The Phoenix Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in China, its origins traced to the Tang dynasty when Arab merchants arrived along the maritime silk road. The current building dates largely from the 14th century and blends Chinese and Islamic architectural traditions: the roofline curves like a temple pagoda, but the interior faces Mecca and the decorative calligraphy is purely Islamic. It remains an active place of worship for Hangzhou's Muslim community.
The mosque stands on Zhongshan Middle Road in the old city, a few minutes walk from Hefang Street. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times. The courtyard is peaceful and the architecture rewards close attention — the carved wooden screens and stone-carved Arabic inscriptions are unusually fine. Hangzhou's Muslim population has been present for over a thousand years and the surrounding neighbourhood still has halal restaurants.