold days.

Sour Plum Soup (Suan Mei Tang):
A classic refreshing drink in Xi’an, made by boiling dark plums, hawthorns, licorice, and rock sugar for 2 hours. It is sour and sweet, relieving greasiness and quenching thirst.

· Recommended store: Yingbaoyuan Majia Distilled Sour Plum Soup and Fermented Rice Wine (Huimin Street Store)
· Address: No. 138, First House, West Exit of Dapiyuan, Xi'an City
· Business hours: 09:00-21:00
· Phone: 13991284754
· Features: No additives, made fresh every day, 8 RMB per cup, and the mixed version (sour plum soup + fermented glutinous rice) is 12 RMB per cup.

Food Etiquette & Tips
* Halal Taboos: The Xi’an Muslim Quarter is a Hui Muslim community, so pork, alcohol, and non-halal ingredients are strictly prohibited . Do not bring pork products (such as ham sausage) into the quarter or ask for alcohol in restaurants 

* Ordering Tips: Most small stalls only have Chinese menus, so you can prepare pictures of the snacks you want to eat in advance, or use translation apps. When ordering noodles, you can ask for "zhong la" (medium spice) if you can’t eat too spicy.

* Price Tips: The prices of snacks in the main street (Beiyuanmen) are slightly higher, while the prices in Dapiyuan, Xiyangshi, and Sajinqiao are more affordable and more authentic . Do not buy snacks from stalls that charge excessively high prices.

* Hygiene Tips: Choose stalls with large crowds and clean environments. Most stalls do not provide paper towels, so it is recommended to bring your own.

Highly Recommended Private Half-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour with Optional Morning or Afternoon Departure Beijing to Xi'an 1 Day Tour: Day Trip to Terracotta Warriors From Beijing by Bullet Train

Culture & History— The Root of Xi’an Muslim Quarter
Key Cultural Landmarks
Xi’an Great Mosque (Huajue Lane):
Located in Huajue Lane of the Muslim Quarter, it is one of the oldest and largest mosques in China, listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit . The mosque combines Chinese and Islamic architectural styles, with exquisite carvings and the Koran carved on large wooden boards.

· Opening Hours: April-October: 08:00-19:00; November-March: 08:00-17:30; not open to the public before 13:00 on Fridays (Jumu’ah Day) .
· Ticket Price: April-October: 25 RMB; November-March: 15 RMB; free for Muslims .
· Visiting Tips: Non-Muslims can enter most areas, but only Muslim men can enter the main prayer hall . Dress modestly (long sleeves and long pants are recommended for women) . Do not make loud noises or take photos during prayer times .
· Gao Family Courtyard: A traditional Chinese courtyard house in the Muslim Quarter, where you can watch shadow puppet shows (a traditional Chinese folk art) and experience the life of ancient Xi’an families .
· Hui Cultural Museum: Displays the history, customs, and handicrafts of the Hui people, helping foreign travelers understand the living habits and cultural traditions of the Hui community in Xi’an.

Gao Family Courtyard:
A traditional Chinese courtyard house in the Muslim Quarter, where you can watch shadow puppet shows (a traditional Chinese folk art) and experience the life of ancient Xi’an families.

· Address:No. 144, Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
· Opening hours:Open from 09:00 to 22:30 (closed at 22:00)
· Official phone number:029-87401029; 13309276330
· Ticket: 15 yuan. Plus watching shadow puppetry for 30 yuan

Beiyuanmen Archway (Beiyuanmen Paifang):
Located at the entrance of Beiyuanmen Main Street (the core area of the Muslim Quarter), it is the iconic entrance landmark of the Xi’an Muslim Quarter. Built in the late Qing Dynasty, it adopts traditional Chinese archway architecture, with exquisite stone carvings on the beam, and the four characters "Beiyuanmen" are inscribed on the top, which is simple and grand.

· Opening Hours: All day (24 hours open, visible at any time during the tour).
· Ticket Price: Free (no charge for visiting and taking photos).
· Visiting Tips: It is the best photo spot at the entrance of the Muslim Quarter; it is recommended to take photos during the day (good light) or at night (with beautiful street lights). Please do not climb the archway or scribble on it to protect the cultural relics.

Sajinqiao Slate Road (Sajinqiao Shiban Lu):
Located in the Sajinqiao Block of the Muslim Quarter, it is a well-preserved ancient slate road with a history of over 600 years, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The road is paved with blue slate, with clear ruts left by years of traffic, and both sides are lined with time-honored halal food shops and handicraft stores.

