Islam has been present in China for over 1,300 years, making it one of the country’s oldest foreign religions. Arriving via trade, diplomacy, and migration, it took root in different regions, shaping distinct Muslim communities with unique cultural identities.
Today, China is home to a diverse Muslim population, primarily composed of the Hui and Uyghur ethnic groups, along with smaller communities such as the Kazakh, Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Salar, and Tajik peoples. Despite historical challenges, Islam remains an integral part of China’s religious landscape, with significant pilgrimage sites that attract both local and international visitors.
The Arrival and Spread of Islam in China
Islam is believed to have reached China in the 7th century CE, during the Tang dynasty, through Arab and Persian traders traveling along the Silk Road. The first recorded contact occurred when Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, was sent as an envoy to the Tang imperial court around 651 CE. Over time, merchants, scholars, and diplomats established Islamic communities in key trading cities such as Guangzhou, Quanzhou, and Xi’an.
During the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), when the Mongols ruled China, Islam expanded significantly. Many Muslims from Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East were brought to China as administrators, artisans, and soldiers. This era saw the emergence of the Hui people, a Chinese-speaking Muslim group that adapted Islam to local customs while maintaining religious identity. By contrast, the Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim people, had long practiced Islam in what is now Xinjiang, where they became a dominant cultural and religious force.
The Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties saw periods of both integration and repression, with Hui communities becoming deeply embedded in Chinese society, while Uyghur-majority areas in the west remained culturally distinct. In the modern era, Islam in China continues to navigate state policies and cultural shifts, yet it remains a vital part of the country’s religious and historical fabric.
Major Muslim Communities and Their Cultural Centers
Hui Muslims – Primarily found in Ningxia, Gansu, Yunnan, and Henan, the Hui are often descendants of Arab, Persian, and Central Asian traders who assimilated into Han Chinese society while retaining Islamic traditions. They are known for their distinctive Chinese-style mosques, which blend Islamic and Confucian architectural elements.
Uyghur Muslims – Concentrated in Xinjiang, Uyghurs practice a form of Islam influenced by Central Asian traditions. Their religious and cultural life has historically revolved around mosques, madrasas, and shrines of Sufi saints. Kashgar and Turpan have been major centers of Uyghur Islamic scholarship and pilgrimage.
Other Muslim Ethnic Groups – Smaller communities such as the Salar (in Qinghai), Dongxiang (in Gansu), and Kazakh Muslims (in Xinjiang) maintain their own distinct Islamic practices, often blending local traditions with broader Muslim customs.
Islamic Pilgrimage Sites in China
While the Hajj to Mecca remains the most important pilgrimage for Chinese Muslims, several sites within China hold deep spiritual and historical significance. These places attract pilgrims for reasons ranging from honoring early Muslim settlers to seeking blessings at tombs of revered scholars and saints.
1. The Tomb of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (Guangzhou)
Considered the oldest Islamic site in China, this tomb is traditionally believed to be the burial place of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, the Prophet Muhammad’s companion who is credited with bringing Islam to China. Though historical evidence is debated, the site has long been a place of pilgrimage for Hui Muslims and serves as a symbol of Islam’s deep roots in China.
2. The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Built in the 8th century and expanded over centuries, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of China’s oldest and largest mosques. Unlike typical Islamic architecture, it incorporates Chinese temple-style design, with pagoda-like minarets and calligraphy blending Arabic and Chinese scripts. The mosque is a pilgrimage site for Hui Muslims and a historical landmark for those tracing the Silk Road’s Islamic heritage.
3. Id Kah Mosque (Kashgar)
Located in the heart of Kashgar, Xinjiang, the Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China. Built in the 15th century, it has long been a central place of worship and pilgrimage for Uyghur Muslims. Its annual Qurban Eid (Eid al-Adha) celebrations attract large crowds, and many visit to pray at the mosque and seek spiritual connection with Uyghur Islamic traditions.
4. Dongguan Mosque (Xining, Qinghai)
A significant religious center for Hui Muslims, the Dongguan Mosque in Xining dates back to the 14th century. It serves as a hub for Islamic education and pilgrimage, drawing visitors for its Friday prayers and its role in Hui religious life. The mosque is also a departure point for many Chinese Muslims embarking on the Hajj to Mecca.
5. Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Kashgar)
This 17th-century mausoleum houses the tomb of Apak Khoja, a powerful Naqshbandi Sufi leader who played a major role in spreading Islam in Xinjiang. It is a major pilgrimage destination for Uyghur Muslims, many of whom visit to seek blessings and pay respects at the tomb of this revered figure. The site also contains the tomb of Iqbal Khatun (the “Fragrant Concubine”), a Uyghur woman who became a consort of the Qing emperor, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
The Role of Pilgrimage in Chinese Islam
Pilgrimage in China serves both religious and communal purposes. For Hui Muslims, visiting sites like Xi’an and Guangzhou helps them connect with Islam’s introduction to China and reaffirm their identity within a predominantly Han Chinese society. For Uyghur Muslims, pilgrimages to Kashgar and Turpan strengthen ties to their historical and spiritual heritage, reinforcing a sense of cultural belonging. Additionally, many Chinese Muslims view local pilgrimages as preparation for the Hajj to Mecca, with some undertaking domestic journeys before embarking on the sacred trip to Saudi Arabia.
Despite historical shifts and modern challenges, Islam in China continues to thrive through its deep-rooted communities, historic sites, and enduring pilgrimage traditions. From the trade routes of the Tang dynasty to the present day, Chinese Muslims have maintained a rich spiritual heritage, linking them to both their past and the broader Islamic world.
