The Great Mosque of Xi’an: Things to See and Travel Tips

The Great Mosque of Xi’an, also known as the Huajue Lane Great Mosque or simply the Great Mosque, covers an area of over 13,000 square meters with a construction area of more than 6,000 square meters. It is the largest and best-preserved mosque in China. Integrating Chinese and Islamic cultures, it is a religious sanctuary with an extensive ancient architectural complex and a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Muslim community.

Xi'an Great Mosque landscape — Xi’an Great Mosque landscape

Essential Travel Information of the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Location: Northwest to the Drum Tower on Huajue Lane in Xi’an, Shaanxi
Chinese name: 西安大清真寺
Entrance fee: 25 yuan from March to November and 15 yuan from December to February of the next year.
Opening hours: 08:00-21:00
What to see: Courtyard design, imperial hall, blended Islamic and Chinese elements
Time needed: 1-3 hours

Historical Background & Origins

According to the inscriptions on the steles within the mosque, the Great Mosque was originally constructed in the first year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (742 AD). It has been renovated and expanded for several times during Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and formed its present scale gradually. As the biggest mosque in Xi’an and a prestigious traditional mosque both at home and abroad, the Great Mosque of Xi’an has witnessed the rises and falls of the past centuries, as well as the profound history of the Silk Road.

The Great Mosque of Xi’an and the Silk Road: A Legacy of Cultural Exchange

The Great Mosque of Xi’an has a strong ties to the Silk Road. During the first half of the 7th century, as Islam spread from the Arabian Peninsula to Chang’an, Muslims also travelled along the Silk Road for trade and settlement in Chang’an. This in turn created the first Muslim communities. Not only did they bring the faith and culture of Islam here, but they also established a solid economic tie between East and West.

Islam began to gain acceptance in Chinese society during the Tang Dynasty, and Muslim traders settled down in China and built mosques for their religious worshipping. These mosques are the evidences of the dissemination of Islam in China and prove the significance of the ancient Silk Road in cultural exchange and integration. If you are on a Silk Road travel for cultural exploration, I’m sure the Xi’an Great Mosque is the answer.

The Mosque’s Initial Establishment

Xi’an Great Mosque is one of the oldest in China. It dates to the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when Xi’an, then called Chang’an, was at the height as an international city n China. This city was a microcosm of diverse culture, with a great population of non-Han traders and artisans from West Asia.

In 742, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty built a mosque as the place of worship for the Islamic community, from which the mosque was named. The mosque was frequently used during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). An imperial plaque issued by Song Dynasty was displayed inside, further demonstrating the importance of the mosque. The original structure of the mosque included the well-established Chinese Buddhist architectural forms found in this region.

Its reconstruction

Xi’an was extensively renovated in the early Ming Dynasty. What you see now is the largely remnants of the early Tang Dynasty as they were actually destroyed in wars. The mosque was reconstructed in 1384 in the later Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, so today’s buildings have the basic design features of a Ming dynasty building.

The reconstruction was financed by the imperial court. This move is an evidence enough to demonstrate the significance of the mosque. During the times of Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), the temple was expanded, adding the main entrance, the memorial archway, and the mountain gate.

Layout and architectural features

The Great Mosque of Xi’an (Huajue Lane Great Mosque) is well-preserved over the past centuries. Its architectural style and layout integrate traditional Chinese architectural art with Islamic architectural features.

The mosque is divided into four successive courtyards along an east-west axis. Each courtyard is a small square yards, and the main buildings are in a symmetrical and quadrangular arrangement. The overall layout is rigorous, solemn, and dignified. Inside the temple, buildings are mainly built of brick, stone and wood. Pavilions and towers are all lined up neatly. Traditional Chinese architectural elements such as upturned eaves, bracket sets, and glazed tile roofs complement Islamic geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy.

Xi 'an Grand Mosque building — Xi ‘an Grand Mosque building

What to See at the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Unique Architectural Style

The mosque is different in that it doesn’t have the traditional domes often seen in Arabic architecture. At first glance, you might even forget that it’s a mosque. But as you walk along the central axis and have a look at the Arabic-style steles and carvings on the walls, you realize its significance. The mosque has a symmetrical courtyard structure, commonly seen in Qing Dynasty architecture.

Four Courtyards

The mosque consists of four separate courtyards. In the first courtyard, you can see the Imperial Hall, which houses the only surviving Arabic stele. The second courtyard is home to the Guanyin Tower, used for the call to prayer. The third courtyard contains the Phoenix Pavilion, designed to resemble a phoenix spreading its wings. The fourth courtyard holds the grand Prayer Hall.

