Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: Apr 10, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
The Truth: Not Every Chinese City Is Easy for Muslims
Hello, I'm Hesham. Unlike Xi'an and Beijing where halal food is abundant, some Chinese cities require advance planning. In this guide, I share my real experience with halal restaurants in 3 important business cities.
Quick Answer
Yes, but options vary: Shanghai has reliable historic halal restaurants, Yiwu has an entire Arab street (the easiest option), and Shenzhen has the fewest options. Lanzhou noodles (兰州拉面) are your first line of defense in any Chinese city — look for the 清真 sign.
| City | Best Area | Meal Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Hongchangxing / Yershari | ¥50-130 |
| Yiwu | Arab Street | ¥15-60 |
| Shenzhen | Xinjiang restaurants in Nanshan | ¥15-70 |
Shanghai: 3 Verified Options
Shanghai is a massive city but halal options are limited compared to its size.
- Hongchangxing (洪长兴): A historic halal restaurant founded in 1891 at 1 Yunnan South Road. Specialises in lamb hotpot (shabu shabu). One of the oldest restaurants in Shanghai. Meal per person: ¥80-130.
- Yershari Chain (耶里夏丽): A Uyghur halal restaurant chain popular across Shanghai. Grilled lamb, lagman noodles, and pilaf rice. Multiple branches. Meal per person: ¥50-90.
- Lanzhou Noodles (兰州拉面): As in every Chinese city, these are your first line of defense. Beef noodle soup: ¥15-25.
Yiwu: 3 Options in the Trading City
Yiwu is a small city but has a large Arab community due to its wholesale market.
- Arab Street (异国风情街): An entire area with Arab, Yemeni, and Indian halal restaurants. The best and safest option. Meal per person: ¥30-60.
- Uyghur BBQ Restaurants: Charcoal-grilled lamb and fresh nan bread. Found near the International Trade Market. Meal per person: ¥25-50.
- Lanzhou Noodles: The quick, cheap option that's always available. ¥15-20.
Shenzhen: Very Limited Options
Shenzhen is a modern tech city and halal options are scarce. Here's what I found:
- Xinjiang Restaurants in Nanshan: A Uyghur restaurant experience (grilled meat and noodles) in the Nanshan district. Meal per person: ¥40-70.
- Lanzhou Noodles: As always, the option that's always there. Look for the green 清真 sign. ¥15-25.
If you're traveling to any of these cities and need help finding halal restaurants or arranging a private driver, contact me on WhatsApp.
