Exploring Siliangzi Gongbei in Wuzhong: History of Jahriyya Sufi Shrine in Ningxia
[Internet Repost]
The Protected Heritage Architecture of Siliangzi Gongbei in Wuzhong: A Study of the Final Resting Place of Master Ma Hualong and Its Hexagonal Double-Eaved Design
Abstract:
A deep dive into the Siliangzi Gongbei, a key cultural heritage site under protection in Wuzhong City. This explores its history—originally built in the fourth year of the Republic of China (1915) and rebuilt in 1992—along with its striking 24-meter-tall main structure featuring an intricate hexagonal pyramidal double-eaved design symbolizing the hexagonal cap of the Jahriyya order.
The Siliangzi Gongbei is a key cultural relic protection unit in Wuzhong City, Ningxia, serving as the final resting place and commemorative shrine of Ma Hualong, the fifth-generation master of the Jahriyya Sufi order (whom followers respectfully call the "Thirteenth Grandfather").
Originally built in 1915 (the fourth year of the Republic of China) and later rebuilt in 1992, the gongbei is now an ancient-style, reinforced concrete structure featuring a hexagonal pyramidal double-eaved roof. Standing 24 meters tall, the main structure symbolizes the hexagonal hat of the Jahriyya and the six core articles of faith in Islam. The exterior is decked out in dark gray bricks and green glazed tiles, while the interior is inlaid with pristine white marble. The craftsmanship is seriously stunning, holding massive religious and artistic value.
The architectural details are totally packed with symbolism:
The nine-tier base represents the "nine layers of empty clouds";
The east-facing facade features carvings of the "Five Elders Observing Taiji," blending traditional philosophical imagery;
The eaves corners are shaped like six phoenixes spreading their wings, symbolizing good fortune and spiritual ascension.
The Protected Heritage Architecture of Siliangzi Gongbei in Wuzhong: A Study of the Final Resting Place of Master Ma Hualong and Its Hexagonal Double-Eaved Design
Abstract:
A deep dive into the Siliangzi Gongbei, a key cultural heritage site under protection in Wuzhong City. This explores its history—originally built in the fourth year of the Republic of China (1915) and rebuilt in 1992—along with its striking 24-meter-tall main structure featuring an intricate hexagonal pyramidal double-eaved design symbolizing the hexagonal cap of the Jahriyya order.
The Siliangzi Gongbei is a key cultural relic protection unit in Wuzhong City, Ningxia, serving as the final resting place and commemorative shrine of Ma Hualong, the fifth-generation master of the Jahriyya Sufi order (whom followers respectfully call the "Thirteenth Grandfather").
Originally built in 1915 (the fourth year of the Republic of China) and later rebuilt in 1992, the gongbei is now an ancient-style, reinforced concrete structure featuring a hexagonal pyramidal double-eaved roof. Standing 24 meters tall, the main structure symbolizes the hexagonal hat of the Jahriyya and the six core articles of faith in Islam. The exterior is decked out in dark gray bricks and green glazed tiles, while the interior is inlaid with pristine white marble. The craftsmanship is seriously stunning, holding massive religious and artistic value.
The architectural details are totally packed with symbolism:
The nine-tier base represents the "nine layers of empty clouds";
The east-facing facade features carvings of the "Five Elders Observing Taiji," blending traditional philosophical imagery;
The eaves corners are shaped like six phoenixes spreading their wings, symbolizing good fortune and spiritual ascension.
