Islam in China: Xi'an and the Silk Road Heritage
Discover the fascinating history of Islam's arrival in China as early as the 7th century under the Tang dynasty. Focus on the Hui community of Xi'an and its famous Great Mosque, a unique architectural masterpiece.
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Guides halal & voyages musulmans · Mis à jour le 7/17/2026
The history of Islam in China is closely linked to that of the great overland and maritime trade routes. As early as the first century of the Hijra, the city of Xi'an, then known as Chang'an and the capital of the Chinese empire, became the meeting point between the emerging Islamic civilization and the Middle Kingdom.
This historical guide traces the roots of the Sino-Hui Muslim community and the exceptional architectural heritage that bears witness to this thousand-year presence.
📅 The Origins: The Arrival of Islam under the Tang Dynasty
The official introduction of Islam to China dates back to the year 651 of the Christian era (corresponding to the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty).
According to Chinese historical chronicles, an official delegation sent by the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), and led by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, arrived at the imperial court to present the Muslim faith.
The emperor, impressed by the ethical and monotheistic rigor of Islam, authorized the construction of the first places of worship and the free practice of the faith for Arab and Persian merchants settled in the trading posts.
The Chronology of Islam in Xi'an
- 651: Arrival of the first Muslim diplomatic delegation in Chang'an (Xi'an).
- 742: Traditional date of the founding of the Great Mosque of Xi'an under the Tang dynasty.
- 1368-1644 (Ming Dynasty): Golden age of the Hui community, administrative integration, and major restoration of Islamic infrastructure.
🕌 The Great Mosque of Xi'an: An Architectural Masterpiece
Located in the heart of the historic Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie), the Great Mosque of Xi'an is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in China.
Its uniqueness lies in its structure: it adopts traditional Chinese pavilion-style architecture while strictly respecting the requirements of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) regarding orientation towards the Qibla and the absence of figurative representations.
Unlike mosques in the Middle East, the Great Mosque of Xi'an does not have a rounded dome or a conventional minaret. The minaret here takes the form of a two-story octagonal pavilion, called the "Pavilion of Self-Introspection" (Shengxin Lou).
Specifics of the Interior Layout
| Mosque Element | Traditional Chinese Style | Islamic Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Layout | Succession of 4 consecutive courtyards with gardens and gates | Strict East-to-West orientation towards Mecca |
| Materials | Precious camphor wood and blue-green glazed tiles | Absence of statues, human or animal figures |
| Inscriptions | Wood carvings in classical Chinese characters | Verses of the Holy Quran carved in Sini Arabic calligraphy |
The main prayer hall, which can accommodate more than 1,000 worshippers, is adorned with carved wooden panels where the entire Quranic text is calligraphed in Arabic and accompanied by Chinese translations.
👥 The Hui Community: A Thousand-Year Sunni Rooting
The Muslims of Xi'an mostly belong to the Hui ethnic group. Unlike the Uyghurs of Turkic culture, the Hui share the Han Chinese language and culture, while maintaining a rigorous Islamic religious practice.
Theologically, the Hui community of Xi'an mostly follows the Hanafi school of jurisprudence (Madhhab), the most widespread historically along the Silk Road. Practice there is characterized by a deep respect for the Sunni textual tradition.
The Islam of the Hui community is not a religious syncretism. Although aesthetics and certain linguistic terms are borrowed from Chinese culture for translation and contextualization purposes, theology (Aqida) and rituals (prayer, fasting of Ramadan, zakat) remain strictly in line with Sunni orthodoxy.
📍 Practical Guide for the Muslim Traveler to Xi'an
If you plan to visit Xi'an to discover this unique heritage, here is the key information to remember:
The Great Mosque of Xi'an (西安大清真寺)
- Address: 30 Huajue Lane, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
- Access: Metro line 2, Zhonglou station (Drum Tower), then a 10-minute walk through the Muslim Quarter.
- Dining: The surrounding neighborhood is full of certified Halal (Qingzhen) restaurants run by Hui families, offering the famous hand-pulled noodles (Lanzhou Lamian) and bread soaked in mutton broth (Yangrou Paomo).
- Golden Rule: The historic prayer hall is reserved exclusively for Muslims to perform daily prayers.
FAQ: Islam in Xi'an
Are all restaurants in the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an Halal?
Yes, businesses in the historic quarter bear the official 清真 (Qingzhen) sign, which guarantees compliance with slaughter rules and the complete absence of non-halal products (such as pork or alcohol).
What language is used for prayer and sermons?
Ritual prayer is performed exclusively in the Arabic language, in accordance with global Islamic practice. Friday sermons (Khutbah) and theological explanations are delivered in Mandarin Chinese.
Can you visit the mosque during prayer times?
Non-Muslim visitors can access the outer courtyards and gardens of the mosque during the day. However, access to the interior of the main prayer hall is strictly reserved for worshippers during the five daily prayers.
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