Xi’an: The Muslim Quarter

To experience an ancient city at a grassroots level, then travel to Xi'an and no further than The Muslim Quarter (or Islamic Street as it is otherwise known). The Muslim community is primarily composed of the Hui people who have resided in Xi'an since the Tang dynasty. Their presence emerged in the area as a result of the influence of Islam along the Silk Road with Xi'an being the final destination. As China's silk trade was fundamental in its historic advancement, so Xi'an has an intrinsic place in the country's past. This article will highlight that there is more to this region of China other than Terracotta Army and thus gives more weight towards booking Xi'an flights. Hidden behind the city's Drum Tower, The Muslim Quarter is an excellent place to experience a different side to Chinese culture. In particular, Islamic Street offers an array of food to tickle the taste buds. It is evident that the food has been influenced by foods from typically Muslim areas of the world and China per se, yet also having its own unique flavour. Indeed, the entire quarter has this mixed feel; the Great Mosque is evident of this combined Islamic-Chinese feel. Indeed, this fact is supported by the advent of the riveting Xi'an Halal Food Festival 2012. It has been suggested that Marco Polo brought the idea of the pizza back the Italy after observing the Chinese pizza being made in the Muslim Quarter. This is a contentious point, as some say the Greeks invented the pizza. Nevertheless, amassed along the many stalls down Islamic Street are many tasty treats with the most common including trays of dates and nuts. Again, this is a reflection of the cross-cultural fusion. Dates, for example, are a very popular fruit in many parts of the Islamic world, however the vast amount of dates on display in the Muslim Quarter were specifically 'jujube' or the deep-red date which is common in China. In a similar vein, market was also showcased countless walnuts which could be seen turning slowly in a large roaster. Despite all these foods sounding delicious, the prices would hopefully mirror the tasty with dates fetching 198RMB per pound! Islamic Street sure does have an unparalleled traditional atmosphere which is acts as a glimpse of days gone by. Take the brass statutes scattered around the main street; these are not only a fun way to take some photos, but also depict in marvellous detail scenes of life in the old city. One statute, for example, was of a little girl requesting some drink from an old vendor whilst her mother lovingly watching. Another particularly interesting feature of the quarter was the bird cages hanging along the street with cute and colourful feathered friends hopping and chirping inside. Centrally located, this corner of the ancient city of Xi'an is a stone's throw from many of the advertised Xi'an hotels. from China Travel Blog http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com

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