Located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, the Xiaotaoyuan Mosque—formerly known as the Islamic Western Mosque or Shanghai Western Mosque—is the largest mosque in the city. Originally constructed in 1917 by Jin Ziyun and rebuilt in 1925, this historic site blends traditional West Asian Islamic style with classic Chinese architecture. When you visit, you will see a striking green and white exterior featuring an entrance gate adorned with calligraphy by Luo Junti.
The rectangular courtyard houses a two-storey main prayer hall capable of holding 500 people, complete with arched windows, a minaret, and four corner domes. Eastern and southern courtyard buildings feature lecture rooms, a library, offices, and ablution facilities. Historically serving as a hub for pilgrims embarking on the Hajj between 1920 and 1940, as well as a founding site for several educational institutions, the mosque today houses the Shanghai Islamic Association and the Management Committee of Mosques in Shanghai.
Nearby at 24 Xiaotaoyuan Street, you can also view the dedicated Xiaotaoyuan Mosque for women, built in 1920 and renovated in 1994. Designated as heritage architecture by the Shanghai Municipal Government, it continues to welcome Chinese and foreign Muslims for prayers.
What to see at Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
- Marvel at the unique architecture combining West Asian Islamic style and Chinese elements.
- See the green and white exterior featuring a minaret, four corner domes, and arched windows.
- Observe the calligraphic artwork by Luo Junti above the entrance gate.
- Discover the nearby Xiaotaoyuan Mosque for women, originally built in 1920.
Visiting tips
You can easily reach the mosque on foot by walking east from Laoximen Station on the Shanghai Metro.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Xiaotaoyuan Mosque is easy to reach on Shanghai’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Shanghai Grand Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Shanghai travel guide.
See the full Shanghai travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.