Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Halal Travel Guide to Shaanxi: 12 Traditional Mosques (Part 1). 1. Huajue Lane Great Mosque: Rebuilt in the late 14th century. It is useful for readers interested in Shaanxi Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Islamic Heritage.

I. Xi'an

1. Huajue Lane Great Mosque: Rebuilt in the late 14th century

2. Daxuexi Lane Mosque: Rebuilt in 1384

3. Xiaopiyuan Mosque: Renovated in 1611

4. Dapiyuan Mosque: 1411

5. Xiaoxuexi Lane Yingli Mosque: 1774

6. Xiaoxuexi Lane Middle Mosque

II. Xixiang, Hanzhong

1. Xixiang South Mosque: Rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty

2. Xixiang North Mosque: Rebuilt in 1816

III. Ankang

1. Shuhe Mosque: 16th Century

2. Ankang Mosque

3. Ankang North Mosque

4. Jingning South Mosque

I. Xi'an

After the expansion of Xi'an city during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, Xi'an finally saw large-scale development since the end of the Tang Dynasty. Hui Muslims in Xi'an gradually settled in the northwestern part of the Ming-era Xi'an city, and by the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Muslim community known as the "Seven Mosques and Thirteen Neighborhoods" was formally established. At that time, there were seven mosques within the Xi'an Muslim Quarter: Huajue Lane, Daxuexi Lane, Dapiyuan, Xiaopiyuan, Yingli Mosque, Beiguangji Street, and Sajinqiao. During the Republic of China era, with the introduction of the Ikhwan ideology, two new mosques, the Middle Mosque and the West Mosque, were built in the Muslim Quarter, forming the "Nine Mosques of the Muslim Quarter" pattern where the Gedimu and Ikhwan traditions coexisted.

In November 2019, I traveled to the Xi'an Muslim Quarter and visited six of these traditional mosque buildings. I will share them with you below.

1. Huajue Lane Great Mosque: Rebuilt in the late 14th century

The Huajue Lane Great Mosque, also known as the "East Great Mosque," was rebuilt during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1398) and was renovated multiple times during the Jiajing and Wanli reigns of the Ming Dynasty and the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The mosque is divided into four courtyards. From east to west along the central axis are the screen wall, the wooden memorial archway, the Five-Bay Building, the stone memorial archway, the Chixiu Hall (Imperial Decree Hall), the Shengxin Tower (Mind-Reflecting Tower), the Lian-San Gate (Triple Gate), the Phoenix Pavilion, the moon terrace, and the main prayer hall.

The Five-Bay Building is also called the Second Gate; after entering it, one reaches the second courtyard.



The Five-Bay Building



Stone memorial archway



Chixiu Hall



Chixiu Hall



The second floor of the Shengxin Tower with its three-eaved octagonal roof



Lian-San Gate



Phoenix Pavilion



Moon terrace



Main prayer hall





Architect Liu Zhiping wrote in the book "Chinese Islamic Architecture": "Because the upper part uses a ceiling and has very exquisite colored paintings, the floor is neatly paved with wooden boards, the dougong (bracket sets) are crafted very finely, and the clear height of the ceiling is very appropriate, while the light inside the hall is dim and soft, these points make people feel that the interior of the hall is very quiet and comfortable. This is the success of the main hall's architecture. The author has seen many mosques, and this one is the most comfortable, clean, and magnificent and solemn. "



















The mihrab (niche indicating the direction of prayer) inside the main prayer hall of the Huajue Lane Mosque. Liu Zhiping said in the book "Chinese Islamic Architecture": "The rear kiln hall of the main prayer hall is the most beautifully crafted. The walls are entirely inlaid with wooden boards, and golden pillars are used to create door covers, hanging pillars, and other objects, making the sanctuary part even more magnificent. On all the wooden surfaces, there are magnificent and powerful shallow carvings. Because animal patterns are not allowed for decoration inside Islamic prayer halls, the entire wall is covered with magnificent and robust plant flowers. Such patterns are also often found on the brick carvings of other mosques. Its magnificent atmosphere has opened up a direction for our country's pattern decoration. Not using animals for decoration made the pattern carvings in the mosque have limitations, but at the same time, it also developed the situation of using plant and geometric patterns and calligraphy for decoration, thus contributing to the characteristics of Islamic architectural patterns. "



















Details of the rear kiln hall













The moon gate and screen wall on the side of the main prayer hall









The north wing room of the first courtyard







A patio



A wing room door



2. Daxuexi Lane Mosque: Rebuilt in 1384

The Daxuexi Lane Mosque, also known as the "West Great Mosque," was rebuilt in 1384 (the 17th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty) by Tie Xuan, the Minister of War, who was granted the name of the mosque by imperial decree. It was renovated in 1413 (the 11th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty) and twice more during the Kangxi and Guangxu reigns of the Qing Dynasty.

The structure of the mosque is similar to the Huajue Lane Great Mosque. In front of the main gate is a four-pillar, three-bay stone memorial archway. After entering the main gate, there is a three-bay hall, followed by the three-story, three-eaved Shengxin Pavilion (Mind-Reflecting Pavilion) with four corners. After passing through the Shengxin Pavilion, one enters the second courtyard. The north and south wing rooms are the Imam's residence and the lecture hall, respectively. There are two stele pavilions in the courtyard. Then, after passing through a small stone slope and a stone memorial archway, one enters the moon terrace, in the center of which is the main prayer hall.







Shengxin Pavilion













Main prayer hall

















Interior of the main prayer hall



















3. Xiaopiyuan Mosque: Renovated in 1611

The Xiaopiyuan Mosque, also known as the "North Great Mosque," was renovated in 1611 (the 39th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty) and is divided into four courtyards. Passing through the second and third courtyards from the "Second Gate" and "Lian-San Gate," one can reach the bluestone imperial path covered by a stone-carved shade shed.















Walking to the end of the imperial path is a coiled dragon stone slope, above which is a stone memorial archway. After entering, there is a large moon terrace paved with large square blue bricks, on which a "Pin"-shaped main prayer hall is built.















Interior of the Xiaopiyuan Mosque main prayer hall. In the 1930s, there was a Japanese bombing, and a bomb fell on the main prayer hall, but fortunately, it was a dud. Between 1960 and 1970, the entire mosque was demolished, and only the main prayer hall survived. I still want to express that every historical building we see that has been preserved to this day is truly rare, truly rare.



















4. Dapiyuan Mosque: 1411

The Dapiyuan Mosque was built in 1411 (the 9th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty) and renovated in 1781 (the 46th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty). After being occupied in 1959, the main prayer hall and the north and south pavilions collapsed one after another. After being returned to the believers in 1985, it was renovated successively.

















