When planning your trip to Xi’an, visiting the Muslim Quarter should be a priority. This historic neighborhood is famous for street food, traditional crafts, and cultural experiences. In this guide, we share essential Xi’an Muslim Quarter shopping 2025 tips so you can find the best souvenirs, snacks, and shops.

1. Where Is the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an

The Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Street, is located in Beilin District, northwest of the Bell Tower. It includes Beiyuanmen Pedestrian Street, North Guangji Street, West Muslim Street (Xiyangshi), and Dapiyuan Alley. The streets feature Ming and Qing style architecture, traditional courtyards, and red lanterns. The Quarter has been home to the Hui Muslim community for centuries, preserving unique cultural traditions.

How to Get to the Muslim Quarter

By Metro: Take Line 2 to Bell Tower Station, Exit B, then walk 5 minutes to Beiyuanmen.

By Bus: Many city buses stop at Bell Tower.

By Walking: Short walk from central hotels or the Drum Tower area.

By Taxi or Ride Share: Ask to be dropped at Beiyuanmen.

Tip: Evenings are ideal for visiting, as the streets are lively and illuminated by lanterns.

2. Xi’an Muslim Quarter Shopping: What to Buy and Where

A. Shadow Puppets at Gao Grand Courtyard

Gao Grand Courtyard is a historic mansion on Beiyuanmen Street, 400 meters north of the Bell Tower. It offers live shadow puppet performances and sells handmade puppets. Prices range from ￥10RMB（＄1.5）for small puppets to ￥60RMB（＄8.5） for larger decorative pieces.

B. Paper Cuttings on Beiyuanmen Street

Vendors along Beiyuanmen and inside Gao Grand Courtyard sell red paper cuttings symbolizing luck and prosperity. Many artists demonstrate cutting on the spot, offering a unique cultural experience.

C. Souvenirs and Silk Scarves on Huajue Lane

Near the Great Mosque, Huajue Lane offers silk scarves, embroidered purses, beaded jewelry, and small handicrafts. Bargaining is common, with prices usually starting at half the quoted amount. A silk scarf typically costs around ￥60（＄8.5）.

D. Terracotta Warrior Replicas and Tang Figurines

Shops along Beiyuanmen sell small Terracotta Warrior replicas, while Shuyuanmen Cultural Street offers higher-quality statues and Tang sancai figurines. This area also has calligraphy supplies and antique-style gifts.

3. Suggested Shopping Route

To make the most of your visit, follow this optimized shopping route: Start at Bell Tower Station (Exit B) and walk north into Beiyuanmen Pedestrian Street. Browse stalls selling snacks and souvenirs for 30 minutes, then turn right onto Huajue Lane to explore silk scarves and handicrafts (20 minutes). Continue to Gao Grand Courtyard for shadow puppet shows and purchases (30 minutes). Finally, walk 10 minutes to Shuyuanmen Cultural Street for high-quality Terracotta replicas and calligraphy supplies.

Pro Tip: Visit between 3-6 PM to avoid morning crowds and enjoy the lantern-lit evening atmosphere. Total route time: 2-3 hours.

4. Street Food and Snacks While Shopping

The Muslim Quarter is a food lover’s paradise. Must-try snacks include:

- Roujiamo (Chinese burger)

Spiced beef or lamb stuffed in baked bread (￥10-15/$1.5-2).

- Yangrou Paomo

Lamb stew with crumbled flatbread – tear the bread yourself at the tableside (￥25-35/$3.5-5).

- Biangbiang Noodles

Wide hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and pork (￥20-30/$3-4).

Top Stalls: Look for queues at Lao Sun Jia for roujiamo or Jia San Guan Tang Bao for soup buns.

Budget: ￥50-70 ($7-10) covers a full food experience. Bring cash – many vendors don’t accept cards.

5. Cultural Etiquette in the Muslim Quarter

Respect local customs to ensure a positive experience:

- Dress modestly (avoid sleeveless tops/shorts) if entering the Great Mosque.

- Ask permission before photographing vendors or artisans.

- Avoid eating pork or drinking alcohol in public spaces.

- Greet politely with "nǐ hǎo" (hello) and "xiè xie" (thank you).

- Keep belongings secure in crowded areas – use cross-body bags.

6. Practical Shopping Tips for 2025 Visitors

- Bargaining: Start at 50% of the quoted price and meet midway. Avoid aggressive haggling.

- Payment: Carry small RMB notes (￥5-20); mobile pay (WeChat/Alipay) works at larger stalls.

- Timing: Mornings (9-11 AM) are less crowded; evenings (6-9 PM) offer vibrant energy but longer queues.

- Quality Check: For shadow puppets, ensure leather is hand-carved; for scarves, feel for pure silk.

- Combination Deal: Buy snacks as you shop – many vendors offer discounts for multiple items.

7. Why Xi’an Muslim Quarter Shopping Is a Must

This area isn’t just a market – it’s a living museum of Hui culture. By purchasing handmade puppets or paper cuttings, you support artisans preserving 1,000-year-old traditions. The fusion of aromatic street food, historic architecture, and friendly interactions creates an immersive cultural experience unmatched in other Xi’an markets. Every souvenir tells a story of Silk Road exchanges and ethnic harmony.

8. Final Thoughts: Xi’an Muslim Quarter Shopping 2025

The Muslim Quarter remains Xi’an’s top destination for authentic souvenirs and culinary adventures. From savoring fiery biangbiang noodles to selecting intricate paper cuttings, this neighborhood engages all senses. Use this guide to navigate its alleys confidently, respect local traditions, and take home meaningful memories.

Plan ahead: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Bell Tower (open until 8 PM) for a full-day cultural journey. For deeper exploration, read our [Xi’an Night Market Insider Guide](internal-link) for extended food recommendations!

Further Reading

1. How to Buy a SIM Card at Xi'an Airport

2. Airport to Xi'an City: Quick Transit Guide

Xi’an Muslim Quarter Shopping 2025: Complete Travel Guide

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