The Great Mosque of Xian is the largest as well as the best preserved ancient Islamic mosques throughout China. The mosque was built primarily in the Ming Dynasty and a lot of Chinese architectural elements had been synchronized into the architecture of mosque. As a result, the mosque has become one of the significant Buddhist temples of fifteen century with its unique single axis lined courtyards and pavilions.
According to historical records that engraved on a stone tablet, the mosque was built in year 742 within the reign of Tang Dynasty (618 to 907). The outcome of the mosque was in fact the best evidence for the introduction of Islam to the people here by Arabian merchants as well as travelers from Persia during the mid 7th century. Anyway, the mosque had gone through numerous reconstruction projects throughout the history. Most of the building which remains until today was the leftovers of renovations during Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Unlike many Chinese mosques, the Great Mosque of Xian is in fact designed in the layout of a Chinese temple which includes five successive courtyards facing west along the central east-west axis with pagodas and pavilions adapted to suit Islamic function. Each of the courtyards is consisted of a signature pavilion, screen and freestanding gateway that headed to the prayer hall at the western end of the axis. Some of the walls are constructed with find ground and polished bricks.
An imposing wooden gateway at nine meters high is located at the center of the first courtyard. The four-column roofed structure is covered with blue glazed tiles that dated back to 17th century. The second courtyard is separated from the first by a shallow roofed pavilion. A stone arch with two steles on both sides stands proudly in the center of the courtyard. The script of a famous Chinese calligrapher Mifu and Dong Qichang can each be found on the stele. Their calligraphy works are the great treasures in the art of handwriting ever since before.
The third courtyard which named Qingxiu Dian (Place of Meditation) is the venue where the Muslim makes prayer. On the other hand, Fenghuating (Phoenix Pavilion) which was built within the reign of Qing Dynasty is standing within the forth courtyard. The pavilion is said to resemble a phoenix with its outstretched wings and interrupts direct view to the prayer hall. The Prayer Hall can accommodate 1000 people at one time for prayer making ceremony.