Discover the Historic Great Mosque of Xi’an – A Journey Through Time

Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned traveler with extensive international experience. My journeys go beyond just visiting popular tourist spots; I delve into the historical, cultural, and personal stories behind each destination. Today, I’m excited to take you through the heart of Xi’an to one of its largest mosques—the Great Mosque of Xi’an. This mosque not only showcases the grandeur of Islamic and classical Chinese architectural styles but also serves as a key window into Xi’an’s rich historical and cultural tapestry.

Introduction to the Great Mosque of Xi’an

The Great Mosque of Xi’an, located at 30 Huajue Alley, is not only one of the largest mosques in the city but also one of the best-preserved. Covering over 12,300 square meters, it features a traditional four-courtyard layout with a blend of classical Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The main buildings, primarily from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. These include the beautifully painted caisson ceilings in the prayer hall, adorned with intertwined plant motifs and passages from the Quran engraved on large wooden panels.

• Location: 30 Huajue Alley, Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, last entry at 7:00 PM
• Recommended Visit Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
• Ticket Price: Peak season (March-November) 25 RMB, off-season (December-February) 15 RMB. Muslims enter free.

Why You Need to Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an?

Historical Value

The Great Mosque of Xi’an was founded in the first year of the Tang Dynasty’s Tianbao era (AD 742), making it nearly 1,300 years old. It is the largest mosque in Xi’an and the surrounding area, and it has been historically maintained and renovated by emperors at various times, including during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This rich historical backdrop makes the mosque not just a place of worship but also a testament to the cultural heritage of the region.

Architectural Style

The mosque’s architectural style is unique, combining traditional Chinese national styles with strict adherence to Islamic principles. The carvings, arabesques, and vine patterns inside the main hall are composed of Arabic calligraphy, blending traditional Chinese architectural styles with Islamic art. Additionally, the mosque houses many exquisite cultural relics, such as handwritten Korans, religious paintings, and calligraphy in Chinese, Arabic, and Persian. These artifacts not only highlight the mosque’s deep historical roots but also allow visitors to experience the profound depths of Islamic and Chinese traditional cultures.

Things to Do at the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Main Attractions

Shengxin Lou

Shengxin Lou, also known as the “Minaret”, is designed for calling Muslims to prayer. Unlike traditional tall Arab-style minarets, this three-story octagonal Chinese building is relatively low, making it easier for the caller, which is why it’s named “Shengxin,” meaning “save heart.” Adjacent to the building, a pavilion houses a “moon stele” inscribed in Chinese Arabic script detailing the Islamic lunar calendar’s calculation methods. Additionally, it features a plaque inscribed by Empress Dowager Cixi, which adds to its historical significance.

Yizhen Ting (Phoenix Pavilion)

Yizhen Ting, also known as the Phoenix Pavilion, is named for its architecture that resembles a phoenix spreading its wings. Located in the fourth courtyard of the mosque, it is not only a landmark structure within the complex but also a perfect example of the fusion between Islamic culture and Chinese architectural styles. The pavilion’s intricate design and elegant structure make it a must-see for visitors exploring the mosque.

Prayer Hall

The Prayer Hall is the centerpiece of the Great Mosque of Xi’an. Constructed in the early Ming dynasty, this hall covers an area of about 1,300 square meters and serves as the primary venue for religious activities. It is also the essence of the mosque’s architectural art. The hall is beautifully decorated with exquisite wood carvings and scriptural embellishments, making every corner solemn and sacred. This hall is a significant example of the integration of Ming and Qing architectural styles with Islamic architectural principles.

Great Mosque of Xi’an Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices for the Great Mosque of Xi’an

• Adults: Peak season (March-November) 25 RMB, off-season (December-February) 15 RMB
• Students: 12 RMB

Ticket Purchase Channels

• Onsite: Available at the entrance of the mosque

Recommended Dining Near the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Muslim Dingjia Small Braised Crisp Meat (Huimin Street Flagship Store)

• Why it’s recommended: This dish is delightfully crispy yet tender, starting with a deep-frying process followed by steaming in a savory broth. Adding some spicy oil makes it irresistibly delicious—a true treat!
• Location: 223 Beiyuanmen Dapiyuan West Crossing, Lianhu District, Xi’an (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Average Cost: 31 RMB

Shijia Steamed Stuffed Buns

• Why it’s recommended: Known for their exceptionally delicious buns, especially the cumin and eggplant varieties. They’re quite large, very affordable, and very popular—people often buy them in batches of 10 or 20 at a time.
• Location: 217 Dapiyuan, Lianhu District, Xi’an (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Average Cost: 9 RMB

Muslim Aizi Crispy Pie (Huimin Street Head Office)

• Why it’s recommended: These pies are irresistibly delicious, with a perfectly golden and crisp exterior that crunches satisfyingly with each bite. The filling is rich and juicy, sweet but not cloying, offering a multi-layered texture that brings pure joy with every bite.
• Location: 2 Miaohou Street, Lianhu District, Xi’an (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Average Cost: 25 RMB

Recommended Hotels Near the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Home Inn (Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street)

• Why it’s recommended: This budget-friendly chain hotel boasts a great location with excellent value for money.
• Price/Night: 150 RMB
• Check Room Rates: View and Book

Dongshe Hotel

• Why it’s recommended: Superbly located near Xi’an City Wall, Wen Yongning Gate, and Beilin Museum. The staff is exceptionally welcoming, providing warm and courteous service from arrival to departure.
• Price/Night: 350 RMB
• Check Room Rates: View and Book

Xi’an Bell Tower Yongning Gate Elegant Hotel

• Why it’s recommended: Ideally situated within walking distance from the Great Mosque of Xi’an, Bell Tower, and Muslim Quarter.
• Price/Night: 600 RMB
• Check Room Rates: View and Book

How to Get to the Great Mosque of Xi’an from Downtown Xi’an

Subway

From downtown Xi’an, you can take the Metro Line 6 to Guangji Street Station and exit via Exit A1, from where the mosque is within walking distance. Alternatively, you can use Metro Line 2, alighting at Bell Tower Station and exiting via Exit C.

Taxi/Rideshare

Taking a taxi or a rideshare from the downtown area to the Great Mosque typically takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately 25 RMB.

How to Get to the Great Mosque of Xi’an from Xi’an Xianyang Airport

Subway

Starting from Xi’an Xianyang Airport, take the Metro Line 14 to Xi’an North Station, then transfer to Metro Line 2. Get off at Bell Tower Station, then walk to the Great Mosque of Xi’an. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 8 RMB.

Taxi/Rideshare

A taxi or rideshare from the airport to the mosque takes about 45 minutes and costs around 90 RMB.

FAQ

Is the Great Mosque of Xi’an Accessible for Strollers and Wheelchairs?

The Great Mosque of Xi’an, despite its centuries-old history, has been moderately adapted to meet the needs of different visitors. Parts of the mosque have been made accessible, allowing for the use of strollers and wheelchairs in most public areas and main passageways.