Great Mosque

» Xi'an, Shaan Xi

Great Mosque Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The Mosque located at the Huajue Lane in the center of Xi'an City, is the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosque in China. It is really well worth a trip to see the Great Mosque, not only for its centuries-old history but also for its particular design of mixed architecture - traditional Muslim and Chinese styles. The Great Mosque was added to the UNESCO Islamic Heritage List in 1985.

The history

In the Tang Dynasty, Islam was introduced to China by the Arabian merchants. Many Muslim settled down in China and married Han people. According to the record inscribed on the stone tablet preserved in the Great Mosque, the construction of it started in the first year of the Tian Bao reign by Li Longji, the seventh emperor of the Tang Dynasty some 1,200 years ago. The Great Mosque was constructed in order to honor them. Since ever, several other mosques were erected across the county. After renovations and expansions on several occasions in the Song, Yuan and especially the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has gradually become the present compact group of harmonious, solemn and respectable building decorated with tower and pavilions.

What to visit

The mosque is a combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic art. In Chinese style, it constructed as a series of pavilions, buildings with four courtyards between them. The wall, however, is decorated with Islamic art. Covering an area of 6,000 square meters, the whole complex can be divided into four courtyards.

The first courtyard

In the first courtyard, there is a wooden arch. It is construction of the 17th century. About nine meters in height, with upturned corner eaves, painted rafters and carved beams, this extremely magnificent-looking wooden memorial archway stands in harmony with the lofty screen wall. The reception rooms on both sides of north and south are also constructions in exquisite ancient architectural style. Three chambers stand by each side of the arch, in which now displays some furniture preserved from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The second courtyard

Entering the five-roomed house with hanging vertical plaque with characters of "Qing zhen Si", which means "The Great Mosque," you comes to the second courtyard. Covered with luxuriant the trees, the stone tablet pavilion stands right in the center with two flower nurseries in symmetry. On the back of the tablet are carved the inscriptions from the hands of two famous calligraphers, Mi Fu and Dung Qi Chang.

The third courtyard

Inside the Honored Prayer Hall is the third courtyard. In the center of it, there erects the three-storey octagonal minaret of fine structure. The balustraded stone carving of two dragons playing with a pearl, which is said to be the remains of the Tang Dynasty, is just under the minaret. The courtyard is flanked by the Scripture halls in north and south respectively. The Koran in Arabic and Chinese, as well as rare paintings, calligraphy and porcelain vases can be seen in these halls.

The fourth courtyard

• The Pavilion of the Only God
  Next, comes to the fourth courtyard in which centers the Pavilion of the Only God. Unique in style, the pavilion which takes the shape of a phoenix spreading its wings, ready to dance is also called Phoenix Pavilion. There are also two tablet pavilions standing on both sides of the Pavilion of the Only God.
• Five-Roomed House
  To the north and south of the Pavilion is a Five-Roomed House. The room was originally built for the reception of feudal officials who came to declare the imperial decrees.
• The tablet corridor
  Behind the hall in south is the tablet corridor in which are exhibited stone tablet bearing the record of reconstructions and renovations of the Great Mosque.
• The fish pool with fountain
  A Chinese flowering crabapple shaped fish pool with fountain in the center is right after the Pavilion of the Only God. The spreading water beads and rainbow presented by the fountain give visitors another view.
• The Main Worship Hall
  Entering the stone gate, stepping on the spacious platform, the Main Worship Hall is in sight. As big as seven rooms in width, nine rooms in depth, the Main Worship Hall takes an area of about 1,300 square meters accommodating some 1,000 for worship at one time. The ceiling of the Main Worship Hall is made up of about 600 pictures, all different in colors and designs. Each of these pictures has "Du Wa" in Arabic in center. The inside walls with grass and floral designs are recarved with the Koran, All these demonstrate the characteristics of the Islamic buildings and religious paintings in China.

Souvenirs

Xi'an is a great place to shop for cultural items. In the Muslim quarter just outside the Great Mosque is the Dajue Xiang Market, Here you will find a little of everything - antique, musical instruments and Mao memorabilia, do not expect genuine antiques though.