Main prayer hall and its interior



















5. Xiaoxuexi Lane Yingli Mosque: 1774

The Xiaoxuexi Lane Yingli Mosque was built in 1774 (the 39th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty) and is the latest one established among the "Seven Mosques and Thirteen Neighborhoods" of the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Muslim Quarter. It is said to have been built by Muslim officers and soldiers. The scale of the Yingli Mosque is much smaller than the mosques built in the Muslim Quarter during the Ming Dynasty, and it is connected to Xiaoxuexi Lane by a narrow "arrow path." The internal structure of the mosque is similar to the Xiaopiyuan Mosque, and it also has an imperial path covered by a stone-carved shade shed.



















Yingli Mosque main prayer hall view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Halal Travel Guide to Shaanxi: 12 Traditional Mosques (Part 2). In the early years of the Republic of China, the Daxuexi Lane Mosque and the Yingli Mosque in Xi'an adopted the Ikhwan (a reformist Islamic movement), which led some local residents who insisted on the Gedimu. It is useful for readers interested in Shaanxi Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Islamic Heritage.

















6. Xiaoxuexi Lane Central Mosque

In the early years of the Republic of China, the Daxuexi Lane Mosque and the Yingli Mosque in Xi'an adopted the Ikhwan (a reformist Islamic movement), which led some local residents who insisted on the Gedimu (traditional Islamic practice) to raise funds for a new mosque. Among them, Li Shenghua voluntarily donated his private residence, and with donations from the Great Mosque, the Xiaopiyuan Mosque, and many other prominent figures in the community, it was completed in 1919. Because the mosque is located between the Daxuexi Lane Mosque and the Yingli Mosque, it is called the Central Mosque.

The Central Mosque ceased activities in 1958 and was later converted into a workshop and a kindergarten. It was reclaimed by the community in 1986, and the current main prayer hall was built in 1987.



















I. Hanzhong Xixiang

1. Xixiang South Mosque: Rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty

The Xixiang South Mosque was first built in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. It was closed and occupied after the religious reforms in 1958, returned in 1986, and officially reopened in 2001. The current main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1997, but the main gate and the south wing room are still Qing Dynasty buildings. On the main gate, there is a 'Mosque' plaque from the Daoguang era.











After coming out of the South Mosque, you can see the 'Mosque Lane' wooden archway built during the Xianfeng era.







2. Xixiang North Mosque: Rebuilt in 1816

The Xixiang North Mosque was originally named Jingning Mosque and was built in 1614 by Hui Muslims who moved to Xixiang from Jingning Prefecture (now Pingliang, Gansu). The North Mosque was expanded in 1723, later destroyed by war, rebuilt in 1816, and renovated many times. It was occupied after the Cultural Revolution, returned in 1984, and the north wing room was rebuilt in 2009.



















The mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) is painted with very distinctive Shaanxi-style Arabic calligraphy.







II. Ankang City

1. Shuhe Mosque: 16th Century

The Shuhe Mosque is built on a steep cliff behind the ancient town of Shuhe and is connected to the street below by a hundred-step staircase. The mosque was first built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566), expanded in 1915, severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and renovated again in 1994. The current main entrance was added during the expansion in 1915, and the original main entrance has now become the back door. The Shuhe Mosque possesses a 'cat-arched back' fire-blocking wall, which is very unique among traditional Chinese mosques. Some traditional mosques in southern China have fire-blocking walls, each with its own characteristics depending on the region, such as the 'wok-ear' walls of the Guilin Old Village Mosque and the 'horse-head' walls of the Nanjing Jingjue Mosque. The 'cat-arched back' fire-blocking wall is a characteristic feature of the Hunan-Hubei region and extends into the Qinling-Bashan region. Currently, besides the Shuhe Mosque, the only other traditional mosque I know of that has a 'cat-arched back' fire-blocking wall is the Jingziguan Mosque in Xichuan, Henan. In addition, there are ink paintings and inscriptions on the brick carvings of the fire-blocking wall, which is also a very southern style.

















The courtyard of the mosque is very small, and a stone concave pool in the middle is used to collect dripping water from the eaves, which is very suitable for the rainy climate. Behind it are the north and south wing rooms and the main prayer hall. The main prayer hall has the three-section structure traditional to Chinese mosques: a front shed, a middle hall, and a rear kiln hall.



















Most of the mosque's colorful paintings were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, with only a portion preserved outside the rear kiln hall, where various traditional Chinese patterns can be seen. In addition, there are ink paintings on the door frame of the main gate. One of the beams of the mosque has an inscription from the fourth year of the Republic of China (1915) regarding its renovation, and it still retains 100-year-old Arabic calligraphy. In the last photo, you can see that the mosque is adjacent to a cliff.



















Traces of the 1915 expansion of the Ming Dynasty main prayer hall.



After performing Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) at the mosque, we happened to catch a 'ten-bowl' banquet, a specialty of Shuhe. Zainab ate very happily, and in the end, we were given a lot of youxiang (fried flour dough). The ten bowls include liancai hezi (lotus root slices stuffed with lamb, coated in egg, fried, and then steamed), lamb meatballs (coated in egg, fried, and then steamed), braised beef, fenzhengrou (lamb coated in flour and steamed with sweet potato chunks), steamed white meat (fatty meat near the lamb cartilage, steamed), chicken (stir-fried until half-cooked and then steamed), fish chunks (grass carp chunks coated in flour, fried, and then steamed), and three vegetable dishes. The dishes at a Hui Muslim banquet are different from ordinary home-cooked stir-fries because they usually have to serve many people. Most of them are prepared half-cooked and then steamed in a large pot, which ensures both efficiency and that the food does not get cold.









2. Ankang Mosque

According to the stele inscription, the Ankang Mosque was first built in the Yuan Dynasty. It was initially called the Libai Mosque (Worship Mosque), later renamed Jingjue Mosque, and changed to Mosque in 1767. In 1583, the mosque was destroyed by a flood and the mosque grounds were occupied. It was returned and rebuilt on the original site in the early years of the Kangxi era. It was destroyed again in 1862, with only the screen wall remaining. The north and south lecture halls were rebuilt in 1867, and the prayer hall and other buildings were rebuilt in 1871. In 1923, a five-story, hexagonal, pointed-roof minaret was built, reaching a height of 37 meters. The main prayer hall was expanded in 1931. In 1983, a major flood occurred in Ankang. The mosque's minaret collapsed, the north and south lecture halls were destroyed, and only the main prayer hall survived. In 1984, the north and south lecture halls, minaret, and water room were rebuilt. In 1999, the archway-style gate tower was rebuilt, and in 2013, the main prayer hall was rebuilt.









3. Ankang North Mosque

The North Mosque was first built in 1502. In 1983, a major flood occurred in Ankang, and all the buildings of the North Mosque were washed away. It was planned in 1984 and completed in 1994.

















Next to the North Mosque is a 232-year-old ailanthus tree, nearly 40 meters high. During the 1983 Ankang flood, 31 people climbed this tree and survived, so this tree is also called the 'Life-Saving Tree'.



