Great Mosque of Xi'an

Overview

Founded in 742 CE during the Tang dynasty, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. It follows traditional Chinese courtyard architecture with pagoda-style minarets.

Highlights

• Four courtyards: Progressively more ornate carved screens, steles, and gardens.
• Prayer hall: Accommodates 1,000 worshippers with Arabic-Chinese decorative fusion.
• Stone steles: Bilingual steles in Arabic and Chinese spanning 1,200 years.

History

Built in 742 CE, extensively renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It remains active for Xi'an's approximately 60,000 Hui Muslims.

Visitor Tips

• Respectful dress: Cover shoulders and knees; prayer hall off-limits during prayer times.
• Best light: Morning illumination for photography.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.