Tourism GuideGreat Mosque Area
A unique blend of Chinese architecture and Islamic culture in the heart of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
Key Information
Founded
742 AD
Architectural Style
Chinese-Islamic Fusion
Area
12,000 square meters
UNESCO Status
Part of Silk Road World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn
The Great Mosque of Xi'an is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. Founded in 742 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this remarkable complex represents the perfect fusion of Chinese architectural traditions with Islamic religious requirements. Unlike typical Middle Eastern mosques with domes and minarets, this mosque features traditional Chinese pavilions, courtyards, and gardens arranged in a layout that faces Mecca. The mosque serves as both a place of worship for Xi'an's Muslim community and a fascinating cultural attraction that showcases the long history of Islam in China. Located in the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the mosque complex covers over 12,000 square meters and contains numerous halls, pavilions, and beautifully carved stone tablets.
Things to Do
- Explore the five successive courtyards with their unique architectural features
- Admire the intricate wood carvings and calligraphy throughout the complex
- Visit the Prayer Hall which can accommodate up to 1000 worshippers
- See the Phoenix Pavilion with its unique winged roof design
- Examine the stone tablets with Arabic and Chinese inscriptions
- Wander through the tranquil gardens and courtyards
- Learn about the history of Islam in China through the museum exhibits
- Experience the surrounding Muslim Quarter with its bustling markets and food stalls