Great Mosque of Xi’an

Located at 30 Huajue Lane in the eastern segment of the Xi'an Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque of Xi'an (also known as Huajue Xiang Mosque or Great Eastern Mosque) is one of China's largest premodern mosques. First established in 742 CE during the Tang dynasty, its current form largely dates to 1392 CE under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming dynasty, with later Qing dynasty additions. Spanning 1.23 hectares, this active place of worship features over twenty buildings spread across five sahns (courtyards).

Unlike traditional Chinese complexes oriented north to south, the mosque is aligned on an east-west axis facing west toward Mecca. You will discover a captivating blend of native Chinese architectural traditions and Islamic functionality. Walk through garden-filled sahns framed by paifangs (imperially commissioned arches) and decorated with calligraphic inscriptions in both Chinese and Arabic, including Sini-style script executed with Chinese ink brushwork.

Highlights include the hexagonal Phoenix Pavilion, stone steles recording history, and the three-story octagonal Shengxinlou ("Examining the Heart Tower"). At the west end sits the timber prayer hall with its turquoise hip roof and floral wood carvings, accommodating up to 1,000 worshipers.

What to see at Great Mosque of Xi'an

• One of China's largest premodern mosques, originally built in 742 CE during the Tang dynasty
• Unique architectural layout combining traditional Chinese design with west-facing Islamic functionality
• Shengxinlou (Examining the Heart Tower), a three-story octagonal pagoda thought to have served as a minaret
• Beautiful Sini-style calligraphy, blending Perso-Arabic script with Chinese ink brushwork
• Expansive timber prayer hall featuring a turquoise hip roof and detailed floral wood carvings

Visiting tips

Remember that while non-Muslim visitors can pay a small fee to explore the grounds, gardens, and view the steles, non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the main prayer hall.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Great Mosque of Xi'an is easy to reach on Xi'an’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Terracotta Army and Chang'an. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Xi'an travel guide.