· Opening Hours: All day (24 hours open, suitable for walking at any time).
· Ticket Price: Free (the road itself is open for free, and the shops on both sides are open normally).
· Visiting Tips: The slate road is smooth, especially after rain, so please pay attention to anti-slip. It is recommended to walk slowly and experience the ancient street style; you can stop by the nearby time-honored shops to taste snacks while walking.

Hui Folk Customs

· Religious Customs: The Hui people in the Muslim Quarter believe in Islam, and prayer is an important part of their daily life . There are 10 mosques in the quarter, and the Great Mosque is the largest . On Fridays, there is a grand worship service in the Great Mosque, which is crowded with worshippers . Foreign travelers should respect their religious activities and avoid disturbing them.

· Traditional Handicrafts: The Muslim Quarter is famous for its traditional Hui handicrafts, such as jade carving, carpet weaving, and Islamic calligraphy . You can watch craftsmen make these handicrafts on the spot and buy them as souvenirs.

· Festivals: The main festivals of the Hui people include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid. During festivals, the Muslim Quarter is decorated with lanterns and flags, and locals will hold grand celebrations, such as eating halal food together and praying . If you visit during these festivals, you can deeply experience the unique festive atmosphere of the Hui people.

Nightlife — The Vitality of Xi’an Muslim Quarter
Nighttime Food Experience
Most food stalls in the Muslim Quarter are open until 22:00-24:00, and some popular stalls even open until early morning . Nighttime is the best time to taste street food, as the cool night air makes the spicy and fragrant food more delicious. Must-try nighttime snacks include roasted lamb skewers, spicy beef ball soup, fried dough twists, and steamed soup dumplings . In addition, the night market in Sajinqiao is a paradise for late-night food lovers, with a variety of halal snacks at affordable prices . It is recommended to try Ma Hong Stir-Fried Paomo, which is spicy and sour, very appetizing.

Nighttime Activities & Scenery

· Lantern Viewing: The streets of the Muslim Quarter are lined with red lanterns, which are lit up at night, creating a strong traditional Chinese atmosphere . The combination of lanterns, ancient buildings, and the bustling crowd forms a beautiful picture, which is very suitable for taking photos.

· Folk Performances: In some courtyards and squares of the Muslim Quarter, you can watch traditional folk performances at night, such as shadow puppet shows, folk music performances, and Hui dance . These performances are rich in ethnic characteristics and allow you to experience the unique folk culture of Xi’an.

· Bell Tower and Drum Tower Night View: The Muslim Quarter is adjacent to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and the night view of these two landmarks is very spectacular . You can walk to the Bell Tower Square after visiting the Muslim Quarter, watch the light show at 21:00, and take photos at the viewing platform on the 5th floor of Kaiyuan Mall for the best view.

Recommended Night Tour Route 
Beiyuanmen ? Xiyangshi ? Dapiyuan ? Sajinqiao. This route covers the core areas of the Muslim Quarter, allowing you to experience different styles of night scenes and food.

- Beiyuanmen (18:00-19:30): As the core of the Muslim Quarter, it is the most lively at night, with bright lanterns and a variety of snack stalls. You can taste Roujiamo and Lamb Skewers here, and take photos with the Beiyuanmen Archway.

- Xiyangshi (19:30-20:30): A more authentic old street, with fewer crowds than Beiyuanmen, and more local snack stalls. You can try Qingfang Steamed Dumplings and Biang Biang Noodles here, and experience the quiet side of the Muslim Quarter at night.

- Dapiyuan (20:30-21:30): A gathering place for time-honored shops and handicraft stores. You can buy souvenirs such as jade carvings and paper-cuts, and taste desserts such as Zeng Gao and Milk Egg Fermented Glutinous Rice.

- Sajinqiao (21:30-23:00): The night market here is the most lively in the late night, with a variety of affordable snacks. You can try Stir-Fried Lamb Soup with Bread and other local specialties, and feel the strong late-night food atmosphere.

Shopping Experience — Take Home the Charm of Xi’an
Recommended Souvenirs
Islamic Handicrafts: 
Including Islamic calligraphy works, carpet weaving, jade carving, and ceramic products with Islamic patterns . These handicrafts are exquisitely made, with unique cultural connotations, and are very representative.

Recommended store: Beard Calligraphy Shop
Address: About 120 meters west of Xi'an Huimin Middle School, Huajue Lane, Lianhu District, Xi'an City

Halal Food Souvenirs:
Such as braised beef and mutton (vacuum-packed), sesame cakes, preserved fruits, and fermented glutinous rice . These foods have a long shelf life and are suitable for taking home to share with family and friends.

Recommended store: Halal Quanshengzhai Traditional Chinese Pastry (Dapiyuan Store)
Address: No.16 Dapiyuan, Xi'an City
Phone: (029)-87389563
Business hours: 09:00-21:30

Traditional Chinese Handicrafts: 
Such as shadow puppet figures, paper-cutting, and jade pendants , which reflect the traditional culture of Xi’an and are very distinctive.

