TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chinese government delayed the demolition of a mosque located at the southwest region following demonstration staged by thousands of Muslim people. The first mosque in China built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and that the religion was brought by Arabic traders.

“The traders built several mosques in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Quanzhou,” as reported by China Highlight.

Here are the top five mosques in China.

1. Niujie Mosque

Niujie is the oldest mosque in Beijing which is constructed during the Liao Dynasty in 907-1125. The mosque is renovated and enlarged three times. The mosque building represented a mixed China and Islamic architectures and it was one of a tourism destination.

2. Kowloon Mosque

The mosque and Islamic center are said as the huge and beautiful building in Hongkong as its rooftops are pink colored. The biggest mosque in Hong Kong is located at Tsim Sha Tsui, the most of Muslim populated area. Designed by I.M Kadri, the mosque can accommodate 3,000 people.

3. Idgar Mosque

The mosque complex is located in Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, China. The architecture strongly reflects the Islamic religion. In the local language, Idgar means shrine. The mosque has become a religious place as well as religious events.

4. Great Mosque

Located in Xi’an, the Great Mosque is one of the biggest mosque and important Islamic shrines in China. The construction started in 742 with a combined architecture of China and Islam. Many mosques were built in China since then.

5. Dongguan Mosque

The mosque architecture is a combination data-style of China traditional and modern judging by its ornaments. Dongguan Mosque can facilitate 3,000 Muslims. The mosque now has an Islamic education center and institution.

CHOIRUL AMINUDDIN