• Tri-colored Glazed Pottery of the Tang Dynasty
  Xi'an is known for its Tri-colored Glazed Pottery of the Tang Dynasty. The subjects of this pottery are bold and life-like, and the glazed colors are diverse and expressive, though be wary of any shops that claim their wares are "old."
• Paper Cut
  Paper cut is a popular folk art in Shaanxi Province, on holidays and weddings, villagers decorate their home with bright (mostly red) paper cuttings that are rich and varied and always feature symbols of good luck.
• Replicas of Terracotta Warriors
  Cashing in on Xi'an's main attraction, replicas of Terracotta Warriors are everywhere; they range from a few inches tall to life-size, with prices of up to several thousand US dollars.

What to taste

Xi'an cuisine is simple and hearty; you won't leave the table hungry. Noodles and dumplings are predominant and these are always filling. Try local delicacies at the Beiyuanmen Hui Snack Street where traditional Chinese buildings line the street and offer a smorgasbord of Muslim fare.

• Pancake in Mutton Soup (Yangrou Paomo)
  Pancake in Mutton Soup (Yangrou Paomo) is a local Muslim delicacy that warms the stomach. The table etiquette is an art in itself as the dinner breaks up a flatbread that is mixed into the soup.
• Dumpling banquet
  Dumplings are a northern specialty in China and Xi'an is famous for its dumpling banquet, which features a selection of 108 dumplings that differ in shape and filling.
• Buckwheat noodles
  Buckwheat noodles can be served hot or cold and it is delicious with different vegetable toppings and sauces.

When to see

• Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 17:00p.m.

Attractions around » Xi'an, Shaan Xi

Natural Scene

• Huaqing Pool
• Mt. Huashan

Historical Site

• Xi'an City Wall
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Great Mosque
• Drum Tower
• Bell Tower
• Tomb of Qin Shihuang
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Ba Xian An Temple

Cultural Site

• Terracotta Warriors and Horses
• Shaanxi Provincial History Museum
• Xi'an Banpo Museum
• Forest of Stone Steles Museum

Nightlife

• Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Day Entertainment & Sports

• Tang Paradise
• Golf in Xi'an

Shopping & Leisure

• Moslem Street
• Shuyuanmen Street
• Xi'an Antique Market
• Wenbaozhai Tourist Shopping Center
• Century Ginwa Shopping Mall

Great Mosque Highlights

Islam attraction highlights

• Id Kah Mosque
• Great Mosque
• Grand Kuqa Mosque
• Qingjing Mosque
• Dongguan Mosque

city highlights

• Xi'an
• Turpan
• Kashgar
• Lanzhou
• Quanzhou

Temple & Monastery in Great China

• Shaolin Temple
• Temple of Heaven
• Jokhang Temple
• Confucius Temple
• A-Ma Temple
• Palkhor Monastery
• Sera Temple
• Drepung Temple
• Rongbuk Temple
• Songzanlin Temple
• Id Kah Mosque
• Lingyin Temple
• Labrang Temple
• Great Buddha at Lingshan
• Golden Temple
• Yuantong Temple
• Tashilhunpo Temple
• Sakya Temple
• Temple of Universal Peace
• Putuo Zongcheng Temple
• Eight Outer Temples
• Famen Temple
• Great Mosque
• Nanputuo Temple
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Town God Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Lama Temple
• White Cloud Temple
• Tar Temple
• Santa Sophia Church
• 108 Dagobas
• Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
• White Horse Temple
• Qiongzhu Temple
• Hanging Temple
• Hanshan Temple
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei
• Giant Buddha Temple
• Xiangguo Temple
• Yufeng Lamastery
• Chongshansi Temple
• Dule Temple
• Anyuan Temple
• White Horse Pagoda
• Trandruk Temple
• Dai Temple
• Pagoda of Songyue Temple
• Ramoche Temple
• Guanlin Temple
• Huayan Temple
• Kaiyuan Temple
• Samye Temple
• Jinci Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Ganden Temple
• Dabeiyuan Temple
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Shanhua Temple
• Ruins of St. Paul's
• Temple of Universal Happiness
• Great Bell Temple
• Qingjing Mosque
• Hongfu Temple
• Dazhao Temple
• Five Pagoda Temple
• Baoguo Temple
• Wudangzhao Temple
• Shalu Temple
• Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center
• Longhua Temple
• Jile Temple
• Chengtiansi Pagoda
• Nanguan Muslim Mosque
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Ba Xian An Temple
• Tianhou Palace
• Guiyuan Temple
• Linggu Temple
• Najiahu Mosque at Yongning
• Haibao Pagoda
• Xilitu Zhao
• Dongguan Mosque
• Jiegu Temple