Recommended store: Sun's Shadow Puppetry Society
Address: No.79 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
Phone: 18209264931

Local Specialty Tea:
Such as jujube tea and wolfberry tea, which are made of local specialty ingredients in Shaanxi, with health-preserving effects.

Recommended store: Rui'an Tea (Huimin Street Store)
Address: No. 125 Beiyuanmen, Xi'an City, China. 1-51 Huimin Street
Business hours: 10:00-22:00

Shopping Tips
· Bargaining: Most stalls and small shops accept bargaining, especially for handicrafts and souvenirs. The bargaining space is usually 10%-30%, but remember to be polite and not bargain too harshly.

· Price Comparison: The prices of the same product may vary in different shops, so it is recommended to compare prices in 2-3 shops before buying.

· Quality Identification: When buying handicrafts and food, pay attention to checking the quality. For example, when buying braised beef and mutton, check the production date and packaging; when buying jade carvings, pay attention to distinguishing true from false.

· Avoid Counterfeits: Do not buy overly cheap "antiques" or "precious jade" in the Muslim Quarter, as most of them are counterfeits.

Xi'an to Huashan Day Trip: Experience the Breathtaking Scenery of Mt. Huashan Smooth Xi'an to Luoyang Day Tour: Enjoy a Comfortable & Efficient High-Speed Train Trip to Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple

Best Time to Visit
Seasonal Recommendation: The best time to visit the Xi’an Muslim Quarter is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) . During these two seasons, the weather in Xi’an is mild and pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, which is very suitable for walking and tasting food.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and rainy, and the crowd is large.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, but the quarter is decorated with lanterns during the Spring Festival, which has a strong festive atmosphere.

Daily Recommendation: It is recommended to visit in the morning (9:00-11:00) or evening (18:00-22:00) .
- Morning: Quiet, with fewer crowds, suitable for visiting cultural landmarks such as the Great Mosque and tasting breakfast snacks.
- Evening: Lively, with beautiful night views and rich food choices, suitable for experiencing nightlife .
- Avoid: Visiting at noon (12:00-14:00), as it is hot and crowded.

Accommodation Recommendations
It is recommended to stay near the Xi’an Muslim Quarter or the Bell Tower/Drum Tower, which is convenient for visiting the quarter and other scenic spots.
Economy accommodation: Backpack Ten Year Youth Hostel (Xi'an Bell Tower Branch)

· Official name: Backpacker's Ten Youth Hostel (Xi'an Bell Tower)
· Detailed address: North Street, Xincheng District, Xi'an City (Turn right 100 meters from Exit D of Zhonglou Station on Metro Line 2)
· Contact phone numbers: 029-87360555, +86-17792721555
· Price range: under 100 yuan per night
· Core Room Types: Mixed Dormitory for 4 to 16 People, Exclusive Dormitory for Girls and Boys
· Core facilities: air conditioning, free high-speed WiFi, 24-hour hot water, public kitchen, luggage storage cabinet, washing machine, board game area, book bar
· Special services: 24-hour reception, free breakfast (including halal Mantou and soybean milk), travel route planning, free toiletries, free locker
· Location advantage: About a 10 minute walk to the core area of Huimin Street (Beiyuanmen), adjacent to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, with direct subway access to the airport/train station, making it the preferred choice for backpackers

Mid range accommodation: Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel

· Official name: Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel
· Detailed address: 118 East Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an City (facing the Bell Tower, 800 meters walk to Huimin Street)
· Contact number: 029-87276666
· Price range: 340-1300 yuan/night
· Core room types: Standard King/Deluxe King, Standard Twin/Double, Deluxe Twin/Double, Family Room
· Core facilities: air conditioning, high-speed WiFi, mini bar (free mineral water), separate bathroom with bathtub/shower, hair dryer, electric kettle
· Special services: buffet breakfast (including Muslim mutton Congee, Steamed dumplings), 24-hour room service, luggage storage, free parking, English front desk
· Location advantage: A time-honored hotel with over 60 years of experience, facing the landmark of the Bell Tower, and within walking distance to Huimin Street and the city wall, with extremely convenient transportation

High end accommodation: Sofitel Xi'an People's Building

· Official name: Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
· Detailed address: No. 199 East Street, Xincheng District, Xi'an City (1.2 kilometers away from Huimin Street, 15 minutes by taxi/20 minutes by walk, adjacent to People's Square and Bell Tower)
· Contact number: 029-87608888
· Price range: starting from 950 yuan per night
· Core room types: Sofitel Standard King/Twin Room, Deluxe King/Twin Room, Executive Room, Executive Suite
· Core facilities: Sofitel MyBed high-end bedding, intelligent control system, 55 inch large screen TV, mini bar, rain shower+bathtub, L'Occitane toiletries, free high-speed WiFi
· Featured Services: 24-hour room service, halal restaurant (offering authentic Hui cuisine+international halal meals), indoor swimming pool, gym, spa center, professional English service personnel, airport transfer (chargeable)
· Location advantage: International five-star hotel with complete facilities, suitable for travelers who pursue quality and comfort.