Calligraphy and Inscriptions

Calligraphy occupies the major part of the ornamentation in the mosque. There are inscriptions in both Chinese and Arabic script, including verses from the Quran, traditional Chinese proverbs and poetry. They are scribed neatly on wood boards and painted on walls, displaying a high level of artistic skill.

Blended Decorative Elements

Islamic and Chinese design elements are all shown in the mosque. On the roof tiles and eaves are Chinese dragon and phoenix patterns, which, in Chinese culture, represent power and prosperity.

What to Do at the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Guided Tour

When traveling Xi’an, especially visiting attractions with such significant cultural importance, it’s recommended that you take a guided tour for a better understanding on the history. The guides may offer explanations of the architectural features and the interesting mix of Islam and Chinese traditions.

Visit During Prayer Times

If possible, come here during the prayer hours to see religious worship. You can see men coming to pray in the Prayer Hall, and women in separate area. They, like Muslims worldwide, pray five times a day.

Engage with Local Muslims

Sometimes there are local Muslims praying in the mosque, and you will have the opportunities to engage in conversations with them. It is great and memorable to talk to them and learn by yourself more about Muslim’s faith and way of life.

Photography

Take photographs of the mosque’s unique architecture and decorations. However, be mindful of and respect any photography restrictions, especially during religious activities or in specific areas of the mosque.

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting the Mosque

Religious Etiquette: Show respect and decorum before you enter the mosque.
Dressing Code: Do not wear anything revealing or inappropriate (shirts, short skirts and off-the-shoulder blouses are not acceptable). Dress in a relatively clean and neat attire to show respect for the religious meeting place.
Maintain Silence: The mosque is a place for prayer and contemplation for religious followers, so it can’t be any loud noise inside. Don’t forget to keep your mobile phone on silent also, or just turned it off.
Photography Etiquette: Some areas may explicitly prohibit photography, and it is important to follow the rules. Even in areas where photography is allowed, avoid using flash to prevent damage to the environment and cultural relics inside the mosque.

How to get to the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Xi’an Great Mosque Transportation

Mode of Transport	Detailed Info.
Subway	Take Line 2 of the metro to Bell Tower Station and exit at Exit B. Walk west for about six minutes to the Drum Tower, then continue northwest along Huajue Alley for about five minutes to reach the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
Bus	Take bus No.7,15,32,205,215,221,222,251,252,612,618 or Tourist Line 8 (610) to Bell Tower (West) Station. Walk north to the Drum Tower and then follow the above route to the Great Mosque.

Get to the Great Mosque of Xi’an

From	How to get to
Xian North Railway Station	Take Line 2 of the metro from Xi’an North Railway Station to Bell Tower Station and exit at Exit D, then walk for about five minutes to the Great Mosque of Xi’an. Alternatively, take Line 6 to Guangji Street Station and walk eight minutes from Exit D1 to the mosque.
Airport	Take the airport shuttle bus directly to Bell Tower Station (about an hour), or take metro Line 14 and then transfer to Line 2, and get off at the Bell Tower Station ( about an hour). Then walk about 550 meters to the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
Muslim Quarter	Walk five to ten minutes to the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda	Take Line 3 of the metro from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Station to Xiaozhai Station, transfer to Line 2, and get off at Bell Tower Station. Exit at Exit D and walk for about five minutes to the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
Terracotta Army	Take the Terracotta Army Express Bus to Bell Tower North Station, transfer to Bus No.2, get off at Guangji Street Station, and walk for eight minutes to the Great Mosque of Xi’an.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to go is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., when it is sunny and bright, and there are less people around, allowing you enjoy the architecture with less interruption and serene atmosphere of the mosque. In the afternoon, from 2-4 p.m., the gentle light make the courtyard peace and tranquil, endowing a special beauty. It is also a perfect time to take a leisurely walk around the courtyard. But do keep in mind that the mosque does get crowded on Friday afternoons, considering it is the Jumma Day.

In terms of weather, Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the best seasons for a sightseeing tour in Xi’an when the nice weather and blue sky allow an appealing view of the highlights of Xi’an.

Exterior of Xi 'an Great Mosque — Exterior of Xi ‘an Great Mosque

Nearby Attractions

Muslim Quarter: Visiting the Muslim Quarter is a very special cultural experience. Whether you are a foodie or a culture enthusiast, you will surely get what you expect in this quarter, a place embodies the essence of Xi’an’s diverse past.
Bell Tower: A proud construction in the heart of Xi’an and an important mark of the brilliant history of the city, the Bell Tower is not to be missed. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Bell Tower, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city, including the nearby Great Mosque of Xi’an.