Muslim Street (Huimin Street)回民街
Huimin Street is the central food street of Xi'an's Hui Quarter (Huifang), known nationwide for Shaanxi snacks such as beef-and-lamb paomo, liangpi, roujiamo and lamb skewers. A criss-crossing maze of food shops and the first stop for tasting Xi'an's Hui food culture.
Xi'an · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Muslim Street (Huimin Street) worth visiting?
Famous food street in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter; free entry, shops open about 09:00-23:00, a 10-minute walk from Zhonglou metro station, famed for paomo, liangpi and lamb skewers.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free entry; food paid separately. Great Mosque in Huajue Lane: ¥25 extra. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day (shops roughly 09:00-23:00) |
| Recommended duration | 1-3 hours (depending on how long you dine) |
| Best time to visit | Good all year. Best from late afternoon into the evening, when the lanterns come on |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station Exit B, then about 10 minutes on foot. Buses 11/12/26 to the Zhonglou stop |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Location | Northwest of the Bell Tower, central Xi'an |
| Takes in | Beiyuanmen, Huajue Lane, Xiyangshi and more |
| Signature eats | Paomo, liangpi, roujiamo, lamb skewers |
| Origins | Tang Dynasty (the Hui Quarter took shape in the Ming) |
| Residents | Mainly Hui (Chinese Muslim) community |
| Character | Halal food scene and religious atmosphere |
What to expect
Huimin Street lies northwest of Xi'an's Bell Tower and is the central artery of the Huifang, the neighborhood where the Hui community lives. Beiyuanmen, Huajue Lane, Xiyangshi and Dapiyuan criss-cross into a tourist quarter famed for halal food. It is the byword for Xi'an eating and draws visitors from all over the country.
The Huifang's story goes back to the Tang Dynasty, when merchants from Central and Western Asia settled north of the city along the Silk Road. Ming-era integration policies brought more Hui families here, shaping today's streets. The Great Mosque in Huajue Lane is the largest mosque in the district.
Where to eat: Laosunjia or Laomijia paomo (the most authentic, though pricier), Sheng Zhiwang's sesame-paste liangpi, Dingjia crispy pork, Jiasan soup dumplings, Liu Jixiao's cured beef and lamb, Maerli's meatball hulatang. What to buy: Tang sancai pottery, terracotta-warrior souvenirs, paper cuts and shadow puppets (bargain).
How to get there
Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station Exit B, walk west along West Street to the Beidajie intersection, then north — about 10 minutes on foot. Buses 11, 12, 26 and 37 to the Zhonglou stop.
Best photo spots
- The Beiyuanmen memorial archway (the iconic entrance)
- The food street under red lanterns at dusk
- Exterior of the Great Mosque in Huajue Lane
- Close-ups of hand-grabbed lamb, paomo and other dishes
Tips
- Viral shops draw long queues — save time by picking the old restaurants in the side lanes
- Prices run slightly above the city average — expect tourist pricing
- Eat in small portions across many shops rather than settling on one
- Entering the Great Mosque costs an extra ¥25; the exterior is free
Scams to avoid
- Skip pre-cut fruit platters — they may be doctored
- Terracotta-warrior souvenirs start wildly overpriced; counter-offer from around 10%
- Restaurant touts work on commission — choose the place yourself
Frequently asked questions
How do Huimin Street and the Huifang relate?
Huimin Street is the central food street of the Huifang — the umbrella name for the whole Hui neighborhood, which contains several streets. Huimin Street is the most famous of them.
What should I know about halal food here?
The Hui are Muslim: no pork, no alcohol, and all meat must be halal-certified. Respect local religious customs.
When is it least crowded?
Weekday mornings. Weekends and public holidays are packed.
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