Yangzhou Xianhe Mosque (also known as Crane Temple) enjoys equal popularity with the
Huaisheng Mosque in
Guangzhou, Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou,
Phoenix Mosque in
Hangzhou; these four mosques are the four big ancient China Islam mosques.
This mosque looks like a crane, and has been maintained completely; it is the clever blend of China-Arab architectural style. It has been for value at home and abroad. Every Islam festival, Chinese and foreign believers often gather here. This mosque has become a symbol of the friendly exchanges of Yangzhou and Arab.
Xianhe Mosque was built in 1275, and rebuilt in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It still preserves Islamic culture relics of Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties. This mosque mixes together the characteristics of Islamic architecture and ancient Chinese architecture style. While constructing the mosque, the builder was according to crane form from the “mouth” to “tail” layout. The screen wall facing the gate of a house is the mouth of crane; the gate hall is the head of crane; the north open channel is the neck of crane; the worship house is the body of crane; the two halls are the wings of crane; the two old wells are the eyes of crane; the two cypress are the legs of crane; the bamboo forest behind the hall is the tail of crane. Hence, this mosque got its name “Xianhe Mosque”.