Jinan Great Southern Mosque, Provincial heritage mosque in Lixia District, Jinan, China.
The Jinan Great Southern Mosque is a large complex with buildings arranged symmetrically along an east-west axis aligned toward Mecca. Prayer halls and courtyards are connected together to form a cohesive whole.
Written records date the mosque's move to its present site to 1295, the first year of Temür Khan's reign; a Tang-dynasty origin exists only in legend. Construction of the present structures began in the 1420s–1430s, with major expansion in 1492 under the Hongzhi Emperor. Renovations followed under Ming emperors Jiajing and Wanli, Qing emperors Jiaqing, Daoguang and Tongzhi, and in the early Republican era.
The building combines Chinese temple traditions with Islamic requirements, visible in features like the spirit wall at the entrance and the moon building. Visitors can observe how these two architectural approaches work together in practical ways.
The complex welcomes visitors and worshippers attending daily prayers or large gatherings during Islamic festivals throughout the year. It is best to dress appropriately and respect prayer times when visiting.
The rear hall's six hard-wood door leaves and two large round windows have frames carved with Quranic verses, described in Chinese sources as rare examples of Islamic classical art in China. Look for the carved latticework on the north and south sides of the rear hall.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,178 contributors worldwide.