4. Jingning South Mosque

The Jingning South Mosque was first built in the Ming Dynasty. In the 1583 Han River flood, the South Mosque was submerged, and the buildings collapsed, leaving only the Wangyue Tower (Moon-Watching Tower). It was renovated twice during the Kangxi era and in 1890. It was occupied after 1957. During the Cultural Revolution, a fire broke out, and the South Mosque was burned down, with only the Wangyue Tower surviving. After the property was returned, the main prayer hall, north and south wing rooms, water room, and gate tower were rebuilt. In 1998, the Ming Dynasty Wangyue Tower was demolished and replaced with a reinforced concrete building. In 2018, the stone archway, Wangyue Tower, and north and south wing rooms were rebuilt again. The main prayer hall of the Jingning South Mosque is the largest among the mosques in Ankang. From the top view, it can be seen that it is composed of three buildings connected together, and the style of each building is different. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Halal Travel Guide to Henan: 14 Traditional Mosques (Part 1). 1. Kaifeng Dongdasi (East Great Mosque): Rebuilt in 1655. It is useful for readers interested in Henan Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Islamic Heritage.

1. Kaifeng

1. Kaifeng Dongdasi (East Great Mosque): Rebuilt in 1655

2. Kaifeng Dongdasi Women's School

3. Kaifeng Shanyitang Mosque: 1874

4. Kaifeng Wangjia Hutong Women's Mosque School: 1810s

5. Kaifeng Beidasi (North Great Mosque): Rebuilt in 1662

6. Kaifeng Wenshusi Mosque Qing Dynasty screen wall

7. Kaifeng Zhuxian Town North Mosque: Rebuilt in 1738

8. Zhuxian Town Women's Mosque School

2. Zhengzhou Beidasi (North Great Mosque): Ming Dynasty

3. Jiaozuo

1. Bo'ai Xiguan Mosque: Expanded in 1405.

2. Bo'ai Erxianmiao Mosque: Qing Dynasty architecture

3. Bo'ai Daxinzhuang Dongdasi (Great Eastern Mosque): Expanded in the Ming Dynasty.

4. Bo'ai Daxinzhuang Qingzhen Xisi (Western Mosque): Qing Jiaqing reign.

5. Qinyang Beidasi (Northern Mosque): Rebuilt in 1631.

1. Kaifeng

1. Kaifeng Dongdasi (East Great Mosque): Rebuilt in 1655

Kaifeng Dongdasi was originally called Daliang Mosque. In 1368 (the first year of the Hongwu reign), the youth of the mosque community followed Chang Yuchun on the northern expedition against the Yuan Dynasty. After the victory, Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed the name 'Imperial-built Daliang Mosque'. In 1407 (the fifth year of the Yongle reign), Ming Emperor Zhu Di 'imperially bestowed funds for expansion'. It was destroyed by Yellow River flooding at the end of the Ming Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1655 (the twelfth year of the Kangxi reign), expanded in 1689 (the twenty-eighth year of the Kangxi reign), and destroyed again by Yellow River flooding in 1841 (the twenty-first year of the Daoguang reign). In 1846 (the twenty-sixth year of the Daoguang reign), because the Hui Muslims had contributed to flood prevention, the Governor of Henan petitioned the imperial court to rebuild it.

Currently, Dongdasi has three courtyards, featuring a main gate, a second gate, a prayer hall, north and south lecture halls, and side rooms.

The main gate has a single-eave, ridge-roofed hard-mountain style, decorated with Suzhou-style gold-leaf paintings.











Inside the main gate, a traditional maiti (coffin) box is kept.







Entering through the main gate leads to the second gate.



Next to the second gate is a chuihuamen (hanging flower gate).



Because the main hall is under renovation, Jumu (Friday prayer) is held in the north lecture hall.









The main hall consists of a juanpeng (arched roof structure), a front hall, and a rear hall. It was under renovation when I visited.















2. Kaifeng Dongdasi Women's School

The Kaifeng Dongdasi Women's School is opposite Dongdasi, first built in 1933 and rebuilt in 1993. The term 'women's school' first appeared in the 'Jingxue Xichuan Pu' (Genealogy of Classical Studies) written during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. During the mid-to-late Qing period, women's schools gradually evolved into women's mosques, but the name 'women's school' continued to be used, especially in places like Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, and Zhoukou.









3. Kaifeng Shanyitang Mosque: 1874

Shanyitang Mosque is one of the ancient mosque buildings in Kaifeng city, located southwest of the Drum Tower. It was built in 1874 (the thirteenth year of the Tongzhi reign) by Hui Muslims from Shaanxi who settled in Kaifeng. It was originally a 'Shanyitang' (Benevolence and Righteousness Hall) guild hall for performing good deeds. In 1901, when Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Kaifeng on her way back to Beijing from Xi'an, the vanguard officer, a Hui Muslim named Ma Anliang, petitioned for a plaque inscribed with 'Mosque', and thus it was renamed Shanyitang Mosque. I met the hospitable Zhao Baba (an affectionate term for an elder) at the mosque, who told me a lot about the history of the mosque and the stories of the Muslims in Kaifeng.























The famous Arabic calligrapher, Master Mi Guangjiang, wrote the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah for the mosque's yaodian (rear prayer hall).



4. Kaifeng Wangjia Hutong Women's Mosque School: 1810s

The Kaifeng Wangjia Hutong Women's Mosque School is the oldest existing women's mosque in China, first built in the 1810s (during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty). Two stone tablets from 1878 (the fourth year of the Guangxu reign) currently in the mosque record its history. The founder of the women's mosque was known as 'Li-family Yuan-woman Ahong'. After Yuan Ahong returned to Allah, her disciple 'Wu-family Zhang-woman Ahong' continued to serve as Ahong. During this period, a man surnamed Zheng donated funds to purchase the building, and an elderly woman named Zhao Yang donated two storefront rooms. This is also the first time in history that the terms 'female Ahong' and 'women's mosque' appeared.



















5. Kaifeng Beidasi (North Great Mosque): Rebuilt in 1662

Kaifeng Beidasi was destroyed by Yellow River flooding in 1645 and rebuilt at a new site in 1662 (the first year of the Kangxi reign). Because Beidasi is far from the city center, it is very quiet, and the courtyard is planted with many beautiful flowers and plants. During Dhuhr (noon prayer), there were only four of us, including the Ahong, the Mu'adhdhin, the mosque master, and myself. We chatted very happily. Several Babas told me about the history of Kaifeng Beidasi and the changes in the mosque community, and also told me what good food there is at the night market at the west gate of Henan University nearby.

















