Chinese Temple Scenes

10. Xi'an Great Mosque

The Great Mosque of Xi'an, located near the Drum Tower (Gu Lou) on 30 Huajue Lane of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China, is the oldest and one of the most renowned mosques in the country founded in 742. It was built and renovated in later periods (especially during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty). It remains a popular tourist site of Xi'an, and is still used by Chinese Muslims (mainly the Hui people) today as a place of worship. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations, for the mosque has neither domes nor traditional-style minarets.