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Great Mosque
Introducing Xian Great Mosque
The Great Mosque of Xian is a tranquil and historic mosque that has served Xian's Muslim community for hundreds of years. Being the largest and best preserved of the ancient mosques of China, the buildings of Xian Great Mosque are a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Arabian styles. The Great Mosque is aligned on an east-west axis, facing Mecca, with five courtyards in all, leading to a prayer hall at the western end of the mosque. Xian Great Mosque was added to the UNESCO Islamic Heritage List in 1985.
Xian Great Mosque Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Xian Da Qing Zhen Si 西安大清真寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year round
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 to 2 hours
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY25 from Mar to Nov; CNY15 from Dec to Feb
• Address: No.30, Huejue Alley, Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xian
What to expect at Xian Great Mosque
History of Xian Great Mosque
According to historical records engraved on a stone tablet collected by the mosque, there was a mosque built in Tang Dynasty capital Chang'an (today's Xi'an) in 742 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). However, this is the not the proof that Xian's Great Mosque was built at the current location in 742 because the area of the Great Mosque was where the Royal City of Chang'an was located during the Tang Dynasty. There were no places of worship inside Chang'an's Royal city. Xian's Muslim community was formed during the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) when Muslims enjoyed much higher social status than Han Chinese. Muslims played an important role in helping the founding of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), seven mosques were built in today's Muslim quarter of Xian including the Great Mosque of Xian to honor their contribution. It went renovation and expansion during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Layout of Xian Great Mosque
The complex is made up of four successive courtyards that lead up to the main prayer hall at the western end of the mosque, and is backed by a fifth and final courtyard. Each courtyard contains a central monument, such as a pavilion and a gate. The total area is over 12,000 square meters.
In the first courtyard, we can see a wooden memorial archway with two sculptured dragon stone tablets on both sides. The archway is nine meters high, made up of a main gate and two smaller side gates. It can be traced back to the 17th century. The gates are painted red with exquisite carvings and supported by several red wooden pillars. Three chambers stand either side, in which now is displayed some furniture preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Walk across the Wujian Tower, on which the Chinese Name of the mosque is written, we are coming to the second courtyard. A stone monument tower stands in the middle, carved “Tian Jian Zai Zi”, means Allah is watching us here and now. Go further, there are two stone steles. On the steles are famous calligraphic writings, one is from a famous Song calligrapher, Mi Fu, and other one is from Dong Qichang of Ming dynasty. Their calligraphy is considered to be a great treasure in the art of handwriting.
Through the Chixiu Hall, then we enter the third courtyard, which is known as the “Place of Meditation”. The courtyard is for visitors to attend prayer services. Standing in the center is Xingxin Tower or the Tower of the Visiting Heart. It is a 3-storied octagonal wooden construction. And the faded color of the tower tells that it has been standing in wind and rain for a long time. There is official hall in south and lecture hall in north, where precious Ming and Qing cultural relics such as calligraphies and paintings are preserved.
Passing through the stone path of the fourth courtyard, we will see the Yizhen Pavilion (One Truth Pavilion). The pavilion is said to be built in Qing Dynasty. Because the pavilion looks like a phoenix spreading its wings, it is also called Phoenix Pavilion. It blocks a direct view to the prayer hall. Beyond the Phoenix Pavilion are two small pools, now containing fountains. Stepping into the stone gate and standing on the platform, we can catch sight of a large prayer hall. The Prayer Hall is the main focus of the entire complex. The hall is not open to the public, just limited to the Muslims. It covers 1300 square meters and can seat more than 1000 people to worship at a time. According to traditional custom, prayer services are held five times per day respectively: at dawn, at noon, in the afternoon, at dusk and at night. The ceiling of hall is decorated with over 600 colored panels. The walls, the gate and panels are decorated with patterns of trailing plants and Arabic letters.
Behind the prayer hall, there are two circular moon gates that lead to the fifth courtyard. Two small manmade hills have been constructed there for the ceremonial viewing of the new moon.
How to get to Xian Great Mosque
Xian Great Mosque is located near the Muslim Quarter, right behind the Drum Tower and only a few minutes’ walking distance to the Bell Tower.
By Metro
Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Zhonglou Station (Exit C). Walk around 10 minutes the Great Mosque.
By Bus
Take Bus No 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 16, 12, 26, 29, 32, 36, 37,43, 45, 46, 47, 201, 203,205, 215, 218, 221, 229, 235, 251, 252, 286, 600, 606, 608, 609, 611, 612, 616, 618, 622, Tourism Bus Line 7, 8 and 8(610) to the Bell Tower and then walk to the Mosque.
Additional travel advice on Xian Great Mosque
• Please respect the Muslim traditions and customs in the Mosque.
• Please dress appropriately. Men and women should wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants. Don’t wear shorts.