The Great Mosque of Hangzhou

The Great Mosque of Hangzhou

The Great Mosque of Hangzhou杭州清真寺, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, began construction in 2012. Once completed, it will be one of the largest mosques in China and a central hub for religious and cultural activities for Muslims in Hangzhou. Covering a 10-acre site, the mosque’s construction area is 7,252 square meters, with a total building area of approximately 16,998 square meters. The design features traditional Arabic Islamic architectural styles, with a grand and elegant façade facing east.

Historical Development

Reasons for Construction
Hangzhou has a long and rich history of Islamic culture. In recent years, the city’s Muslim population has grown to nearly 20,000. The existing Phoenix Mosque was no longer sufficient to meet the religious needs of the Muslim community and did not comply with national heritage preservation standards. The Great Mosque of Hangzhou, after several years of preparation and groundwork, is intended to serve as a significant window for showcasing excellent Islamic culture and the positive image of the Muslim community in Hangzhou. It aims to unite the city’s Muslims and contribute to building an exceptional city with Eastern qualities.

Initial Construction
On the morning of October 12, 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the construction site located in the Qianjiang New City area, northwest of the intersection of Canal East Road and Tanhuan Temple Road. The construction of the mosque was led by the Hangzhou Islamic Association. With a budget of 170 million yuan, the mosque was planned to be completed and put into use by 2014.

Scale and Structure

Size and Layout
Upon completion, the Great Mosque of Hangzhou will cover 10 acres and consist of five above-ground floors and one underground floor. The construction area is 7,252 square meters, with a total building area of approximately 16,998 square meters. The above-ground area is about 12,960 square meters, while the underground area is approximately 4,038 square meters.

Architectural Features
The mosque’s design incorporates traditional Islamic architectural elements. The main entrance faces east and features a majestic and elegant design. The completed mosque will feature a towering minaret, a grand main hall with a layered design, and a copper dome. It will become a landmark in East Hangzhou and a beautiful sight along the Grand Canal.

Main Buildings
The mosque will include a two-story prayer hall, a minaret, a sermon hall, a historical archive, an electronic reading room, and a women’s prayer hall. It will also feature modern facilities such as separate prayer rooms for men and women, a lounge for elderly visitors, and a dining hall for Ramadan.

Location

Address
The Great Mosque of Hangzhou is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Canal East Road and Tanhuan Temple Road, Qianjiang New City, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

How to Get There

Transportation Options

By Metro: Take Line 1 to Qianjiang New City Station. From there, it is a short walk or a short taxi ride to the mosque.
By Bus: Several local bus routes pass near the mosque. Check local bus schedules for routes stopping at Qianjiang New City.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Hangzhou. You can instruct the driver to take you to the Great Mosque of Hangzhou at the intersection of Canal East Road and Tanhuan Temple Road.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Recommendations

Spring and Autumn: These seasons offer mild weather and are ideal for visiting the mosque comfortably.
Ramadan: Visiting during Ramadan provides a unique opportunity to witness special religious activities and communal gatherings.

Travel Tips

Respect Religious Practices

Dress Code: Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women should consider wearing long sleeves and long skirts or trousers.
Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor and remain quiet, especially in prayer areas. Follow any instructions given by mosque staff.

Check Visiting Hours

Open Hours: Confirm the mosque’s opening hours and any scheduled religious activities or events before your visit to ensure access and participation in special events.

Guided Tours