Xi’an Travel: A Practical Guide from Airport Arrival to Muslim Quarter Route

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport felt like stepping into a history book—but with the chaos of a modern airport. If you’re a first-time visitor like me, don’t worry: I’ve mapped out the real, no-fluff steps to get from the airport to the heart of Xi’an’s food and culture, the Muslim Quarter. This is the stuff they don’t always put in travel guides: the exact bus numbers, how to avoid taxi scams, and the real must-eats in the Muslim Quarter (spoiler: it’s not just tourist traps). Let’s break it down.

Part 1: Airport Arrival – Getting to the City Center

First things first: you’ve landed at Terminal 3 (most international flights and some domestic ones go here; Terminal 2 is mostly domestic). After grabbing your luggage, ignore the touts yelling “Taxi! Taxi!” at the exit—here’s how to do it right.

Option 1: Metro (Cheapest & Most Reliable)

This is my top pick for solo travelers or those on a budget. From the airport, follow the signs for “Metro Line 14” (it’s color-coded bright purple, hard to miss). A one-way ticket to the city center costs ¥6, and the ride takes about 1 hour.

Xi’an Travel: A Practical Guide from Airport Arrival to Muslim Quarter Route

• Where to get off: If you’re staying near the Muslim Quarter or Bell Tower, get off at Zhonglou Station (钟楼站), which is on Metro Line 2. It’s literally a 5-minute walk to the Muslim Quarter—perfect.
• Pro tip: Buy your ticket at the automated machines (they have English options) or the counter. If you’re staying a few days, get a “Yikatong” card (交通卡) at the airport metro station—you can tap it for buses and metros, and it even gives small discounts.

Option 2: Airport Bus (Convenient for Groups)

If you’re with family or have heavy luggage, the airport bus is easier. Look for the “Airport Bus Line 603” (机场大巴线603)—it’s the one that goes straight to the Bell Tower (钟楼), which is steps from the Muslim Quarter.

• Cost: ¥25 per person.
• Time: 45–60 minutes (traffic depending).
• Where to board: Outside the Arrival Hall of Terminal 3 (follow the “Airport Bus” signs). Buses run every 10–15 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Avoid These Traps!)

Taxis are convenient but risky if you don’t know the rules. If you must take one:

• Go to the official taxi stand (there’s a booth where they assign taxis—don’t take any that pull up randomly).
• Insist on using the meter—if the driver says “no meter,” find another one. The fare from the airport to the Bell Tower should be ¥150–¥200 (including highway fees), but some drivers will quote ¥300+ if you don’t negotiate.
• Ride-hailing apps (Didi, China’s Uber) work great if you have a Chinese phone number. Just set your destination to “Bell Tower” or your hotel, and the fare is fixed (usually ¥120–¥160).

Bottom line: Metro for budget, bus for convenience, taxi only if you’re desperate (and always use the meter!).

Part 2: Settling In – Where to Stay Near the Muslim Quarter

Once you’re at Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower), the Muslim Quarter (called Huimin Jie or Qingzhenjie in Chinese) is right there. I stayed at a budget hotel on Beiyuanmen Street (北院门街), the main drag of the Muslim Quarter, and it was perfect—waking up to the smell of roasting lamb and street vendors hawking roujiamo (meat burgers) at 7 AM was the best part.

• Best areas to stay:

  • Beiyuanmen Street: The heart of the Muslim Quarter. Loud, chaotic, and full of food stalls. Great if you want to be in the middle of the action.
  • West Street (Xi Jie): A bit quieter, with more boutique hotels and souvenir shops. Still a 2-minute walk to the Muslim Quarter.
  • Near the Bell Tower: Fancy hotels, but pricier. Super convenient if you want to splurge on comfort.

• Booking tip: Use Chinese apps like Meituan or Ctrip (they have English versions) for better rates. I paid ¥150/night for a clean, basic hotel with AC in Beiyuanmen—way cheaper than the big chains.

Part 3: The Muslim Quarter Route – Eat, Explore, Repeat

The Muslim Quarter isn’t just one street—it’s a maze of alleys, temples, and food stalls. Here’s a step-by-step route to hit all the highlights without getting overwhelmed. I did this in one afternoon/evening, and it was perfect.

Stop 1: Bell Tower & Drum Tower (Zhonglou & Gulou)

Start at the Bell Tower (钟楼), the iconic symbol of Xi’an. It’s right in the center of the city, surrounded by a roundabout (don’t worry, there’s an underground passage to get to it). Climb to the top (¥50) for a 360° view of the old city—you’ll see the Muslim Quarter’s tiled roofs and the city walls in the distance.

Next to the Bell Tower is the Drum Tower (鼓楼), which is almost identical but with drums instead of bells. Climb it too (¥50)—the view is similar, but the real highlight is the drum performance at 8 PM (free). Musicians in traditional clothes beat giant drums while a crowd gathers—it’s loud, chaotic, and totally worth it.

