Xi'an, Part 4: Huajue Xiang & The Great Mosque

 

Huajue Xiang Alley

Huajue Xiang is a narrow alley located between the Drum Tower and the Great Mosque in the center of the city. The 500-meter-long winding lane is a great place to pick up souvenirs and antiques. Stalls selling a wide variety of items, ranging from local art crafts including well-embroidered cloth shoes, elegantly-carved China to these fine handicrafts originated in the far southwest parts of China like some fine arts of Miao and Dong minorities line along the street.

Most of the residents in the Huajue Xiang area are Muslims-the Hui minority group. The Hui people seem to be natural linguists. Most of the touts in the alley can speak several languages so do not be surprised when finding your shop owner fluent in English. 

Although it is one of the best places to purchase trinkets, Huajue Xiang is a little more than a bustling business street. In the alley, visitors will find some historical sites including the Great Mosque, the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosques in China. The traditional Chinese styled temples, pavilions, buildings and Islamic arts, religious atmosphere in the mosque well illustrate the street's rich culture.

Huajue Xiang has a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty over one thousand years ago. The street was originally called Ziwu Xiang. But little of the tiny lane was recorded during the subsequent dynasties. Although very little is known of its long past, one thing is certain that the narrow alley has experienced ups and downs for centuries.

A leisurely stroll through the alley seeing the Muslims doing their business will prove to be pleasant and interesting. The varieties of colorful goods sold there will make a feast for your eyes.

 

The Great Mosque

The Mosque located at the Huajue Lane in the center of the city, is the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosques in China. It's construction started in 742AD, the first year of Tianbao period of the Tang dynasty, and additions were made during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties which makes it an ancient architectural complex,.

In the Tang dynasty, Islam was introduced to China by the Arabian merchants. Many Muslims settled in China and married Han people. The Great Mosque was constructed at that time to serve their needs. Many other mosques have been erected across the county since then.

Covering an area of 6,000 square meters, the complex can be divided into four courtyards. In the first courtyard, there is a wooden arch. The arch is 9 meters high and covered with glazed tiles and can be traced back to 17 century. Chambers stand each side of the arch displaying furniture preserved from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the center of the second yard stands a stone arch with steles on both sides. On the steles are famous calligraphies from prominent ancient calligraphers. The Fourth Courtyard contains a big prayer hall which can accommodate over thousands people at one time.  

The mosque is a combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic art. In Chinese style, it is constructed as a series of pavilions, buildings with four courtyards between them. The wall, however, is decorated with Islamic art.

It is the only Mosque that is open to visitors in the country. Non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter to the main prayer hall. The Great Mosque was added to the UNESCO Islamic Heritage List in 1985.