May 8 Muslem quarter

Entering the crowded Muslem street

Lots of lamb dishes available .... poor lamby!

Muslem Street is a tourist destination and absolutely fascinating. Importantly however, it and the surrounding district is culturally important as Xi’an is home to the largest population of Muslems in China linking back to China’s ancient trade routes with the west. The ancestors of the current muslem population came to Xi’an along the Silk Road with their religion, culture, spices and distinctive food from the west - Persia, Afghanistan, etc. Along with the luslim people were the Miao people, an ethnic group in Xi'an.  Their specialty is silverwork and it is very impressive.  

Pomegranate juice 

Dried meat of varies kinds

As you stroll along Muslem street an amazing array of strange delicacies and taste experiences are laid out you to try. From colourful balls of frozen yogurt, pomegranate juice, candy made from sweet bean paste to fried crabs and fish caught in grotesque postures on sticks, lamb and chicken feet braised in spicy sauce, strips of desiccated meat and skewers of probably lamb - and other amazing ‘taste delights’. Although I would have loved to have sampled some, we were on a path to the Drum and Bell Towers in the heart of the inner City - but did have a Chinese hamburger later - slow cooked beef in a fresh bread bun. The meat was fragrant but a bit fatty for my taste.

Some Miao people demonstrating their exquisit silver work.  

Elaborate headdress decorated with silver as was their clothing

This off-shoot from the main street revealed a busy bazaar.

Back in the Muslem district we ducked through a dark narrow entrance into a glittering bazaar selling all the usual souvenir things, but quite fascinating for all that. At some point along the wall-to-wall stalls we popped out at the oldest mosque in China. Some of it has been rebuilt but it is a beautifully tranquil oasis in the midst of great noise, hustle and bustle. Trees and gardens, with patterned stone paths lead you through numerous archways and past stone carvings to arrive at the mosque itself. A wooden structure quite fascinating - its age is over 1000 years.

Part of the wall surrounding the mosque

The mosque is mainly made of wood

The carving on the portico of the mosque was intricate.

By mid-afternoon all we wanted was to have a cuppa and to get off our feet. Of course the day ended with another way-too-big dinner - good thing we are doing lots of walking!