Tomb of Ghais

Tomb of Ghais

The Tomb of Ghais is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guide The Tomb of Ghais, located in the western suburbs of Hami City, Xinjiang, is also known as the "Tomb of the Saint" or the "Green Dome." Introduction Legend has it that during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, at the invitation of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, the Islamic prophet Muhammad sent three of his disciples—Ghais, Wais, and Wagas—to China to spread Islam. Wagas died in Guangzhou, and Ghais and Wais arrived in Chang’an, where they were welcomed by Emperor Taizong. On their way back, Wais passed away in Huihuibao in the Hexi Corridor, while Ghais died in the year 635 AD (the ninth year of the Zhenguan era) at Xingxing Gorge and was hastily buried there. Later, the Hui King of Hami had a dome built over his grave at Xingxing Gorge.

The "Xinjiang Illustrated Gazetteer" records: "At the foot of Xingxing Gorge lies a tomb of the Huihu people... The locals pooled money to build a shelter over the grave, and prayers made there were said to be answered. The site was covered with plaques, and some even donated embroidered canopies to place over the tomb, which accumulated to a height of about a foot." Later, the dome was demolished. In the 28th year of the Republic of China (1939), local Muslims in Hami initiated the construction of the current Tomb of Ghais, and Ghais’s remains were relocated from Xingxing Gorge to this site.

The Tomb of Ghais is an Islamic-style structure, about 10 meters high, with a square base and a domed roof on top, covered with green glazed tiles. It features surrounding corridors and eaves, blending Arabic and Han Chinese architectural styles. The tomb site is enclosed by walls, within which various trees and flowers are planted, creating an especially elegant and serene environment. The Tomb of Ghais houses the remains of one of the rare-preserved Islamic saints in the world and is one of the important holy sites for Islamic pilgrims. Many Muslims who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Mecca come here to worship. The embroidered banners offered by worshippers hang all over the inner walls of the tomb and are layered over the grave of the "Saint."　

Hami City, Xinjiang