Many of the ancestors of the 60,000 Muslims living in Xi’an today arrived during the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 AD) via the Silk Road as travelers and merchants. This ethnic group is named Hui. They speak Chinese yet follow Islamic traditions. They founded the Great Mosque in 742 AD. Most of the buildings you will explore were constructed during the 14th century. This Stone Arch in the second courtyard is from the Ming dynasty. Flanking it are two tall stelas. One of the carved stones features calligraphy from the Song dynasty (960 – 1279). The other tablet was created during the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644).