Xiaotaoyuan Mosque

Xiaotaoyuan Mosque, also known as Shanghai Xiaotaoyuan Mosque or Xicheng Mosque, is one of the most important historic mosques in Shanghai. It is located at 52 Xiaotaoyuan Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, in the old city area and within reach of well-known heritage attractions such as Yu Garden and the City God Temple area. The mosque is often described as the largest mosque in Shanghai and remains an active place of worship for the city’s Muslim community.

The mosque was first established in 1917 by Jin Ziyun, who purchased the land, and it was later rebuilt in 1925 in the architectural form seen today. Its design combines Islamic architectural features with Chinese elements, including green-and-white exterior walls, domes, arched windows, and a courtyard layout. The mosque’s appearance makes it a distinctive landmark within the surrounding urban neighbourhood.

Historically, Xiaotaoyuan Mosque played an important role beyond daily worship. During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, mosques in Shanghai’s old city area helped serve Muslims from different parts of China who passed through Shanghai on their way to perform the Hajj pilgrimage by sea. This connection reflects Shanghai’s role as an international port city and highlights the mosque’s place in the wider history of Islam in China.

Today, Xiaotaoyuan Mosque continues to serve local Muslims and Muslim visitors to Shanghai. It is also associated with the Shanghai Islamic Association, making it an important religious and community centre in the city. For travellers, it can be a meaningful stop for prayer as well as a place to appreciate Shanghai’s multicultural history and Islamic architectural heritage.