You have no items in your shopping cart.
Subtotal: $0.00
Get Immediate Response of Your Queries, ADD US ON
+86-13910830737
Compare Products
You have no items to compare.
Hohhot Great Mosque
Introducing Hohhot Great Mosque
Hohhot Great Mosque is a revered sacred site built in 1693 AD. Hohhot Great Mosque is the oldest and largest mosque in the City.
The mosque is a remarkable fusion of Chinese and Arabic architectural styles, constructed from bricks and representing a significant innovation rooted in traditional Chinese architectural culture. Spanning over 4,000 square meters (about 1 acre), it reflects the layout of traditional Chinese temples, featuring a central axis through the main building. However, unlike typical Chinese temples, the structures on either side are not strictly symmetrical, showcasing a more flexible design philosophy. Notably, the arrangement of the entrance and prayer hall is reversed, further illustrating the mosque’s departure from conventional architectural methods.
The Grand Mosque is distinguished by its vibrant colors and intricate designs in its roofs and halls. The stunning brick carvings demonstrate extraordinary craftsmanship, capturing the essence of ancient architecture and attracting visitors from far and wide. As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and these intricate designs truly bring this historic destination to life, inviting everyone to soak in its rich heritage.
Hohhot Great Mosque Fast Facts
• AKA: Hohhot Great Masjid
• Chinese Name: HūHéHàoTè QīngZhēnDàSì 呼和浩特清真大寺
• Best Time to Visit: May to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 15 - 30 x minutes
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Islamic Culture
• Opening Hours: Daily, Fajr to Isha (Muslims); 9:00 – 12:00, 15:00-19:30 (general public)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 28 Tongdao South Street, Huimin District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
What to Expect at Hohhot Great Mosque
Claimed by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful Chinese-style mosques, the Hohhot Great Mosque is a stunning architectural marvel that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Islam in China. Its serene atmosphere, enhanced by intricate designs and fragrant gardens, provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Prayer Hall
The prayer hall of the mosque is a stunning focal point, oriented from west to east and accommodating over five hundred worshippers. Its main entrance features three archways adorned with intricate Islamic floral and geometric motifs. Above the central archway, the phrase “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth” is beautifully inscribed in Arabic. The back wall prominently displays “There is no god but Allah,” flanked by Chinese characters for “perception,” “sincerity,” “integrity,” “self-cultivation,” and “clarity of heart.” The north and south façades are symmetrical, each featuring a central square window with traditional Chinese latticework, surrounded by arched windows with colorful brick carvings. This harmonious blend of cultures creates a captivating spiritual space.
The Minaret
Minarets are a prominent architectural feature of many mosques, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. In the context of Ramadan, they play a significant role as gathering places for the community to sight the new moon, which marks the beginning and end of fasting. This practice is reflected in the Chinese name “Wangyue Tower,” meaning “Moon-Gazing Tower.” This term beautifully captures the cultural significance of minarets in Chinese mosques, making it understandable for both visitors and Muslims alike.
The minaret in the Great Mosque is located in the southeast corner of the third courtyard. Built in 1939, it stands approximately 36 meters (118 ft) tall and features a hexagonal floor plan, forming a six-sided tower. The structure is divided into five levels, with the lower four made of brick, while the top level boasts a wooden pavilion-style roof. The tower includes two observation platforms accessible via a spiral wooden staircase. The first platform is an outdoor viewing area with a handrail on the third floor, while the second platform is located on the fifth floor and is topped with a hexagonal pointed pavilion.
Ancient Relics
The Great Mosque is home to over thirty handwritten copies of the Qur’an in Arabic, as well as seven stone tablets that commemorate significant events in the mosque’s history. These tablets vary in height from 1.7 to 2.3 meters (5.6 to 7.5 feet) and prominently display the Arabic phrase “Grace of This World and the Hereafter”, accompanied by inscriptions in Chinese. The inscriptions are often adorned with intricate decorative patterns, including floral motifs and geometric designs, each reflecting unique ethnic characteristics.
How to Get to Hohhot Great Mosque
• By Bus: Take bus 4, 6, 8, 16, 22, 59, 73, 81, 102 to Jiuchengbeimen Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Fushuyiyuan Station.
There are no products matching the selection.