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Islam
It is estimated that Islam probably became established in the 7th century and its influence has been enduring. Ten of the 56 ethnic groups in China profess themselves to Islam, the Hui, in particular.

Mohammed was born in Mecca around the year 570 and he preached the Koran in his 40's. Islam soon came to China from the Silk Roads both by land and over the sea. During the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), Islam finally became permanently established in China. There are approximately 21,000 mosques in China today. The Muslims celebrate their festivals while Chinese-Muslim groups organize pilgrimages to Mecca.

Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Xiaotaoyuan (Mini-Peach Orchard) Mosque was built at 52 Xiaodaoyuan Street in in Shanghai in 1925. The mosque houses a Prayer Hall, a Watchtower and a symbolic Moslem pole. 		 
Id Kah Mosque
This is said to be the tomb of a Muslim missionary. The missionary was one of the four earliest missionaries sent to China by Mohammed during the reign of the Tang Emperor Tai Zong (626 - 649). After his death people buried him near Liuhua Bridge outside Guangzhou so the site is now of historical significance.

Huaisheng Mosque

Huaisheng Mosque was also known as Guangta Mosque or Smooth Tower Mosque. This mosque is one of the earliest mosques established after Islamism was introduced into China in the 7th century. The original mosque on this site is said to have been built in 627 AD by the first Muslim missionary, an uncle of Mohammed. Huaisheng means 'Remember the Sage' in memory of the prophet.

Inside the mosque is a minaret, which is 36 meters in height and has a pointed tower. It is of typical Arabic architectural style. This minaret is known as Guangta - Smooth Tower.


Id Kah Mosque
The Id Kah Mosque on Jiefang Road in Kashi (Kashgar) covers 16,000 square meters. The two 10-meter-high minarets that flank the entrance to the mosque lend an air of magnificence and stateliness to the building. With a capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 people, it is the largest mosque and religious center for Moslems in Xinjiang and the festival ground during Corban and Lesser Bairam.
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