Guided by an old master, I discovered a stone tablet in the mosque inscribed by Bao Zheng himself, titled 'The Place Where the Dragon Horse Carried the Map', with the inscription 'March of the second year of the Jiayou reign (1057), by Bao Zheng, Scholar of the Longtu Pavilion and Prefect of Kaifeng'. This stone tablet was excavated in 1785 (the fiftieth year of the Qianlong reign) by Jiang Lan, the Henan Provincial Administration Commissioner, under the Yellow River levee at Heigangkou in the suburbs of Kaifeng. After it was unearthed, a shrine and pavilion were built specifically for the tablet. Later, the shrine and pavilion fell into ruin, and the tablet was kept in Beidasi.



6. Kaifeng Wenshusi Mosque Qing Dynasty screen wall

Kaifeng Wenshusi Mosque was first built in the Ming Dynasty, destroyed by floods at the end of the Chongzhen reign, rebuilt in 1649 (the sixth year of the Shunzhi reign), renovated in 1791 (the fifty-sixth year of the Qianlong reign), and rebuilt as a modern building in the 1990s. Currently, a Qing Dynasty screen wall is preserved opposite the mosque's main gate, featuring exquisite brick carvings.









7. Kaifeng Zhuxian Town North Mosque: Rebuilt in 1738

Zhuxian Town North Mosque is the largest mosque in Zhuxian Town. It was first built during the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, rebuilt in 1531 (the tenth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty), destroyed by Yellow River flooding in 1641 (the fourteenth year of the Chongzhen reign), rebuilt in 1738 (the third year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty), and expanded twice in 1744 (the ninth year of the Qianlong reign) and 1839 (the nineteenth year of the Daoguang reign).

The mosque's main gate has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, with very exquisite wood carvings on the lintels and vivid glazed roof beasts. Inside the gate hang the plaques 'Zhi Fa Zhen Yuan' (Reaching the True Source) inscribed by Zhu Yukun, the Henan Governor during the Qianlong reign, and 'Zhen Yi Huan Zhen' (True Unity Returns to Truth) inscribed by Yulu, the Viceroy of Huguang during the Guangxu reign.



















The prayer hall of Zhuxian Town Mosque consists of a juanpeng, a main hall, and a yaodian. The juanpeng is a beam-lifting wooden structure, open at the front and back, not connected to the main hall, with a stone drainage ditch in between and a stone arch bridge over the ditch.

















The path in front of the main hall is inscribed with 'Xiantian' (Pre-heaven), 'Zhongtian' (Mid-heaven), and 'Datian Junlu' (The Great Path to Heaven).



The beams and lintels of the prayer hall have exquisite wood carvings and colorful paintings.





The windows are inlaid with 'fish scales' measuring 8 centimeters square each, totaling about 720 pieces.





Inside the main hall.









A traditional tabu (coffin) box.



Arabic calligraphy collected by the mosque.



Selected verses from the Quran by the famous young calligrapher Wang Qifei.



Selected verses from the Quran by the famous calligrapher Mi Guangjiang.



The work 'Die Lian Hua' (Butterflies Love Flowers) by Liu Xueqiang, the then-Imam of Zhuxian Town Mosque, with the Shahada (testimony of faith) in the center, surrounded by praises to the Prophet and Takbir, with flower and butterfly patterns around the edges.



Praises to the Prophet and the declaration of oneness by the famous calligrapher and lecturer at Zhengzhou Beidasi, Wang Guo'an.



Arabic couplets by Imam Li Jianzhou of Zhengzhou Beidasi.



Collections in the mosque's exhibition hall. Qing Dynasty classics donated by Imam Liu Xueqiang.



Xiaojing (Arabic-script Chinese) donated by the late student of scripture, the Yang family.



Republic of China era classics donated by Liu Zhenzhong and Ma Guoxiang.



Old-fashioned tangping (kettle for ritual washing) tags.



A clock used by the late Ma Da Ahong donated by Ma Guoxiang, and a copper bell used by Qing Dynasty Ahongs to call the Hailifan (students of scripture) for Wudu (ritual washing) before the Adhan.



Scripture box.



Chongtong (water-pouring bucket) used for changing water in the Qing Dynasty.



Earthenware jar for Wudu from the Republic of China era.



The ancient well in the mosque, which was used until 2002. This exhibition hall was originally a water room. Every day, the mosque master used a windlass to draw water from the well into a pot to boil it, then poured it into tangping and water jars for ritual washing.



8. Zhuxian Town Women's Mosque School

The most touching moment of this Kaifeng trip was the very warm reception I received from Grandma Wang at the Zhuxian Town Women's Mosque School. Grandma Wang insisted on cooking for me, and I couldn't refuse, so I had the warmest bowl of huimian (braised noodles) of this trip.

Grandma Wang is 83 years old and from Weinan, Shaanxi. After her husband passed away 40 years ago, she went out to make a living and eventually settled at the Zhuxian Town Women's Mosque School. Grandma Wang said that the flour and oil she eats every day are given by everyone, and she doesn't have to pay to live in the mosque. She gets up at three in the morning every day to clean and prepare for Fajr (morning prayer), and prays with everyone five times a day, feeling that her life is very fulfilling. I wanted to take a picture of Grandma, but she said she was old and didn't want to be photographed.

While chatting with Grandma, I met the female Ahong of the mosque. She is a local, in her thirties, and has been at the mosque for just one year. She usually has a shop near the Yue Fei Temple and comes to lead the prayers five times a day. The Ahong is also very kind and gave me two youxiang (fried dough) to eat on the road.













2. Zhengzhou Beidasi (North Great Mosque): Ming Dynasty

Beidasi is located on North Street in the old city of Zhengzhou. It is said to have been built in the Ming Dynasty. It was renovated twice during the Qianlong reign and has the typical architectural style of Central Plains mosques. It is a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level.

The main gate was built in 1725 (the third year of the Yongzheng reign).





The Wangyuelou (Moon-Watching Tower) also serves as the Bangkelou (minaret). The first floor is a passageway. Judging from the architectural structure, it is very likely an original Ming Dynasty structure, but the dougong (bracket sets) and eaves rafters should have been replaced in the Qing Dynasty. According to records, it was renovated in 1887 (the thirteenth year of the Guangxu reign).







Wangyuelou has three pairs of Chinese couplets:

Observe, listen, and hear the words; understand the message of the body, and you will understand all creation.

In prosperity and adversity, honor and disgrace, realize the subtle use of the turning point, and you will realize the mystery within.

The hustle and bustle of the world, even if you are proud and happy, is just a moment of distraction.

Whether good or bad in body and mind, when you close your eyes at the end, only two things will follow you closely.

Follow the Quran to promote the right path.

Follow the Sunnah so that the truth will last forever.







On the other side are Arabic couplets.







There are also couplets on the doors on both sides of Wangyuelou:

The five daily prayers are the key to opening the door.

The true scripture is the lamp that guides the way.

To recognize the pearl, you must return to the shore.

