Xian Photo Gallery - Muslim Quarter in 2025

Xian's bustling Muslim quarter is just steps away from the Drum Tower and has been the community's home for centuries.
Xian's Muslim population is estimated to be around 65,000 out of 10 million. Referred to as the Hui, they are descendants of Muslims who came to China and married local Han women.
However, on my second visit in 2025, the neighbourhood has substantially changed. The narrow alleys are gone and now the street food is neatly-lined along a manicured wide main street. Local specialties such as biang biang noodles, lamb and crispy bread are still available, but the menu is a lot more varied with foods from elsewhere in the country.


Xian's bustling Muslim quarter is just steps away from the Drum Tower and has been the community's home for centuries. Xian's Muslim population is estimated to be around 65,000 out of 10 million. Referred to as the Hui, they are descendants of Muslims who came to China and married local Han women. However, on my second visit in 2025, the neighbourhood has substantially changed. The narrow alleys are gone and now the street food is neatly-lined along a manicured wide main street. Local specialties such as biang biang noodles, lamb and crispy bread are still available, but the menu is a lot more varied with foods from elsewhere in the country.

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