Huajue Lane Mosque | A serene orchid in the bustling city life

The Huajue Lane Great Mosque, hidden deep within Huajue Lane in Xi'an, is not far from the busy streets, but finding it requires a bit of effort. Located in Huajue Lane, Beiyuanmen Hui Street, commonly known as the Great Mosque or East Great Mosque, it is the largest Islamic mosque in Xi'an. Huajue Lane was a settlement area for Hui ancestors, with the name implying enlightenment and realization. Its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The Hui people are characterized by being widely dispersed with small concentrated communities. Their residential areas are centered around mosques, and Xi'an has a Muslim architectural complex consisting of seven mosques and thirteen blocks. In the early 7th century, Islam was introduced to China via the Silk Road. Throughout the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Islam spread widely in China, and mosques built in various dynasties have been preserved almost everywhere. The Huajue Lane Mosque is one of the famous Islamic mosques. However, one does not see the typical sapphire blue domes and towers of Arab mosques here. Instead, traditional Chinese wooden pavilion-style architecture catches the eye, making it stand out with its unique style among Chinese mosques. Upon entering, the details and decorations blend Islamic architectural art. Integrating traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic culture, it is one of the most distinctive, best-preserved, and typical Chinese-style mosques in our country, and it is also the only garden-style mosque in China. Xi'an Huajue Lane Great Mosque