If you think of the sea, repair the boat early. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Halal Travel Guide to Henan: 14 Traditional Mosques (Part 2). The main hall was renovated twice in 1802 (the 7th year of the Jiaqing reign) and 1907 (the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign), and consists of a juanpeng (open-fronted shed), the main hall, and a yaodian (niche hall). It is useful for readers interested in Henan Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Islamic Heritage.



Stone inscriptions in the courtyard.





The main hall was renovated twice in 1802 (the 7th year of the Jiaqing reign) and 1907 (the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign), and consists of a juanpeng (open-fronted shed), the main hall, and a yaodian (niche hall). The main hall features a raised-beam timber frame with exposed rafters, and the beams and lintels are covered with cloud and floral patterns, making it unique and elegant. There is a huazhao (decorative floral screen) between the main hall and the yaodian, which is filled with openwork patterns; light shines from the bright yaodian through the screen into the main hall, creating an exquisite and translucent effect on the screen.

In front of the main hall are two century-old sweet osmanthus trees.









Couplets inside the main hall:

For the painting of the heavens, one must know there is no second artist.

For the scriptures covering the earth, one must ponder who holds the brush.





Recognize Allah, who has no form or shadow, and let all things serve as witness.

Contemplate creation, it is not high or distant, for the only truth lies within the heart.

















Behind the main hall, next to the yaodian, stands a Chinese juniper tree over four hundred years old.







3. Jiaozuo

1. Bo'ai Xiguan Mosque: Expanded in 1405.

The Xiguan Mosque was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, and the main hall was expanded in 1405 (the 3rd year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty). It is currently a national cultural heritage site and is known as the 'First Mosque of Northern Henan'.

The main hall consists of a juanpeng, a front hall, a yaodian (middle hall), and a rear hall. In 1863 (the 2nd year of the Tongzhi reign), the yaodian was burned down by the Nian Army and later rebuilt to its original appearance. In 1941, a rear hall was added behind the yaodian, and the yaodian became the middle hall. The main hall is a raised-beam timber frame structure with 16 columns in 4 rows supporting the beam framework. The middle hall has 4 tall columns supporting the roof of the yaodian; inside the yaodian roof is a zaojing (caisson ceiling), and the exterior features a triple-eave, four-corner cross-ridge roof.













I performed the peshin (noon prayer) at the mosque and also caught the dhikr (remembrance of Allah) ceremony.







Main gate.



Glazed memorial archway.



Jumu (Friday prayer) plaque.



2. Bo'ai Erxianmiao Mosque: Qing Dynasty.

The Erxianmiao Mosque was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, renovated in 1638 (the 11th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty), and renovated again in 1731 (the 9th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty). It is a cultural heritage site of Henan Province. The mosque's main hall consists of a juanpeng, a front hall, a rear hall, and a yaodian. The juanpeng and front hall are Qing Dynasty structures with hard-mountain roofs connected in a series, while the rear hall and yaodian were added in 1993.



















3. Bo'ai Daxinzhuang Dongdasi (Great Eastern Mosque): Expanded in the Ming Dynasty.

The Daxinzhuang Dongdasi was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, expanded in the Ming Dynasty, and had a rear hall added during the Republic of China era. It is currently a cultural heritage site of Henan Province.

The main hall consists of a juanpeng, a front hall, a rear hall, and a yaodian. The juanpeng is an independent structure, with a drainage gutter installed where it connects to the front eaves of the main hall. In front of the main hall is a 365-year-old sweet osmanthus tree.



















The front hall is seven bays wide, with a timber frame featuring exposed rafters, and the wood carvings on the beams and lintels are very beautiful. The rear hall was added during the Republic of China era and features five Roman-style arched doorways with exquisite cement decorations from that period.













Wood carvings on the main gate.



Old door panels.



4. Bo'ai Daxinzhuang Qingzhen Xisi (Western Mosque): Qing Jiaqing reign.

The Daxinzhuang Qingzhen Xisi is near the Dongdasi, but it is not as famous as the Dongdasi. The Xisi was first built during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. The main hall was originally three bays wide, expanded to five bays in the late Qing Dynasty, and expanded again to seven bays in the early Republic of China era. During this time, the elder Mai Anli funded the construction of a five-bay juanpeng.















5. Qinyang Beidasi (Northern Mosque): Rebuilt in 1631.

In my opinion, the Qinyang Beidasi definitely ranks in the top three for beauty among historical mosque buildings in Henan. The Beidasi was moved to its current site in 1561 (the 40th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty), burned down in 1628 (the 1st year of the Chongzhen reign), and rebuilt in 1631 (the 4th year of the Chongzhen reign). It is a major national historical and cultural site.

The overall layout of the Beidasi is quite classic, consisting mainly of the main gate, a hallway, lecture halls, and the main hall. I will share the details with you bit by bit. Because of the lighting, I photographed it twice, on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

The main gate was built in 1799 (the 4th year of the Jiaqing reign) and uses peacock-blue glazed tiles, which are relatively rare in mosque architecture and look very refreshing.

















The hallway built in 1631 (the 4th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty).



The lecture hall built in 1909 (the 1st year of the Xuantong reign). The north and south lecture halls have hard-mountain roofs, with hanging floral columns under the eaves and diamond-patterned doors and windows, simple and elegant.











Scripture boxes in the Imam's office.



The main hall consists of a juanpeng, a front hall, a middle hall, and a yaodian. This architectural style, with a front hall featuring a hip-and-gable roof, a middle hall with a hanging-mountain roof, and a raised yaodian, is unique to the Qinyang area. First, I will share the exterior of the juanpeng and the front hall.



















The beautiful Qing Dynasty paintings inside the main hall; thanks to Imam Ma Hongjie for the wonderful introduction. The main hall of the Beidasi was occupied by a factory in the 1960s and 70s, and the lower paintings all faded; only the paintings on the ceiling were luckily preserved.



















The yaodian was renovated in 1887 (the 13th year of the Guangxu reign). The interior is a brick-vaulted structure, built with two semi-circular arches made of walls over 1 meter thick, with three layers of corbelled arches at the corners to form an octagonal well, topped by a corbelled dome. At the very top of the central dome is carved the Arabic word for 'Allah'.











There is very beautiful calligraphy on the mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca). Imam Ma Hongjie gave us a detailed introduction here, and I also caught the dhikr ceremony.





The exterior of the yaodian is a cross-ridge roof with over 70 glazed ridge beasts. Under the eaves are glazed lintels, brackets, and hanging floral columns, colorful and representing the highest standard of Qing Dynasty mosque yaodian roofs. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Nine Traditional Mosques and Three Gongbei Shrines in Qinghai (Part 1). Hongshuiquan Mosque is located in Hongshuiquan Township, Ping'an District, Haidong City. It is useful for readers interested in Qinghai Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Heritage.

