Visiting Mosques in Xinjiang: Etiquette, Hours, and Guidelines

Mosques in Xinjiang serve not only as places of worship but also as architectural landmarks and community hubs. When visiting, please observe local customs: learn the rules beforehand to show respect and avoid misunderstandings.

Eidgah#

The Id Gah Mosque in Kashgar is open to visitors; tickets are sold at the side entrance. Visits are not allowed during prayer times—staff will inform you at the entrance, so please wait if needed. Please keep quiet inside the courtyard. Women must cover their hair and arms upon entry; scarves are available for loan at the entrance.

Other locations#

The exterior of the Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Urumqi and the Beitula Mosque in Yining can be viewed, but entry depends on on-site regulations. Some venues are only open during specific festivals; do not treat them as fixed stops in your itinerary.

• Do not photograph people while they are praying.
• Do not step on prayer rugs or lean against pillars.
• Attire must cover the knees; no tank tops or shorts.
• Remove shoes at the door and arrange them neatly.

Tickets & Hours#

Aitiqiar Mosque sells tickets at the side entrance at affordable prices. Opening hours vary by season; it closes earlier in winter, so check ahead for the latest schedule.

Attire and Coverage#

Women: Cover hair and arms with a scarf. Men: No tank tops or shorts. Shawls are available at the entrance; please return them after use. Please remove shoes outside the door, arrange them neatly, and keep the walkway clear.

Camera boundaries#

Photographing buildings and courtyards is allowed, but do not photograph people while they are praying. Before raising your camera, check if anyone nearby objects. It's more polite to lower the lens when a child runs up.

Holidays and Services#

The courtyard is often full on Friday midday and during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, so we do not accept visitors at these times. We recommend scheduling your visit in the morning to avoid these busy periods.

Nearby and on the way#

Steps out into the old town's alleys, where earthenware, copperware, and embroidered cap shops line up—perfect for a stroll.Kashgar Ancient City Cuisine。

How to take care of a child#

Explain the purpose of this place before entering; children will naturally lower their voices. In the courtyard, please do not run, touch exhibits, or ring the bell—these rules are clear after one reminder.

Where to next?#

Head east to the bazaar, north to the old city's alleys—both within an hour's walk. When you're tired, sit at a teahouse with brick tea and naan; it's affordable.

Duration of visit#

A 30-minute walk through the grounds, plus time for photos and audio guides, takes about 40 minutes. To avoid delaying pre-service preparations, please exit as directed.

Connect with urban walking#

Head east to the old town alleys, south to the bazaar. You can visit both within an hour; see the route below.Kashgar Old City and Bazaar。

Time & Seasons#

Visiting hours are more flexible from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Fridays at noon tend to be crowded. Winter service times vary with daylight; please check the daily notice for specifics. Please keep visits under 30 minutes and avoid occupying the courtyard for photos.

The walking route for the city stroll is as follows.One Day in Kashgar Old CityFor directions to nearby markets and shops, seeXinjiang BazaarAfter visiting the mosque, you'll find traditional pottery and copperware shops just around the corner—a perfect stop along your route.