The Great Mosque of Hohhot (呼和浩特清真大寺) is the oldest and largest mosque in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Originally built in the 32nd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1693), this mosque holds significant cultural and historical value, symbolizing the longstanding presence of Islam in the region.
Covering an area of over 4,000 square meters, the mosque complex is designed as an independent three-courtyard layout, oriented east to west. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the main gate, which consists of three rooms, with a horizontal plaque reading “Great Mosque” above the entrance. Inside the gate, the rear wall faces the main prayer hall (the largest and most important building within the complex). The prayer hall’s eastern entrance features three grand arched gates, each adorned with Islamic motifs of flowers and plants. A small crescent-shaped platform stands in front of the prayer hall. This hall, symmetrical and rectilinear in layout, stretches five rooms wide and five rooms deep, providing space for over 500 worshippers during prayer times.
On the north and south sides of the prayer hall are lecture halls, where religious teachings and gatherings are held. Opposite the hall, to the east, is a corridor adorned with a painted depiction of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca. This area serves as a resting spot for Muslims before their prayers. Adjacent to the prayer hall is the second courtyard, where a reception room on the northern side connects to the prayer hall via the platform. Special religious events, festivals, and community celebrations are often held here.
The third courtyard, located further east, houses additional facilities such as a bathing area, water room, and office spaces. The bathing rooms in this section are essential for ablution rituals before prayer. A warehouse is also situated in the southern part of the courtyard. In the southwest corner of this courtyard stands a “Moon Tower,” a structure used to observe the lunar cycle for Islamic calendar purposes.
The prayer hall remains the focal point of the mosque. Its grand entrance faces east, with three large arched gates. Above the central arch, an inscription in Arabic reads “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” reflecting the Islamic faith’s deep-rooted presence in the region. The rear wall of the prayer hall, built of solid brick, bears the inscription “God is One,” emphasizing the oneness of Allah.
The Great Mosque of Hohhot remains a vital religious center for the city’s Muslim community, combining traditional Chinese architectural techniques with Islamic art and symbolism. It continues to play a central role in the religious and cultural life of Hohhot’s Muslim population.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 12.00; 15.00 – 19.30 |
Location and Transportation
The Great Mosque of Hohhot is located at No. 28, South Tongdao Street, in the Huimin District of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. To get there, you can take bus 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 16, 19, 21, 22, 24, 38, 42, 50, 57, 58, 59, 73, 81, 102, 201, 209, or K3 and get off at the North Gate of the Old City Stop (旧城北门站).
From a distance, the architectural style of the Great Mosque is truly unique, with a strong Islamic flair that hits you right away. The main structure is grand and imposing, and the towering minarets seem to tell tales of the passage of time. The turquoise-glazed tiles shine with enchanting brilliance in the sunlight, creating a beauty that’s almost unfair!
Religion brings people together, allowing them to discuss and work collaboratively towards a common goal. The Great Mosque was also built with contributions from the community, which gives me a sense of collective spirit.
Wangyue Tower is beautiful; I happened to capture a plane flying by while taking photos, creating a feeling of time colliding.
Visiting hours: 9 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Make sure to pay attention to the timing if you’re arriving early, so you don’t end up like me and miss out.
You can also stroll around the area; the Islamic Culture Street is right nearby, and just across the street is Kuan Alley Food Street.