Above, mosque

1. Hongshuiquan Mosque

2. Qingshuihe East Mosque

3. Mengda Mosque

4. Tashapo Mosque

5. Labian Mosque

6. Zhangga Mosque

7. Kewa Mosque

8. Su Zhi Mosque

9. Ahetan Mosque

Xia, Gongbei

1. Shangmajia Gongbei in Bazang Valley

2. Bazanggou Shangmazhuang Gongbei

3. Jiezi Gongbei

Above, mosque

1. Hongshuiquan Mosque

Hongshuiquan Mosque is located in Hongshuiquan Township, Ping'an District, Haidong City. The buildings preserved today are basically in the style of the Qianlong era, and I personally think it is the most beautiful ancient mosque in Qinghai.

I took the early flight on Saturday from Beijing to Xining Airport, and called a Didi as soon as I got out. Although Hongshuiquan Mosque is less than 20 kilometers away from Xining Airport, the road is full of winding mountain paths, and with the rain, the drive felt a bit thrilling.





The mosque's screen wall is built from imitation wood blue bricks, and the side facing the main gate is carved with a 'Hundred Flowers Picture' made of 255 hydrangea petals, with each design being unique. The uncle who manages the mosque said that legend has it that when the mosque was being built, a lady steamed buns for the craftsmen every day, so the craftsmen carved the shapes of these buns onto it. The back of the screen wall features a large brick carving of 'Qilin and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity'.















The unicorn and the phoenix bring good fortune



The main gate has a beamless structure, and the ceiling is built entirely by stacking and interlocking short crossbeams instead of using roof beams.











On the splayed walls to the left and right of the main gate are two large green brick carvings of 'mice stealing grapes' and 'a qilin with a pine tree,' created using the traditional single-layer high-relief brick carving technique. The mouse represents 'zi,' symbolizing many children and grandchildren. The pine tree sounds like 'song' (to send), symbolizing 'the qilin bringing a child.'









The Bangke Tower is a three-eaved, hexagonal, spire-roofed pavilion supported by two massive central pillars, with 12 surrounding pillars, a structure known as 'two men carrying mountains with twelve oxen'. The ground floor of the Bangke Tower features brick carvings of 'cats leaping and butterflies dancing', 'rabbits guarding cabbage', and 'plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums', with a style somewhat similar to Shanxi brick carvings from the late Ming to early Qing dynasties. The words for 'cat' and 'butterfly' sound like 'taotie', symbolizing longevity. The word for 'cabbage' sounds like 'hundreds of wealth', and rabbits are considered good at guarding wealth.













The mosque is divided into front and back courtyards by brick walls on both sides of the minaret.







The main hall has a vaulted gable-and-hip roof and consists of three parts: the front porch, the main hall, and the rear kiln-style hall. The roof ridge of the main hall features openwork glazed brick carvings and architectural models of dougong-style halls, with ornaments inspired by the 'treasure vases' placed on the roof ridges of Tibetan Buddhist temples.













On both sides of the main hall, the eight-character screen panels are carved with patterns of 'peacocks playing with peonies', 'four arts and ruyi', 'bamboo and plum blossoms for double happiness', 'peace throughout the four seasons', 'jade hall and peace', 'joyful news of early spring', 'mandarin ducks playing in water', 'lotus flowers on a single stalk', and 'pomegranate bursting with a hundred seeds', as well as large seals, fish, conch shells, and various floral designs.









The front porch capitals use corbels to support the beam frame, which is in the Tibetan architectural style. The wooden carvings on the circular arch spandrels feature patterns such as 'two dragons playing with a pearl' and 'a dragon playing with a phoenix'. The wooden carvings at the junction of the eaves columns and inner columns feature 'dragon and tiger' patterns.















The rear hall is entirely made of wood carvings, with the upper part in the style of a celestial pavilion, featuring carved railings, partition doors, and dougong brackets. The caisson ceiling at the top resembles a giant open umbrella, commonly known as the 'heavenly canopy umbrella'.













The lower part uses a partition screen design, carved with various landscapes, plants, and pavilions, but unfortunately, the Arabic wood carvings were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The door apron panels are entirely carved with the character 'Shou' (longevity) in different calligraphic styles.



The mihrab niche is shaped like a vase. The mouth of the vase is carved with flowers, the petals feature some patterns of the Buddhist 'Eight Treasures', and the outer edges are carved with floral patterns.





2. Qingshuihe East Mosque

Qingshuihe East Mosque is located in Shangzhuang Village, Qingshui Township, Xunhua County. It is the Haizi Mosque (the main mosque) of the Salar Bagong Qingshui Gong, originally built in 1425 and rebuilt many times throughout the generations.

First, let's admire the 17-meter-high minaret, with its double-eaved hexagonal spire featuring exquisite brick and wood carvings.





















The main hall of the mosque features a ridge-top hip-and-gable roof with projecting dougong brackets, brick-carved splayed walls on both sides, and brick-carved corridor walls to the north and south of the veranda, with each window featuring a unique lattice design.



















Inside the main prayer hall



















The vaulted hall and the mihrab, with intricate wood carvings.













3. Mengda Mosque

Mengda Mosque is located in Dazhuang Village, Mengda Township, Xunhua County. It was first built in 1408 (the sixth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty) and expanded three times during the Qing Dynasty. It is the Haiyi Mosque of the Mengda Gong, one of the eight Salar Gong.

The outermost part of the mosque consists of two wooden memorial archways with five-step dougong brackets, and in the middle is a three-eaved, hexagonal-roofed minaret. The minaret is 17 meters high, with the lower level made of hexagonal blue bricks, featuring brick-carved imitation wooden dougong brackets and brick-carved 'Tasmiyah' calligraphy.

















Main prayer hall



















Murals in the main prayer hall



















The mihrab of the kiln-style hall view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Nine Traditional Mosques and Three Gongbei Shrines in Qinghai (Part 2). Tashapo Mosque in Xunhua was first built in 1480 (the 16th year of the Chenghua reign of the Ming Dynasty) and rebuilt in 1755 (the 20th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty). It is useful for readers interested in Qinghai Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Heritage.

























The combination of flowers, plants, and calligraphy















4. Tashapo Mosque

Tashapo Mosque in Xunhua was first built in 1480 (the 16th year of the Chenghua reign of the Ming Dynasty) and rebuilt in 1755 (the 20th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty).

The base of the mosque's minaret is made of brick, while the upper part is a wooden pavilion with a double-eaved hexagonal spire. Inside, there is a hexagonal caisson ceiling that tapers layer by layer, which is very exquisite.























The gatehouse is a three-bay, three-story hip-roof structure, with grey brick splayed walls on both sides and a screen wall in front of the gate.















The main prayer hall of the mosque



















Inside the main hall, there are exquisite wood carvings. It is a great pity that only a very few parts of the murals have been preserved, and this is the first time I have seen quotations inside the main hall; previously, I had only seen them on the outer walls of the main hall.



















