China is a country with a rich history and a diverse culture. One of the most prominent features of Chinese culture is its mosques or masjids. These mosques in China not only serve as religious centers but also showcase the architecture and artistry of the Chinese Muslims. With so many beautiful and historic mosques to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit.
If you are a traveler interested in exploring the religious and cultural diversity of China, then visiting these mosques should be on your bucket list. In this article, we will be providing you with a comprehensive list of the 10 Best largest and oldest Mosques in China that you must visit.
Best Mosques in China to Visit
1. Great Mosque of Xi’an
Location: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
History: The Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in China. It was first built during the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century and has undergone several renovations since then.
Features: The mosque boasts a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. It features beautiful courtyards, intricate carvings, and delicate paintings.
Mosque size: The mosque covers an area of 12,000 square meters.
Mosque Architecture: The mosque’s design reflects the rich history and culture of the Islamic community in China. Its architecture incorporates both traditional Chinese elements, such as the curved roof, and Islamic elements, such as the dome and minarets.
Building Materials used: The mosque was built using wood and brick, with the addition of glazed tiles during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
2. Id Kah Mosque
Location: Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
History: Id Kah Mosque is one of the largest mosques in China, with a history dating back to the 15th century.
Features: The mosque boasts a magnificent courtyard, beautiful gardens, and a large prayer hall. It also has a towering minaret that offers panoramic views of the city.
Mosque size: The mosque covers an area of over 16,800 square meters.
Mosque Architecture: The mosque’s design reflects the traditional Islamic architecture of Central Asia, with a mix of Uyghur and Chinese influences.
Building Materials used: The mosque was built using adobe, brick, and wood, with beautiful glazed tiles adorning its exterior.
3. Niujie Mosque
Location: Beijing
History: Niujie Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Beijing, with a history dating back to the 10th century.
Features: The mosque features beautiful gardens, a large prayer hall, and intricate carvings and calligraphy. It also houses a museum that showcases the history of Islam in China.
Mosque size: The mosque covers an area of over 10,000 square meters.
Mosque Architecture: The mosque’s design reflects the blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. It features traditional Chinese elements, such as the sloping roofs and stone archways, alongside Islamic elements such as the minaret and prayer hall.
Building Materials used: The mosque was built using wood, brick, and stone, with beautiful glazed tiles adorning its exterior.
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4. Huaisheng Mosque
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
History: Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest Chinese mosques, with a history dating back to the 7th century.
Features: The mosque boasts beautiful courtyards, a large prayer hall, and intricate carvings and calligraphy. It also has a towering minaret that offers panoramic views of the city.
Mosque size: The mosque covers an area of over 5,000 square meters.
Mosque Architecture: The mosque’s design reflects the blend of Chinese and Islamic mosque architecture. It features traditional Chinese elements, such as the sloping roofs and stone archways, alongside Islamic elements such as the minaret and prayer hall.
Building Materials used: The mosque was built using brick and wood, with beautiful glazed tiles adorning its exterior.
5. Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
History: The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre was established in 1896 by a group of Muslim traders from the Indian subcontinent. The mosque was initially located in a small building in the heart of Kowloon. Over time, the mosque underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Today, the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre is one of the most prominent mosques in Hong Kong, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a center for Islamic education and community outreach programs.
Features: The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre is a striking example of Islamic architecture. The mosque’s façade is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, and its interior is equally impressive, with high ceilings and ornate chandeliers. The mosque also features a large prayer hall, a library, and a multi-purpose hall that is used for various community activities.
Mosque size: The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre covers an area of 10,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 3,500 worshippers.
Mosque Architecture: The mosque’s design is a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural styles. The mosque’s façade features a series of pointed arches and domes, while its interior is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics.
Mosque Building Materials used: The mosque was constructed using reinforced concrete and features marble floors, chandeliers made of brass and crystal, and stained glass windows.
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6. Emin Minaret Mosque, Turpan
The Emin Minaret Mosque, located in the oasis city of Turpan, is one of the most iconic mosques in China. This stunning mosque was built in 1778 and is known for its towering minaret, which stands at 44 meters high.
The mosque’s unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture is truly breathtaking. The mosque features traditional Islamic designs and patterns, while also incorporating elements of Chinese architecture, such as the use of glazed tiles.