Great Mosque FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?
2. What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

  Food

1. What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?
2. What is Xi'an local delicacy?

  Shopping

1. Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?
2. Where can I buy chinese medicine?
3. Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?
4. What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

  Travel

1. What taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?
2. What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?
3. Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?
4. What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

  Customs

1. Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?
2. Why does Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?
3. How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

  Other Hints

1. What is Xi'an time?
2. What to pack for Xi'an tours?
3. Where is the post office in Xi'an?
4. Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?
5. What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?
6. What is emergency number in Xi'an?

• Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?

  Xi'an is in a warm temperate zone, and has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons; Xi'an is hot and wet in summer, dry and seldom snowy in winter and is prone to extended spells of rain in spring and autumn.

  The temperature during spring (March to May) increases rapidly, but is prone to fluctuation. The average temperature in March is 7.9 centigrade, rising to 14.1 centigrade in April and 19.4 centigrade in May.

  Summer in Xi'an (June to August) becomes both hot and humid, with the highest average temperature being 32 centigrade and the maximum temperature of ten above 40 centigrade.

  Xi'an also experiences a fair amount of precipitation during autumn, (September to November). The early autumn period is cool and can be overcast, late autumn is usually fine.

  Winter (December to February) is dry and cold with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0 Centigrade.

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• What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

  Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons during the year for Xi'an tour. With the pleasant temperature, gentle breezes and warm sunshine, spring is a good time of year for outdoor activities and traveling. Late autume is also worth to visit here.

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• What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?

  As the capital of table delicacies, Xi'an is famous for the delicious Shaanxi snacks, the delicate Guangdong cuisine, in a sweet and mild flavor. Various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and the popular Sichuan cuisine, such as hot pot, in a spicy flavor.

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• What is Xi'an local delicacy?

  When you are travelling in Xi'an, one delicacy you will surely to find on the menu is the dumpling.

  Xi'an, an ancient city that has been the nation's capital during no less than eleven dynasties spanning more than a thousand years is regarded as the home if not the birthplace of the great dumpling tradition.

  It was here that the art of creating the most tasty and delicate of dumplings was refined and no visit to the city is complete unless you partake of a dumpling dinner.

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• Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?

  No, most attractions are not allowed to pay credit card, for your convinence, it is much better to bring some cash money along the trip. most 4 star hotels or 5 star hotels provide a good service to exchange into RMB at front desk.

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• Where can I buy chinese medicine?

  You can also find the traditional chineses medicine market in Xi'an, which embody the local culture of chinese medical treatment.

  In Chinese medicine, the links between body, mind and spirit have always been recognized and indeed lie at the heart of the system. There is a saying like western medicine cure the external causes but Chinese Medicine cures the internal causes.

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• Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?

  Department stores
  

  Minsheng Department Store, at No. 103, Jiefang Lu
  Parkson Shopping Center is popular in Xian and now there are three Parkson:
  

  1. Xi'an Luck Parkson: 119, Dong Dajie (Opposite the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
  2. Xi'an Shidai Parkson: Shidai Shengdian Plaza, Xi Dajie
  3. Xi'an Chang'an Parkson: 38, Chang'an Zhong Lu