Time needed: 1.5–2 hours (including climbing both towers).

Stop 2: Muslim Quarter Main Street (Beiyuanmen Street)

From the Drum Tower, walk straight into Beiyuanmen Street—this is the main artery of the Muslim Quarter. It’s packed with souvenir shops (skip most of them—they sell overpriced “ancient” coins and fake Terracotta Warriors), but keep walking until you hit the food stalls.

Must-try foods (I tried them all—here’s the real deal):

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): Xi’an’s answer to a burger. It’s a crispy, baked bun stuffed with slow-cooked pork (or beef). My favorite was Laoma Roujiamo (老马肉夹馍)—a tiny hole-in-the-wall with a line of locals. ¥10 each.
• Yang Rou Pao Mo (羊肉泡馍): Xi’an’s most famous dish. It’s a stew of tender lamb, flatbread (you break it into small pieces yourself), and garlic. Order it “dry” (干泡) if you like it thick, or “soup” (汤泡) for more broth. Laomi Jia Dayu Pao Mo (老米家大雨泡馍) is the spot—locals swear by it. ¥30–¥40 per bowl.
• Liangpi (凉皮): Cold wheat noodles with chili oil, vinegar, and cucumber. Shengzhiwang Majiang Liangpi (盛志望麻酱凉皮) is legendary—their sesame sauce is addictive. ¥10.
• Zengao (甑糕): A sticky rice cake with red bean paste and jujubes. It’s sweet, cheap, and sold by vendors pushing carts. ¥8 for a big chunk.
• Tang Hu Lu (糖葫芦): Candied hawthorns. Look for the ones with nuts or sesame inside—they’re better than the plain ones. ¥5–¥10 per stick.

Pro tip: Don’t eat at the first stall you see—walk a bit down the street, and find the ones with long lines of locals. That’s where the good stuff is. Also, bring hand sanitizer—eating with chopsticks on the street gets messy!

Stop 3: Great Mosque (Qingzhen Si)

After stuffing your face, wander off the main street into the Great Mosque (清真寺), one of the oldest mosques in China (built in the 8th century). It’s a hidden gem—most tourists skip it, but it’s worth the ¥25 entry fee.

The mosque blends Chinese and Islamic architecture: red gates, green roofs, and courtyards with pavilions, but also Arabic calligraphy and prayer halls. It’s peaceful, even with the crowds outside. My favorite part was the Moon Pond in the center—locals sit on the benches and read the Quran while ducks swim in the water.

Time needed: 1 hour.

Stop 4: Night Market & Hidden Alleys

As the sun sets, the Muslim Quarter comes alive. The main street gets packed, but turn down a side alley (like Dapiyuan Alley, 大皮院街) to find quieter spots. Here, you’ll find:

• Grilled lamb skewers (烤羊肉串): Look for stalls with big charcoal grills. Order them with cumin and chili—Yang Rou Chuans (羊肉串) are ¥1–¥2 per stick.
• Biangbiang noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and veggies. Biang Biang Noodle House (biangbiang面馆) has a giant mural of the character “biang” (the most complex Chinese character—look it up, it’s a story). ¥15 per bowl.
• Rose ice cream (玫瑰冰激凌): Made with fresh roses from Xi’an, it’s sweet, floral, and the perfect way to end the night. You can find it at stalls near the Drum Tower.

Tip: If you’re tired of crowds, head to Muslim Night Market (穆斯林夜市) on Yislimanei Street (一真穆斯林街)—it’s a bit further from the main street, but the food is just as good, and there are fewer tourists.

Part 4: Bonus – One-Day Detour (If You Have Time)

If you have an extra day, take the metro (Line 9) to Terracotta Army Station (兵马俑站)—it’s a 1-hour ride, but worth it. The Terracotta Army is Xi’s most famous attraction, and it’s breathtaking. Book tickets online (¥120) to skip the line, and hire a guide (¥200–¥300) to explain the history—otherwise, you’ll just see a bunch of clay statues.

Final Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Payment: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay—almost everywhere accepts it. If you don’t have a Chinese bank account, bring cash (ATMs are easy to find).
• Weather: Xi’an is hot in summer (up to 35°C) and cold in winter (down to -5°C). Dress in layers!
• Language: Most young people speak English, but older vendors might not. Download a translation app (like Google Translate) with the Chinese offline pack.
• Safety: The Muslim Quarter is safe, but watch your pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pocket.

Wrapping Up

Xi’an is a city where history and modernity collide—and the Muslim Quarter is its beating heart. From the moment you land at the airport to the last bite of roujiamo at night, it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Follow this route, and you’ll skip the tourist traps and eat like a local. Trust me, you’ll leave planning your next trip before you even get on the plane.

Happy travels—you’re going to love Xi’an!