Written by Clementine |
The Great Mosque of Xian, one of the four largest mosques in China as well as the largest in Xi’an, is located inside the Muslim Quarter. Specifically, in Huajue Alley on the northwest side of Drum Tower.
It is said the mosque was first built in Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), and it has been rebuilt and expanded in later dynasties. In ancient times, it was a cultural and religious hub for Muslim merchants traveling along the Silk Road. Through years of development, the Great Mosque has been a Chinese-style ancient complex that perfectly combines Chinese classical architecture and Islamic style.
It is rectangular from east to west and covers an area of more than 12,300 square meters (14,711 square yards). Till now, it is still place for local Muslims to do daily prayers and Friday congregations.
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- Quick Facts about the Great Mosque of Xi’an
- History of the Great Mosque
- What is Special about the Great Mosque?
- What to See in the Great Mosque
- How to get to the Great Mosque?
- Xi’an Great Mosque Visiting Tips
- Nearby Attractions
- FAQs about the Great Mosque of Xi’an
- Discover the Essence of Xi’an with China Xian Tour
Quick Facts about the Great Mosque of Xi’an
- Type: historical site, mosque
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Opening Hours: April – October: 08:00-19:00; November – March: 08:00-17:30. Not open to the public before 13:00 on Friday because it is the Jumu’ah Day.
- Ticket: April – October: CNY 25; November – March: CNY 15. Free for Muslims.
- Highlights: the masterpieces of buildings combining Chinese and Islamic styles, fine carvings, the Koran carved on large wooden board
- Best Seasons: All Seasons
- Recommended for: history lovers, Islamic culture lovers, Muslims
- Location: No.30, Huajue Alley, Lianhu District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
History of the Great Mosque
According to the record on a stone tablet in the Great Mosque, it was constructed when Li Longji, the emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty was on the throne. However, this has been suspected to be wrong. From another point of view, the Great Mosque is believed to be built in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The mosque was rebuilt and repaired repeatedly in the later period. Anyway, the existing buildings in this mosque were those of the Ming and Qing (1644-1911 AD) dynasties.
What is Special about the Great Mosque?
The most notable feature of the Great Mosque is its unique architectural style and its perfect combination of Islamic culture. Inside the mosque, you will not see the typical domes and minarets of most mosques. Instead, it adopts pure traditional Chinese architectural forms, with four enclosed courtyards and a symmetrical layout. Typical Chinese architectural elements such as Han-style wooden archways, stone archways, pavilions and colored paintings are everywhere.
Looking from the outside, it is like a Chinese garden hidden inside the Muslim Quarter. But the layout strictly follows the Islamic system. And the carvings, decorations and vine patterns in the halls all feature Arabic inscriptions. The traditional Chinese architectural and Islamic architectural art styles are so harmoniously combined that it has been listed as one of the world’s precious Islamic cultural relics by UNESCO.
What to See and Do in and around the Great Mosque
Old Architectures in Combined Style
There are four enclosed courtyards in Xian Great Mosque. Looking at a distance, you may feel it is a Chinese complex. Only if you get close to it, you would find it is an Islamic mosque indeed. The traditional Chinese symmetrical layout with a central axis was adopted. These houses were built with flying cornices, and you can see the traditional stone archway and pavilions with tablets. On many wooden doors and brick walls in the Great Mosque, you can enjoy a great number of wood and brick carvings, using the carving skills in Islamic art style to engrave Chinese-style patterns, such as vases, peonies, lotus flowers, and chrysanthemums.
The Holy Main Worship Hall
The worship hall is the major as well as the most eye-catching building in the Great Mosque of Xian, with the peacock blue glazed tile roof. The worship hall is also a place of worship for nearby Muslims. The colored paintings on the caisson ceiling are very exquisite, and there are 30 wooden boards with a height of about 4 meters (13 feet), where the Koran was carved on. This Koran is definitely a treasure that you cannot see in other places. Regrettably, non-Muslims and women are not allowed to enter the worship hall, so most tourists can only look inward at the entrance of the hall.
Hidden in the downtown of Xi’an, the Great Mosque is a god-given site to enjoy the tranquility in beautiful courtyards. It allows you to escape from the chaos of daily life, to seek a feeling of peace in mind.
Iconic Architecture in the Mosque
Building / Feature |
Highlights & Description |
Stone Archway |
Traditional Chinese-style gateway leading into the courtyards. |
Prayer Hall |
Main worship space with peacock-blue glazed tiles, caisson ceiling paintings, and Quran carved on 30 wooden boards. (Note: only Muslim men may enter.) |
Pavilions and Towers |
Symmetrical Chinese layout with flying eaves, traditional corridors, and Islamic calligraphy panels. |
Wooden & Brick Carvings |
Intricate floral patterns blending Islamic art with Chinese motifs. |
Gardens and Decorations
- Four-Courtyard Layout: It hasa classic Chinese siheyuan design.
