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"Islamic Buildings" is a richly illustrated volume that traces the spread of Islam in China, and Islam's influence on ancient Chinese architecture. The introduction of Islamic architecture into China resulted in a unique blending of Chinese and Arab architecture. Islam spread quickly in China, with followers constructing a variety of religious buildings, including scripture halls, halls of prayer, and mausoleums. Tragically, few ancient Chinese mosques have survived to the present. The best examples of Chinese mosques are presented here with 125 color photographs and 20 illustrations and figures, documenting the spectacular interiors and exteriors of mosques that are still standing in China today.

Although the Islamic buildings in China have their origins in the Arabic world, they have taken on an architectural form incorporating also Chinese features. Islam was first introduced to China by land in the western territories and to the coastal cities by sea during the Tang dynasty. Mosques were subsequently built throughout China. Along the coast these magnificent buildings were constructed in traditional Arabic style, of brick and stone with flat roofs, while further inland elaborate timber constructions arose. The sheer quantity and variety of mosques and Islamic tombs illustrated provides a considerable insight into this very Chinese architectural form.