5. Labian Mosque

Labian Mosque in Xunhua County was first built during the Qianlong reign; the main hall was rebuilt in 2015, and only the minaret and the two side gate towers remain of the ancient architecture. The minaret is 18 meters high, with a brick-built lower level and a wooden pavilion on the upper level, featuring dougong brackets, upturned eaves, and a hexagonal spire.



















6. Zhangga Mosque

Zhangga Mosque in Xunhua County was first built in 1406 (the fourth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty) and rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. The minaret is 23 meters high, with a brick-built lower level and a wooden pavilion on the upper level, featuring a double-eaved hexagonal spire, and the top-level hexagonal caisson ceiling is formed by three layers of stacked dougong brackets in an inverted bucket shape.

















The main hall of the mosque, though it is a pity that much of the wooden structure has been renovated and replaced.



















The murals remaining in the main hall depict Mecca using traditional Chinese painting techniques.













7. Kewa Mosque

Kewa Mosque in Xunhua County was first built in 1403 (the first year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty) and expanded during the Qing Dynasty; it is the Hayit Mosque (Jumu'ah Mosque) for the Salar people's eight Gong and nine Gong groups. The lower level of the minaret is made of brick with exquisite calligraphy and landscape brick carvings, while the upper level is a wooden pavilion with a double-eaved hexagonal roof.



















To the right of the main hall is a larger main hall that was newly built in the northern part of the complex in recent years. I believe this approach of building a new main hall next to the historic one is the best choice at this stage, as it meets the needs of religious activities while protecting the original historic building. However, this approach is still in the minority; most practices involve demolishing the original historic building and rebuilding a new one. It is only because the Kewa Mosque itself is a national-level cultural relic protection unit that it is impossible to demolish the historic building.



















Kewa Mosque has the richest murals among traditional Salar mosques. Let me first share the murals on the south side of the main hall, which are all about Surahs. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Nine Traditional Mosques and Three Gongbei Shrines in Qinghai (Part 3). Wall paintings in the kiln hall. It is useful for readers interested in Qinghai Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Heritage.

























Wall paintings in the kiln hall.

















Mihrab niche





















Seal script mural













8. Su Zhi Mosque

Suzhi Mosque in Xunhua County was first built in 1460 (the fourth year of the Tianshun reign of the Ming Dynasty) and expanded during the Qing Dynasty; it is the Haizi Mosque for the Salar people of the Suzhi area and is currently a cultural relic protection unit of Qinghai Province.



















9. Ahetan Mosque

Although Ahetan Mosque in Hualong County is located north of the Yellow River in Hualong County, it is still a Salar mosque and, like Suzhi Mosque, belongs to the Suzhi Gong of the Salar Eight Gongs.

The mosque's three-bay, four-pillar, three-story hip-roof gate tower is 9 meters high, with the Five Pillars of Islam—Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj—carved in the center, topped by a triangular arrangement of dougong brackets with nine steps and four cantilevered arms.







The brick-carved screen wall outside the gate tower.





(Optional) Image description

Delete



The 18-meter-high minaret has a brick base and a wooden pavilion on the upper level.















In the main hall of the mosque, we were warmly welcomed by the Imam.



















Xia, Gongbei

1. Shangmajia Gongbei in Bazang Valley

Shangmajia Shang Gongbei is located on the summit of Woniu Mountain in Bazanggou, Ping'an District, Haidong City, so it is also called Woniu Mountain Gongbei; it is the tomb of Ma Diangong (1643-1715) of the Hufeiye Xianmen Menhuan.

Ma Diangong is known as Ma Ahong Taiye and is a local from Shangma Village in Bazanggou. He was eager to learn from a young age, entering the Xining Dongguan Mosque at 7 to study, and at 24, he was appointed as the Imam of the Xining Beiguan Mosque after completing his religious training. During his time at the Beiguan Mosque, he was entrusted by Huazhe Abdullahi and Apak Khoja to teach the scriptures to Xian Meizhen (Zhuzi Taiye). After Xian Meizhen founded the Xianmen Menhuan, Ma Diangong became his Naib (deputy). Before Xian Meizhen returned to Allah, because his eldest son Xian Huazhe was still young, he entrusted him to Ma Diangong and asked him to preside over religious affairs.

During the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the third-generation Sheikh Xian Chengde (Grandfather Chuanli) built the Gongbei for Ma Diangong; it was destroyed in 1867 and rebuilt in the early years of the Guangxu reign under the leadership of the fourth master, Grandfather Xian Linqing.

Today, the Gongbei preserves the two-courtyard layout from the Guangxu era very well and has been designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Qinghai Province.

Pushing open the gate of the Gongbei, it feels as if you could step right into the Qing Dynasty; it has a very special atmosphere. The interior has not been over-restored at all, allowing you to appreciate the exquisite Qing Dynasty brick and wood carvings, and the elder guarding the Gongbei is also very warm and friendly. Although the entire Gongbei is built on a hilltop, it does not have the helmet-roofed tomb pavilion typical of renovated Gongbeis, but is instead a traditional courtyard, which gives it a unique charm.



The mountain opposite









The screen wall outside the gate



Main gate





Looking at the main gate from inside



As soon as you enter the courtyard



The side rooms on both sides







Second gate











Mausoleum







2. Shangmazhuang Gongbei in Bazanggou

The Xia-Gongbei of Shangmazhuang in Bazanggou, Ping'an District, Haidong City, is the Gongbei of Xian Chengde (known as Chuanli Taiye), the third-generation Sheikh of the Xianmen Menhuan of the Khufiyya order. Xian Chengde built this Gongbei during the Jiaqing reign, and shortly after its completion in 1812, Xian Chengde returned to Allah, and the followers buried him here. In 1895, the fifth-generation Sheikh of the Xianmen, Xian Linyuan, returned to Allah and was also buried in the Xia-Gongbei.

Like the Upper Gongbei, the Lower Gongbei is a cultural relic protection unit of Qinghai Province, and it also consists of two courtyards, one in front and one behind, but it is larger in scale than the Upper Gongbei. The front courtyard has been destroyed and only the main gate remains, but the back courtyard is very well preserved and is a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty brick carving art.



The front courtyard gate; after entering, you can see the ceremonial gate of the back courtyard. The ceremonial gate features brick-carved dougong, with the Tasmiya carved in the center and various flowers below it.







The screen walls on both sides are carved with numerous hydrangea petals, each with a unique shape. The center is carved with a 'Joyful News of Early Spring' pattern, surrounded by four bats. The Sumeru pedestal is carved with the Eight Immortals' emblems, as well as patterns of pomegranates, finger citrons, peonies, and lotus flowers.









The brick carvings of pomegranates, peonies, the Eight Immortals' emblems, and hydrangea petals on the screen wall of the ceremonial gate. This hydrangea petal design is exactly the same as the one on the screen wall of the famous Hongshuiquan Mosque in Haidong.