Practical Tips
· Respect Islamic Customs: Do not eat pork, drink alcohol, or bring non-halal food into the Muslim Quarter . Do not make loud noises or disturb the prayer activities of Muslims .

· Dress Modestly: When visiting the Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter, dress modestly, avoid wearing revealing clothes (such as short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops), and it is recommended to wear long sleeves and long pants 

· Photography Etiquette: Do not take photos of Muslims without their permission, especially during prayer times . Photography is prohibited in the main prayer hall of the Great Mosque .

· Greeting Etiquette: When communicating with local Hui residents, be polite, and you can learn simple Arabic greetings (such as "As-salamu alaykum") to show respect.

· Weather Preparation: Bring sunscreen and a hat in summer, and keep warm in winter. The temperature difference between day and night in spring and autumn is large, so it is recommended to bring a thin coat. 

· Personal Belongings: Take good care of your mobile phone, wallet, and passport, especially in crowded areas (such as Beiyuanmen main street). 

· Medical Preparation: Prepare some common medicines (such as anti-diarrheal medicine, motion sickness medicine, and band-aids) in case of emergency. 

· Language Assistance: Save the Chinese and English names of the snacks and shops you want to visit in advance, which is convenient for communication. 

· Portable water bottle: Most snacks are spicy; a water bottle helps you stay hydrated. 

· Comfortable shoes: The Muslim Quarter requires a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. 

· Power bank: Useful for taking photos and using translation apps, as mobile phones run out of power quickly. 

· Emergency contacts: Save local emergency numbers (110 for police, 120 for medical help) in both Chinese and English. 

· Toilet tips: Public toilets are marked every 500 meters on the main street; some charge 1-2 RMB. 

· Allergy reminder: Inform stall owners of any food allergies (e.g., peanuts, sesame) when ordering.

FAQs
Q: Is it safe to visit the Xi’an Muslim Quarter at night?
A:Yes, it is safe. The Muslim Quarter is lively at night with bright street lights and many tourists and local residents. There are also security personnel patrolling regularly. However, it is recommended to take care of your personal belongings (such as mobile phones, wallets) and avoid going to remote alleys alone. It is also not recommended to stay too late (after 01:00), as most shops will be closed by then.

Q: Do the recommended restaurants provide English menus?
A:Most of the recommended restaurants have simple English menus or English tips, such as Lanzhou Lamian King and Qingfang Steamed Dumplings. For small stalls and some old shops (such as Xiao Ma Barbecue), there may be no English menus, but you can use translation apps or show pictures to order, and some shop owners can speak simple English.

Q: Can I use credit cards or foreign currency in the Muslim Quarter?
A:Most small stalls and shops only accept cash (RMB) and mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay). Credit cards are rarely accepted, and foreign currency is not accepted. It is recommended to exchange RMB in advance at the airport, railway station, or bank. You can also withdraw RMB from ATMs near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Q: What should I do if I can’t eat spicy food?
A: You can tell the stall owner or waiter "Bu la" (not spicy) when ordering, and they will adjust the spiciness accordingly. For dishes that are usually spicy (such as Biang Biang Noodles and Spicy Beef Ball Soup), you can also ask for "Qing dan" (light taste) or "Zhong la" (medium spice) to meet your taste.

Q: Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance during non-peak seasons?
A: It is not necessary, but it is recommended. During non-peak seasons (such as winter except Spring Festival), there are more available rooms near the Muslim Quarter, but booking in advance can help you choose a hotel with a better location and price, especially if you want to stay in mid-range or high-end hotels.

Q: Can I take photos of the Islamic architecture in the Muslim Quarter?
A:Yes, you can. You can take photos of the Islamic-style buildings (such as the exterior of the Great Mosque, street buildings) in the Muslim Quarter. However, photography is prohibited in the main prayer hall of the Great Mosque, and you must not take photos of Muslims without their permission, especially during prayer times.

Epic 2-Day Xi'an Private Tour: Uncover Terracotta Warriors & the Magic of Datang Everbright City Enchanting 3-Day Xi'an Tour: Explore Terracotta Warriors & Conquer the Majestic Huashan Mountain