The muslim quarter in Xi'an (the starting point for Silk Road tours) is quite famous. Its not a big area, and the main entrance is through the Gong tower (west of the Bell tower, close to central Xi'an).
If you're expecting to find yourself in the middle east then think again, these are chinese muslims, and you want see many Chadors (although you may see some). The main thing that changes is the food and what's for sale in the shops.
There's a good bazaar heading up from the gong tower to the mosque where you can buy souvenirs - but be sur eto bargain hard (try to pay 50% of the original asking price)
2. DaQingZhen Si (Great Mosque) of Xi'an
Being the end of the Silk Road (now the famous travel route for China vacation deals), may traders settled in Xi'an and inter-married with the local Chinese. As such, Xi'an has a large Muslim-Chinese population -- punctuated by a large Islamic Quarters and the Great Mosque.
The mosque is a blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. And you should not miss it for your Xian trip Construction began in 742 (the 1st year of the Tianbao period of the Tang dynasty) and additions were made during the Song, the Yuan and the Qing dynasties.
Stroll through the Islamic quarters to find the mosque. And while you're at it, check out the antique stores and get a bowl of soup or noodles.
3. Muslim Quarter
Once you have digested the Great Mosque, why not digest some beer and Muslim food at the Muslim district. The best time to eat in this district is at night when hundreds of hole-in-the-wall restaurants open their doors to its many clients. Just follow the crowd into the most popular places and enjoy a huge feast at inexpensive prices. Of course, there is more to do in the Quarter than eat, there are many shops with interesting bargains :).
Story behind the picture: A friend and former colleage of mine told me how the chinese used bikes to drag all sorts of heavy stuff, including refrigerators. I took it as a joke, but beleive me, it is no joke :). The Chinese use the bicicle to haul all sort of heavy and strange stuff!
Learn more others about Xian via Xian tour guide.
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