The Great Mosque of Xi'an was founded in 742, but the present structure is believed to date from the 15th century. It is located on Huajue Xiang close to the Bell Tower. The Mosque has served Chinese Muslims (known as the Hui people) for many centuries, and it is still a major place of worship.

One of the oldest and the most renowned mosques in China, it is quite unlike mosques in the Middle East and Arab countries. The Xi'an mosque lacks the classic dome and minaret, and has the layout of a Chinese Buddhist temple - successive courtyards on a single axis with pavilions and pagodas; however, the grand axis of the Great Mosque of Xi'an is aligned from east to west and faces the holy city of Mecca.

The original building is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century, but the present complex dates variously from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Phoenix Pavilion is preceded by a minaret, along with two beautiful fountains. The Stele Hall in the third courtyard, tablets inscribed in Arabic, Persian and Chinese reflect the importance of the mosque to the community. Described as simple, the Prayer Hall in the fourth courtyard has an inset-paneled ceiling decorated with elegant Arabic calligraphy.

Travelers are advised not to visit the mosque on Fridays due to prayer services. Usually over 2,000 attendees enter the mosque. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer periods.

Traffic

Take 4,7,15,32,43,45,201,205,206,215,218,221,222,251,300,604,611,612,612 interval, K630, travel 8 (610) bus in "Drum" stop.

Tickets

25 yuan, 12 yuan certificate students. Muslims can visit free of charge after the staff informed, as here, the Muslim places of worship.

Hours:8:00-19: 00

Phone:029 -8727254187219801