Elong Hotel Hotels Near Mosque (North Gate)

Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an is just a 5-minute walk from the North Gate, offering elegant rooms with views of traditional courtyard architecture and serene garden spaces. The hotel features a halal-certified restaurant serving authentic Muslim cuisine, and provides complimentary cultural tours to explore the Muslim Quarter’s history and heritage. Its proximity to Metro Line 2's Xiaodongmen Station makes it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity in exploring ancient Xi’an.

Participate in a traditional Hui embroidery workshop led by local artisans, where you’ll learn intricate patterns rooted in Islamic art. Attend a morning prayer tour at the mosque to witness the spiritual rhythm of daily worship. Along the street, visit century-old stalls like "Lao Sunjia Beef Noodles," serving rich broth and fluffy oil cakes. In the afternoon, watch live demonstrations of paper-cutting and shadow puppetry by intangible cultural heritage masters, celebrating the rich tapestry of ethnic fusion in Xi’an.

It’s only about 500 meters (7 minutes on foot) from the North Gate to the heart of the Muslim Quarter. As you stroll along the bustling street, you’ll pass through centuries-old brick gateways, family-run shops, and steaming food stalls offering sour plum juice, cold skin noodles, and zengao rice cake. This stretch is one of the most vibrant cultural corridors in Xi’an, perfect for casual exploration, photography, and tasting local flavors.

Hui Fang · Shiguang Courtyard Guesthouse is a beautifully restored Ming Dynasty residence converted into a boutique homestay with three themed rooms inspired by "Silk Road", "Hui Wedding Customs", and "Tea Horse Road". Each room includes private bathroom and air conditioning. Hosted by a local Hui family, they offer free tea and guided tours, plus hands-on activities like making steamed buns and crafting incense sachets—ideal for children and families seeking immersive cultural experiences.

Take Metro Line 2 from Xiaodongmen Station, heading toward Nanshaomen, and ride 4 stops to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station—just 15 minutes. Alternatively, rent an e-bike and follow East-West Street into Ciyin Road (2.5 km), passing historic squares and Tang-style streetscapes. For a deeper experience, book a private car with a guide who narrates stories of the pagoda’s origins and Xuanzang’s journey to India.

The Hua Jue Xiang Archway Complex is a must-photograph site, featuring Ming Dynasty carved stone gates with the inscription "Heavenly Faith," framed by red pillars and golden plaques. The alley glows beautifully at dusk with warm lighting, creating a cinematic atmosphere ideal for portraits and architectural shots. The symmetrical fountain and stone lions outside the mosque’s north entrance also provide striking visual balance—perfect for capturing the harmony between Islamic and Chinese design elements.