The Id Kah Mosque, or “Festival and Square of Joy” in Uyghur, also Aitigaer Mosque or Eidgah Mosque, is a must-visit on any Xinjiang tours, especially in Kashgar. Xinjiang’s largest mosque, it really stands out among China’s religious landmarks. What makes the Id Kah Mosque unique is not just its gigantic size, but the way it attracts Muslims from all over town and from all over the world to pray. During holiday times, it welcomes tens of thousands on Eid-al-Fitr and the Day of Arafah festivities.
The Id Kah Mosque combines traditional religious atmosphere with its own local flavor, making it a leading historic Uyghur style model and Kashgar’s spiritual hub.
In Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, lies this 15th-century ancient mosque. It is an Islamic architecture wonder and a testament to the rich Islamic heritage of the area. With its stunning look, elaborate decorations, and deep history, the Id Kah Mosque is a must-visit attraction in your Xinjiang travel, offering a glimpse into the rich culture of this amazing destination.
Id Kah Mosque Facts
- Location: 137, Jiefang Road, Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
- Type:Religious Site, Historical & Cultural Site, Landmark
- Area:16,800 square meters
- Opening Hours:Every day from 10:30 am to 19:30 pm; closed from 14:00-16:30 every day for daily prayer
- Best Seasons: April to October
- Recommended Visiting Time:1 hour
- Tickets:￥45 for Tourists; Muslims get it free
- Highlights: The traditional Islamic architecture, dainty decorations, and intricate designs of the interior of the mosque
- Suited to: History, architecture, and photography lovers
History of Id Kah Mosque
The Id Kah Mosque in Xinjiang boasts a long and illustrious history. It was initially built in the 15th century and has ever since remained an important place for religious worship among the local Muslim community. Throughout its long history, the Id Kah Mosque has been repaired and enlarged numerous times, gradually evolving into the grand structure that we see today.
Despite the numerous challenges and obstacles it has encountered over the years, the Id Kah Mosque remains resilient, growing to become a major symbol of Islamic culture in the Xinjiang province. The Id Kah Mosque has not been destroyed; instead, it has been preserved and passed down through generations.
This mosque is of immense historical as well as cultural significance, and it is close to the hearts of the local Muslim people. In referring to the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar we need to consider its historical and cultural significance, and its meaning to the local community. At the same time, we need to cultivate and preserve such cultural heritage, so that it will still shine in the years to come.
What to See and Do in Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah Mosque measures a gigantic 140 x 120 meters in the north-south and east-west directions, respectively, and spans a total area of 16,800 square meters.
The gigantic complex consists of seven significant elements: main entrance, minaret, prayer arch, courtyard, lecture hall, outer prayer hall, and main prayer hall.
The Id Kah Mosque architecture is marked by its sharp, elegant colors and simple furnishing, embodying old Arab tastes and Muslims’ humility, simplicity, piety, and solidity.
Reveal the Legendary Entrance
The east gate is the main entrance of the Id Kah Mosque, located on the west bank.
This expansive square is the favorite among the locals to enjoy the sunshine and relax.
A gorgeous yellow-brick entrance gate, supported by two gigantic minarets on each side, greets visitors up close.
The gate is 4.7 meters tall and 4.3 meters wide with exquisite arch designs. The minarets that are about 18 meters in height are adorned with elegant Islamic patterns and topped with crescent decorations. Each morning, a loudspeaker calls Muslims to prayer from the minarets, and white doves often top them. Behind the gate, a dome with a corresponding minaret on top invites many tourists to take souvenir photographs.
Wander Through the Central Courtyard
Under a stunning 16-meter-high dome, there is an octagonal hall, which leads to the inner courtyard via two corridors. Via the stone-paved northern corridor, you will enter a huge 20-acre courtyard (Saan), a green oasis filled with lush vegetation and peaceful ponds. It is a peaceful, cool refuge from the city’s hubbub. North and south of the courtyard are 24 scripture halls where the Imam delivers sermons daily, and students learn in vibrant rooms.
Feel the Holy Id Kah Mosque Interior
Descending further, past the wooden fence, there are two small yellow minarets standing guard in front of the main prayer hall.The 140-meter long and 19-meter wide prayer hall is also divided into three sections: exterior prayer hall (main prayer hall), outer corridor, and entrance, all of which are constructed on a platform.
The Id Kah Mosque size is really extraordinary, unprecedented in China and even globally.The outer corridor, a broad passageway, is adorned with colorful prayer carpets.It also contains 140 green-carved wooden pillars, neat light yellow beams, and roofs. The light yellow walls are adorned with lovely green carvings and traditional Islamic patterns, which add to the simplicity and beauty of the mosque. The main prayer hall is the center and most sacred area of the Id Kah Mosque.
Compared to Buddhist temples crowded with humongous golden Buddhas, it’s huge and airy with just Muslim-donated prayer rugs, simple chandeliers, an antique clock, a beautifully woven wool tapestry, green columns, and a ceiling that is a replica of the exterior passageway. Two local women spent more than 18 months making the tapestry. The tapestry’s 56 pomegranate flowers symbolize China’s 56 ethnic groups.
On Fridays (the main prayer day), 6,000 to 7,000 attend, and on Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, an astonishing 20,000 to 30,000 visit. From the Id Kah Mosque top view, you can completely view its grandeur. For those on a China silk road travel adventure, the Id Kah Mosque is a must-see destination.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to include a visit to Id Kah Mosque in Xinjiang in the Kashgar tours is June to September. The weather at this time in Kashgar is warm and enjoyable, ideal for visiting Id Kah Mosque and other places. Also, the mosque is most lively during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are both significant celebrations with the local Muslim community. In winter (December to February), it falls to -20°C (-4°F), and in spring (March to May), it is windy and dusty, so it is better to skip these two seasons.
Attractions Nearby Id Kah Mosque
- Abakh Hoja Tomb:Not just history; it’s an ornamented, beautiful site talking volumes about the history of this region. A perfect spot to soak in historical and cultural climate for those planning a Kashgar travel.
- Kashgar Old Town:Located in the heart of the city, this old neighborhood is a blend of traditional houses, vibrant markets, and delicious food. The narrow streets are lined with a rich cultural environment that is easy to feel.
- Gaotai Residential Area:Open for visits at no cost, with earth-yellow walls and intricately carved windows and doors that blend history with art. Friendly and warm residents invite you to try local food and experience traditional handicrafts.
How to get to Id Kah Mosque
The journey to Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar of China is extremely convenient. The mosque is centrally located in Kashgar Old Town, west of Id Kah Square, and conveniently linked to the city.
Travelers have the following choices:
- Taxi: Conveniently located, about 10-15 minutes from the city center.
- Bus: 15-20 minutes, price about 1-2 RMB.
- Walking:For those who are in the city center.
How to get there from elsewhere:
- Kashgar Airport:5 km, 20-minute taxi or 45 minutes tourist bus (Line 1/2).
- Kashgar Railway Station:7 km, 25-minute taxi or 50 minutes-1 hour bus (28/20/17).
- Kashgar Bazaar:2 km, 10-minute taxi or 30 minutes bus (7/20/28).
- Abakh Hoja Tomb:5 km, 20-minute taxi or 1 hour bus (20/7).