  Supermarkets

  1. South Gate Branch (Downtown) is situated in Fen Xiang, Nan Dajie.
     Bus: No. 600, 603
  2. Chang'an Lu Branch (South Suburb) is located at the northeast corner of the crossing of Shida Lu and Chang'an Lu.
     Bus: No.19, 44, 101, 215, 239, 408, 600, 603
  3. Jin Hua Lu Branch (East Suburb) is situated near the crossing of Changle Lu and Jinhua Lu.
     Bus: No. 4, 10, 11, 13, 27, 43, 105, 209, 303, 402, 604, 605
  4. Lian Hu Branch (West Suburb) is located at the southwest of the crossing of Daqing Lu and Taoyuan Lu.
     Bus: No.2, 12, 45, 103, 104, 207, 210, 222, 223, 224, 301, 303, 605, 803
  5. North Suburb Branch is located along the Bei Erhuan Lu (Northern 2nd Ring Road).
     Bus: No. 18, 17, 238, 228, 236, 609, 600
  6. Nan Erhuan Branch is situated along the Nan Erhuan Lu (Southern 2nd Ring Road).
     Bus: No.24, 46, 308, 311, 608

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• What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

  Xi'an is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items.

  Some excellent offerings specific to Xi'an include: Chinese calligraphy rubbings, Tang pottery replicas, Terracotta Warrior replicas, Folk paintings, Folk paper cuttings and Green porcelain.

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• what taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?

  Xi'an is a multiethnic regin, of which the population of Islam is approximately one half, it is a taboo to eat pork and the flesh of animals which died of natrual course, in order not to trouble yourselves, you'd better not to eat anything made of pork and talk about pig in any muslim restaurant.

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• What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?

  Famed as the most precipitous of the five moutains in China, Mt.Huashan is a hardship jouney for xi'an tour. You might prepare a long gown and a pair of jogging shoes in case of raining and dropping of.

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• Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?

  Muslim quarter is a shopping center where many muslime friends gathered there. This area is paved with dark colored stone with green trees providing heavy shade during summer. There are many restaurants and stores on the street. The owners are all Moslems.

  Moslem Street has a long history. It is said that in olden days, foreign diplomatic envoys and merchants lived here then they married and had children, so gradually the population increased.

  Today, most of the inhabitants of Moslem Street are the descendants of those immigrants.

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• What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

  Most toilet facilities in emporiums, shopping centers, supermarkets, stations and scenic spots are free. The other will charge no more than 0.5 Yuan.

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• Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?

  Shadow Puppets was shaped in an art form of famouse traditional folk custome.The Chinese shadow puppets have existed in China for over a thousand years.

  The Shadow Play is hold in an old house of the Qing Dynasty. The show is about 15 minutes long and performed in a very small room. you can go Gao'a family where near to Drum Tower to see the show, the performance costs about 40 yuan for each one.

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• Why does the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?

  The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian.

  The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all.

  The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.

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• How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

  There is no special dress requirement for this show, but some travelers like to dress up.

  If you have time to change your clothes after the day's tour, we suggest that you dress as you would for any formal occasion, like the Opera in Beijing, and the welcome and farewell dinners during the Yangtze Cruise.

  Jackets and ties for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.

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• What is Xi'an time?

  Equal to Beijing, Xi'an is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.

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• What to pack for Xi'an tours?

  Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are especially helpful if you are going to visit Xi'an.

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• Where is the post office in Xi'an?

  1. City Center: Bell Tower Post Office, Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square
  2. South Suburb: Xiao Zhai Branch, No.3 Xiao Zhai Xi Lu
  3. North Suburb: Bei Guan Branch, No.18 Bei Guan Zheng Jie
     

  Opening Hours 8:30-18:00

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• Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?

  Yes, it is. tourists can easily find internet bars near colleges or universities, usually it costs you 1 - 2 Yuan per hour, but those with better facilities and faster connection speeds may cost more.

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• What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?

  Zip code Inquiry: 184
  Taxi Complain: 88624509
  Consumption Complain: 12315
  Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
  Public Buses Complain: 16801315
  China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
  China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
  China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000
  

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• What is emergency number in Xi'an?

  Fire: 119
  Traffic: 122
  Ambulance: 120
  Police: 110

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