Refreshed: August 2026
Of all the places I visited in Xi’an, one that fascinated me most was the Great Mosque.
Located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, the mosque is believed to have been founded in 742 during the Tang dynasty and is one of the oldest and best-known mosques in China.
But it wasn’t simply its age or history that stayed with me. It was the extraordinary sense of tranquillity I found there.
Stepping Away From the Noise of Xi’an
The Great Mosque is laid out as a series of courtyards and buildings stretching through the complex. Walking through them, I was struck by how different the architecture was from the mosques I had seen elsewhere.
There were no great domes dominating the skyline. Instead, I saw traditional Chinese-style buildings, landscaped courtyards, stonework and intricate details combined with elements reflecting the mosque’s Islamic heritage. It was a fascinating mixture.
A Blanket of Silence
What struck me most was the tranquillity. The mosque is still an active place of worship as well as a place visitors can explore, and it felt very special.
There seemed to be a blanket of silence around the whole place, shielding it from the hustle and bustle of the Muslim Quarter outside. It was so still and quiet that I remember wondering how this could possibly be the same place I had just walked into from those busy streets.
Ancient Calligraphy and a Slight Mystery!
Our guide was particularly keen to show us this stone with its calligraphic inscriptions.
Don’t ask me what it says! I didn’t know, and I’m not entirely convinced our guide did either. But she clearly thought it was important, so naturally I took a photograph.
Sometimes when travelling, you don’t understand everything you are looking at. That doesn’t stop you appreciating its history or wondering about the people who stood in the same place long before you.
Throughout the mosque I could see evidence of different cultural and religious influences in the architecture, inscriptions and decorative details.
There was evidence of the various religious influences in the writings and architecture, over time.
Back Into the Muslim Quarter
And then we stepped outside. What a contrast!
The Great Mosque sits right in the middle of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. On one side of its walls you have tranquillity and silence; on the other, crowds, noise, smells, market stalls and food everywhere.
And where there is food, be it street food or fine dining, mollywozhere!
Naturally, I had to investigate the local delicacies. No, you don’t want to know what I was eating. Trust me!
After the stillness of the mosque, stepping back into the lively Muslim Quarter felt almost like entering another world. That contrast is what I remember most about my visit: two completely different experiences existing side by side, separated by little more than the walls of the Great Mosque.
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Molly I agree, I loved the Great Mosque.
I thought the weirdest thing in this area was the insect fighting.
Yes indeed Jim, thanks for reminding me.