The Emin Minaret Mosque also features a large central prayer hall and several courtyards, all adorned with intricate designs and patterns. Visitors can climb to the top of the minaret to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.
7. Dongguan Mosque, Xining
The Dongguan Mosque in Xining, also known as the Dongguan Great Mosque, is one of the largest and most famous mosques in China. The mosque is located in the Dongguan Street of Xining, the capital city of Qinghai Province in China. It was first built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty and was reconstructed many times in history.
The mosque is famous for its unique Islamic architecture, which features a blend of Chinese and Arabic styles. The mosque covers an area of 15,000 square meters and can hold up to 3,000 worshipers at a time. The main prayer hall of the mosque is decorated with intricate designs and calligraphy, which adds to the beauty of the mosque.
One of the most distinctive features of the Dongguan Mosque is its 14-meter-high minaret, which was built in the 17th century. The minaret has four tiers and is made of wood, brick, and stone. The top of the minaret is adorned with a crescent moon and a star, which symbolizes the Islamic faith.
The Dongguan Mosque is also home to an Islamic institute, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic education centers in China. The institute has been training Islamic scholars for over 600 years and attracts students from all over the country.
Visitors to the mosque can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and learn more about Islamic culture and history. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and is a great place to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and its traditions.
8. Dongsi Mosque, Beijing
The Dongsi Mosque is located in the Dongsi district of Beijing and is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in the city. The mosque was first built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century and has been reconstructed many times since then. The mosque covers an area of 10,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 2,000 worshipers at a time.
The design of the mosque reflects the Chinese architectural style, with features such as tiled roofs and pagoda-style minarets. The mosque has two main prayer halls and several courtyards, which are decorated with intricate designs and calligraphy. Visitors to the mosque can also explore the Islamic Culture Museum, which is located inside the mosque and displays various artifacts related to Islamic culture and history.
9. Weizhou Grand Mosque, Wuzhong
The Weizhou Grand Mosque is located on Weizhou Island in the city of Beihai, Guangxi Province. The mosque was built in 846 during the Tang Dynasty and is the oldest and largest mosque in Guangxi. The mosque covers an area of 6,500 square meters and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers at a time.
The design of the mosque is a blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles, with features such as a Chinese-style gate and Islamic-style domes and minarets. The mosque is decorated with intricate designs and calligraphy, which adds to its beauty. The mosque also has a large prayer hall, a library, and several courtyards.
10. Shaanxi Grand Mosque
Shaanxi Grand Mosque, also known as Xi’an Mosque, is located in the heart of the ancient city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, China. It is considered one of the most important Islamic places of worship in China, and is a popular destination for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The mosque was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but has undergone many renovations and expansions throughout its history. The current mosque dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and covers an area of over 13,000 square meters.
One of the unique features of Shaanxi Grand Mosque is its combination of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The main prayer hall is designed in a traditional Chinese style, with a sloping roof and intricate wooden carvings. The mosque also features several Arabic-style minarets, and a large courtyard with traditional Chinese gardens.
Inside the mosque, visitors can see a number of important Islamic relics and artifacts. The prayer hall features a beautiful mihrab, or prayer niche, which is decorated with intricate calligraphy and tilework. There are also several Qurans on display, some of which date back hundreds of years.
One of the most important events held at Shaanxi Grand Mosque is the annual Eid al-Fitr prayer, which marks the end of Ramadan. Thousands of Muslims gather in the mosque’s courtyard to offer prayers and celebrate the holiday.
Overall, Shaanxi Grand Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic history and culture in China. Its unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles, combined with its rich history and importance as a place of worship, make it a truly fascinating and unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Xi’an, be sure to add Shaanxi Grand Mosque to your itinerary. It’s a great way to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city, and to experience firsthand the unique blend of Chinese and Islamic traditions that make up the fabric of Chinese society.
Conclusion
China is home to many of the most beautiful and impressive Masjids in the world. From the Grand Mosque of Xi’an to the Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, each of these stunning sacred places offers a unique and inspiring experience. Visiting any one of them will surely bring you closer to God and bring you peace, tranquility, and spiritual enrichment. They are also great opportunities to learn more about Chinese Islamic culture and history.
