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So I'm back from my aforementioned trip to....
...Xi'an, the ancient capital of China!
Whilst probably best known as the starting point for tourists wanting to see the Terracotta Warriors, the city itself offers a plethora of things to see and experience. For many foreigners, their preconceptions of China as a monolithic culture are shattered as they notice...
ZOMG! TEH MOOZLUMS!!!11!111!!
Islam has been present in China for centuries, with its adherents spread over all areas and ethnic groups. Xi'an has a large population of native Muslims mainly from the Hui ethnicity. Over there I visited the famous Great Mosque of Xi'an, which according to records was first erected in 742 AD. Somewhat paradoxically for such a large and beautiful complex, it is tucked away in a maze of small alleyways and lanes in the old city's northwestern quarter.
Huajue Lane - enter via here!
Inside Huajue Lane...
...and here we are! (NB: this and the previous pic were taken on a different day, I just included them here for perspective :D)
The main entrance
As the mosque is an active place of worship, there is a 25RMB entrance fee for non-Muslims.
A scenic walk through beautiful courtyards as one approaches the masjid
A Chinese-style minaret. Purty, isn't it?
The main prayer hall
View of the main courtyard from the prayer hall
Inside the prayer hall
More pics soon, inshallah!
