Classic Tour of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia | Xi'an Muslim Quarter a

The Xi'an Muslim Quarter is a famous food and cultural district in Xi'an. It represents the mutual influence and integration of multiple ethnic cultures while preserving traces of ancient East-West trade exchanges. The mosques in the district highlight the inclusiveness of multi-ethnic religions, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists year-round and earning widespread affection. *Composition of the Muslim Quarter: Located near the Bell and Drum Towers in downtown Xi'an, the Muslim Quarter is a collective term for the Hui ethnic community, locally referred to as "Fangshang." It consists of multiple streets, including Beiyuanmen, Beiguangji Street, Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan, Huajue Lane, and Sajinqiao. The streets are lined with Ming- and Qing-style architecture, exuding a strong Islamic ambiance. *Historical and Cultural Background: The history of the Muslim Quarter dates back to the late Northern Song and early Southern Song dynasties when the northwestern part of Xi'an became a Hui settlement. From the Yuan Dynasty onward, the Muslim community centered around the Hui Quarter gradually developed. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the areas around West Street and Beiyuanmen had become traditional commercial hubs for the Hui people. Today, Beiyuanmen Street has undergone several renovations, with asphalt roads and brick sidewalks replaced by bluestone paving, and buildings reconstructed in two-story Ming- and Qing-style architecture, forming a retro cultural tourism street. As it is a residential area for the Hui community, it is named the "Muslim Quarter." *Religious Features: The district houses 10 mosques of varying ages and sizes, the most famous being the Great Mosque in Huajue Lane, reportedly built during the Tang Dynasty's Tianbao era. It is one of China's most well-preserved and distinctive Chinese-style mosques. Around 60,000 Hui Muslims live near the mosques, maintaining their religious traditions and lifestyle. *Recommended Popular Snacks: The Xi'an Muslim Quarter is renowned for its food culture, offering the most concentrated selection of Xi'an's specialty snacks. The delicacies here are not only uniquely flavorful but also affordable, loved by both tourists and locals alike. 1. Yangrou Paomo (Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup): A traditional Xi'an dish, most famous for its beef and lamb versions. Meticulously prepared, the tender meat and rich broth are nutritious and aromatic, leaving a lasting aftertaste. 2. Xiaochao Paomo (Stir-Fried Pita Bread): A Hui-style dish similar to Yangrou Paomo but prepared differently. While the latter is boiled, Xiaochao is stir-fried with additional ingredients like daylily, wood ear mushrooms, greens, dried tofu, and eggs, along with diced beef, chili oil, and vinegar. It combines the richness of Paomo with a tangy and spicy kick. 3. Jingao (Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake): A historic Xi'an snack with a soft, delicate texture, made from glutinous rice, kidney beans, and red dates. The bottom layer absorbs the color of the dates, turning a vibrant red, topped with brown kidney beans, dark red date paste, and green raisins, making it visually appealing. 4. Majiang Liangpi (Cold Noodles with Sesame Paste): A Shaanxi specialty with a history dating back to the Qin Dynasty. The chewy noodles are served with a rich sesame paste sauce, offering a refreshing and nutritious taste. This Hui-style version is particularly popular in the Muslim Quarter. 5. La Niu Yangrou (Cured Beef and Lamb): A famous Xi'an snack, meticulously prepared with select ingredients and proper cooking techniques. The cured meat is reddish, tender, and flavorful. 6. Dingjia Xiaosurou (Ding Family Crispy Meat): A 20-year-old Xi'an favorite, served in small yellow bowls with golden oil on top. The crispy meat is coated in a thin layer of flour, tender and fragrant. Paired with rice, chili oil, and sesame seeds, it’s savory but not spicy. 7. Jiasan Guantangbao (Jia San Soup Dumplings): Made with fine flour dough and rib meat filling, mixed with marrow broth and over a dozen premium seasonings. The dumplings are delicate, thin-skinned, and filled with rich, non-greasy broth. 8. Rouwan Hulatang (Meatball Pepper Soup): A Hui specialty and a popular breakfast in Xi'an. Unlike versions elsewhere, this soup is thickened and includes beef meatballs, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, wood ear mushrooms, daylilies, and winter melon, all simmered in beef and lamb bone broth. 9. Desserts: Include Huanainai Sour Plum Juice (a must-buy in the Muslim Quarter), Zhiliang Steamed Soup Dumplings (locally certified as the best), Babao Zhou (Eight-Treasure Porridge, a Xi'an must-try), and Majiguang Rose Rice Cakes (featuring rose-flavored cakes and red bean rolls).