A mosque dressed as a temple
Daxuexi Xiang means “Great Learning Lane.” The mosque at number 94 is often called the West Great Mosque (Xi Da Si). That name pairs it with the better-known East mosque on Huajue Lane.
Nothing about the gate says Middle East. You walk through timber gateways with upturned eaves and grey tile roofs into courtyards laid out one behind the next, on the plan of a Chinese temple. Arabic calligraphy on the boards is often the only sign you are in a mosque.
Tradition dates the foundation to the Tang dynasty. What stands now reflects later rebuilding. Treat the exact dates as tradition rather than documented fact.
Finding Daxuexi Xiang
The alley runs north off Xi Dajie (West Street), west of the Drum Tower, in Lianhu District.
- Metro: Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station on Line 2, then walk west past the Drum Tower. It takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
- On foot from the food streets: Beiyuanmen and the wider Huimin Jie (Muslim Street) area are a few minutes east.
- Navigation: Show a driver 大学习巷清真寺, or the full address, 94 Da Xue Xi Xiang.
The lane is narrow and residential. It is easy to walk straight past the entrance, so watch the house numbers.
Why it’s worth the detour
The Great Mosque on Huajue Lane draws tour groups and souvenir stalls. Daxuexi Xiang gets a small share of that traffic. The courtyards here are often close to empty apart from worshippers.
That quiet is the point of coming. You can stand in front of the carved screens and roof brackets for as long as you like, with no groups waiting behind you.
Pair it with the Great Mosque to compare the two, or with the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, all within a 20-minute walk. The Muslim Quarter food streets make an easy lunch stop before or after.
Visiting a working prayer space
This is a place of worship first and a sight second. Behave the way you would in any active mosque.
- Dress: Cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a scarf in case staff ask for one.
- Prayer hall: Non-Muslims are usually kept to the courtyards. If you are allowed near the hall, take your shoes off before stepping onto carpet.
- Timing: Avoid Friday midday, when the congregational prayer fills the site. Visitors are least welcome then.
- Photos: Architecture is generally fine. Ask before you photograph anyone praying or washing.
- Entry: If there is a charge, it is posted at the gate. Mobile payment (WeChat Pay or Alipay) covers most things in Xi’an, but keep a little cash for small gatekeepers.
Keep your voice low in the courtyards and step aside for worshippers. Speak a few words of Mandarin, or show the Chinese name on your phone, and staff will point you through the right gate.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Xi'an Daxuexi Alley Mosque?
At 94 Da Xue Xi Xiang in Lianhu District, a narrow lane running north off West Street (Xi Dajie), just west of the Drum Tower in the Muslim Quarter.
Which metro station is closest?
Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station on Line 2. Walk west past the Drum Tower and along West Street for roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
How is it different from the Great Mosque on Huajue Lane?
Both are Chinese-style courtyard mosques. Daxuexi Xiang, also called the West Great Mosque, is smaller and much quieter, with few tour groups.
How long should I spend there?
About 30 to 45 minutes for the courtyards. Add time to walk over to the Great Mosque or the Drum Tower, both close by.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Women should bring a scarf. Remove your shoes before stepping onto carpeted prayer areas, and avoid Friday midday prayers.
Plan your trip to Xi'an
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