Xian Great Mosque 西安大清真寺
- One of the largest mosques in China
- Established in 742
- Located at the heart of the Muslim Quarter
- Surviving buildings date to the Ming & Qing Dynasties
- Mix of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles
Xian's Great Mosque located in the Muslim Quarter of the city, a short way north west of the Bell Tower, is one of China's oldest and largest mosques.
The Great Mosque faces west (towards Mecca) and is a distinct blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural features. The spirit wall and gardens are plainly Chinese in inspiration and the mosque's 'Inspection Minaret' resembles a Chinese pagoda.
History
The original mosque was first built in 742 but has been restored during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The mosque has four lovely courtyards and a prayer hall (closed to non-Muslims) with turquoise roof tiles.
Inscriptions on the buildings are done in Arabic, Persian and Chinese.
The Great Mosque (Da Qingzhen Si) is at the center of the warren of streets and markets that make up the Muslim Quarter of Xian's Hui community.
Access - Getting There
From the Drum Tower, walk down Hua Jue Xiang past the English sign to the mosque and at the next intersection, turn left.
By bus Tourism Bus No. 8 (#610) or any of buses #4, #7, #32 or #201 go to the Bell Tower.
By subway take Line 2 to Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower). Then walk west to the Drum Tower.
Address:
30 Hua Jue Xiang
Hours: May-September 8 am-7 pm; October-April 8 am-5 pm
Xian Attractions
Other attractions in Xian include the Terracotta Army, Xian Bell Tower, Xian Drum Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter, Louguantai, Shaanxi History Museum and Xian City Walls.
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