This is a magnificent and unique mosque, primarily in Chinese architectural style but also combining elements of traditional Persian-influenced Central Asian Islamic architecture. It is currently (as of July 2024) a museum and not used as a mosque, a fact we had read about from one review on the internet, but which was not otherwise clear. It is open everyday from 9:00 am to 18:00 (6:00 pm), but the kassa/ticket entrance is closed for lunch from 13:00-14:00 (1:00 pm - 2:00pm). However, if you get inside before the lunch closure, they do not kick you out; they simply close the entrance during that time. There is typically modest fee (500 tenge, I think). It is in the centre of town with the ticket entrance at the NE corner. There is parking on the streets all around. The place was built in the late 19th century, according to tradition by a Chinese architect who had to flee from China. We had our rental car for one more day after returning to Almaty from a week exploring SW Kazakhstan and decided to make a day trip to visit this mosque. We were not disappointed. We found the trip, which we did in almost exactly 3 hours' drive each way, to be well worth it. The highway between Almaty and Zharkent is excellent and one of the best in the country. There is a small museum with some artifacts and models of historic structures from Kazakhstan. There are toilets, but they are basic pit toilets.

made a detour to visit this chinese pagoda mosque, now a architectural and art museum instead. as it is no longer a practicing mosque but a museum, normal attire is sufficient. entry fees is 500 tenge per person. at this point in zharkent, you are also about 45-60 min from the chinese border (khorgos)