- Decorative Arts: There are plenty of works of carvings which can reflectboth Islamic calligraphy and Chinese floral patterns.
- Peaceful Atmosphere:It’s beautiful and quiet, and is able to offer a serene escape from Xi’an city’s bustling life.
Exploring the Surrounding Muslim Quarter
The Huajue Alley where the Great Mosque is located is actually a part of the Muslim Quarter, the most famous food street in Xian. Here, you can taste most famous local foods and snacks, such as lamb paomo, barbecued meat, Jia San’s soup dumplings, rice and jujube cake, osmanthus persimmon cake, etc. It is recommended to explore and enjoy a meal in the side alleys rather than the main street. Many restaurants preferred by the locals are inside these alleys.
Besides, there are also many other famous architectures, such as City God Temple and Gao Family Compound. The City God Temple is a Taoist temple built in the Ming Dynasty, where you can see the only existing hip-and-gable roof building in Shaanxi. In Gao Family Compound, there are several intangible cultural heritage performances every day, like shadow puppetry, Laoqiang Opera of Huayin County, puppet show, etc. You can also see the traditional Chinese clothes in the Classical Costume Museum inside.
How to get to the Great Mosque?
Take the city bus 15, 32, 43, 45, 201, 215, 218, 221, 222, 251, 252, 286, 300, 604, 611, 612, 618, 622, or Tourist Bus Line 8/610 to Zhonglouxi (Bell Tower West) stop, where you can see the Drum Tower. Walk to the northwestern corner of Drum Tower, and then go northward along the road. Having the walking of around 400 meters (438 yards) within 10 minutes, you would reach the Great Mosque.
Xi’an Great Mosque Visiting Tips
- Visitors, especially the females, should not expose their skin when visiting the Great M Long-sleeved clothes and long trousers are recommended.
- When visiting the mosque, you need to respect the religious customs of Muslims. For example, don’t go to the Great Mosque with ham sausage, Chinese hamburger, or other pork Don’t make loud noises and take photos when Muslims pray.
- On every Friday, there is a great worship service in the mosque. At this time, there are more Muslims who come to worship, and it would be crowded.
- Photography is allowed in most areasof the mosque complex. However, it is prohibited during prayer times or inside the worship hall.
- The best time to visit to avoid crowds is in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays, when it offersa quieter experience. Fridays and major holidays can be extremely crowded due to the gathering of worshippers.
Nearby Attractions
- Muslim Quarter: The Great Mosque of Xian is just in the Muslim Quarter, with snack and food streets. After visiting the mosque, you can go around the neighborhood to taste mouthwatering local dishes.
- Drum Tower & Bell Tower: As the landmarks of Xi’an, Bell Tower and Drum Tower are grand on a square black brick base. They are the must-see historical sites in the center of Xi’an.
FAQs about the Great Mosque of Xi’an
Can non-Muslim visitors enter the Great Mosque of Xi’an?
Yes. Visitors can enter most areas. But be mindful that only Muslim men can go into the main prayer hall.
Is the mosque still an active place of worship today?
Yes. It’s still place for local Muslims to do daily prayers and Friday congregations.
What role did the mosque play in the history of the Silk Road?
It was once a cultural and religious hub for Muslim merchants traveling along the Silk Road.
Are there halal restaurants near the Great Mosque of Xi’an?
Yes. The mosque is located inside Xi’an’s famous Muslim Quarter, which is full of halal food stalls and restaurants.
Is photography allowed inside the mosque complex?
Yes. photography is allowed in most areas. However, it is prohibited during prayer times or inside the worship hall.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Morning or late afternoon on weekdays offer quieter experience. Fridays and major holidays can be extremely crowded when worshippers gathering in the site.
Is the Muslim Quarter the same as the Great Mosque?
No. The mosque is one landmark inside the Muslim Quarter. And the Muslim Quarter is a larger area with various markets, food streets, and cultural sites.
Discover the Essence of Xi’an with China Xian Tour
The Great Mosque marks Xi’an’s important role as a Silk Road crossroads, where Islamic and Chinese cultures merged harmoniously. To explore more of the city’s treasures, we truly recommend you to travel with China Xian Tour.
With the help of our local travel experts, you’ll get a perfect Xian trip which is made completely based on your own preference, and we’ll also provide you with private transfers and professional guides. From start to finish, we’ll take care of all the preparation for you so that you can fully enjoy the unforgettable moments.