The north wall screen has brick-carved dougong brackets at the top and a gabled roof. The upper part of the central screen is carved with the four Chinese characters 'Can Xia Bi Luo', with Arabic calligraphy in the center, Arabic couplets on both sides, and brick carvings of carp leaping over the dragon gate at the bottom of the couplets. The centers of the side screens feature the Chinese character 'Shou' in seal script, along with the couplets: 'Riding the phoenix to fly to the pure land, transforming into a crane to return to the pure palace.' "

















The main mausoleum is under renovation, and you can see the exquisite Arabic brick carvings and the removed roof tiles.



















Various brick carvings on the screen wall.

"Rabbit guarding cabbage," where "cabbage" sounds like "hundreds of wealth," and rabbits are considered good at guarding wealth.



"A mouse stealing grapes," where the mouse represents "zi" (the first of the twelve earthly branches), symbolizes having many children and grandchildren. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Nine Traditional Mosques and Three Gongbei Shrines in Qinghai (Part 4). A cat playing with a butterfly is a homophone for 'longevity'. It is useful for readers interested in Qinghai Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Heritage.





A cat playing with a butterfly is a homophone for 'longevity'.



3. Jiezi Gongbei

Hidden in the cemetery on the north side of the Jiezi Grand Mosque in Xunhua, the Jiezi Gong Gongbei is the only historical relic preserved in Jiezi Gong. Currently, only the lower brick section remains, featuring exquisite brick carvings and an inscription stating it was 're-erected in the first year of Xianfeng,' which corresponds to 1851.

It is very precious that Pastor Carter Holton, who was preaching in Xunhua in the 1930s, took photos of the well-preserved Jiezi Gongbei over 80 years ago. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Twenty Traditional Mosques in Dali (Part 1). I traveled to Dali twice, in July 2017 and August 2020, and visited 20 traditional mosques there. It is useful for readers interested in Dali Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Travel.

I traveled to Dali twice, in July 2017 and August 2020, and visited 20 traditional mosques there. The mosques in Dali are very distinctive, strongly influenced by the traditional architectural arts of the local Bai and Han ethnic groups. It is commendable that although they underwent large-scale reconstruction in the 1980s and 1990s, the new mosques still follow the traditional architectural style, only with an increased scale. In particular, the more than twenty Hui villages around Yongjian Town in Weishan County preserve what I believe to be the densest concentration of traditional mosque architecture in Yunnan, and it is worth a visit for anyone interested in traditional mosque architectural art.

1. Weishan County

1. Dingjiachang Mosque

2. Xiaowumaolin Mosque

3. Dawumao Mosque

4. Baisha Village Mosque

5. Xiaoweigeng Mosque

6. Yanqichang Mosque

7. Daweigeng Mosque

8. Xishulong Mosque

9. Qingmenkou Mosque: 1906

10. Huihui Mosque: 1944

11. Hedi Street Mosque

12. Maminchang Ma Family Mosque

13. Mami Chang Mi Family Mosque

14. Shenhe Village Mosque: 1946

15. Dianzhong Huiying Mosque

16. Donglianhua Mosque: 1921, 87 years

2. Dali City

1. Keli Village Mosque: 1908

3. Eryuan County

1. Sanmei Mosque: 1908

2. Jiming Mosque

3. Shipang Mosque

1. Weishan County

1. Dingjiachang Mosque

The Dingjiachang Mosque in Weishan County was rebuilt in 1995.



















2. Xiaowumaolin Mosque

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1976, and the minaret was built in 1989.













3. Dawumao Mosque

The minaret was built in 1988 and is a very typical example of Dali traditional style. This building is a masterpiece by the carpenter Ma Shaowu from Xiaowumaolin, who was a famous mosque architect in the Weishan area.













The main hall was rebuilt in 1982, and the mihrab inside is traditional and beautiful.















4. Baisha Village Mosque

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1987, and the minaret was built in 1993.



















5. Xiaoweigeng Mosque

The minaret of Xiaoweigeng. Many minarets were locked during this trip, but I was lucky enough to climb this one.



















The main hall was rebuilt in 1990, and the Weishan-style traditional Yunnan Arabic calligraphy on the mihrab is very beautiful.











6. Yanqichang Mosque

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 2014. Since the 21st century, mosques built in Weishan County prefer to place the main prayer hall on the second floor.











7. Daweigeng Mosque

The main hall was rebuilt in 1990, and the minaret was first built in 1944. The builder of the main hall was Master Luo Jiajing from Xiatian'er Mountain in Weishan County.



















8. Xishulong Mosque

The main hall was rebuilt in 1990.

















9. Qingmenkou Mosque: 1906

Because of its relatively remote location, the minaret built in 1906 has been preserved to this day, which is very rare.













The main hall was rebuilt in 1983, and the pears in the mosque are delicious.



















10. Huihui Mosque: 1944

The front part of the main hall is a reinforced concrete structure built in 1993, while the back part is a wooden structure built in 1944; therefore, it looks like a new mosque from the front and an old mosque from the back.

There is an interesting story about the Huihui Deng Mosque. In the 1960s, when the Workers' Propaganda Team moved into Huihui Deng, the local people wrote a slogan on the mosque wall in the popular language of the time: 'Whoever dares to oppose M-Z-X's ethnic policy will have their dog head smashed.' The Workers' Propaganda Team was very annoyed, but they could not openly oppose it, so they had to write a quote from M-Z-D next to the slogan: 'The national question is, in essence, a question of class struggle.'















11. Hedi Street Mosque

The current mosque is newly built, but the mihrab features traditional Yunnan-style Arabic calligraphy in the Weishan style.







12. Maminchang Ma Family Mosque

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1996, and the minaret was rebuilt in 1991.



















13. Mami Chang Mi Family Mosque

The mosque is on a hillside, overlooking the surrounding scenery.

















14. Shenhe Village Mosque: 1946

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1995, and the minaret was built in 1946.











15. Dianzhong Huiying Mosque

The main prayer hall was rebuilt in 1995, and the minaret was built in 1990. view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This travel note introduces Twenty Traditional Mosques in Dali (Part 2). 16. Donglianhua Mosque: 1921. It is useful for readers interested in Dali Mosques, Chinese Muslims, Muslim Travel.



















16. Donglianhua Mosque: 1921

Donglianhua Mosque was first built during the Qing Dynasty and was expanded twice in 1921 and 1987. From east to west, the mosque consists of the main gate, the minaret, and the prayer hall, with the minaret dividing the courtyard into two parts.

The minaret was raised to four stories in 1987, with a five-five-three-one structure; the first, second, and third floors are classrooms for holiday study groups, and the fourth floor is the place for calling the adhan.











The main hall was expanded into a five-by-seven bay structure in 1921, and in 1987, it was further expanded into a nine-by-eleven bay structure. The mihrab features traditional Arabic calligraphy in the distinctive Yunnan style.













Main gate



2. Dali City

1. Keli Village Mosque: 1908

The main hall of the Keli Village Mosque in Xizhou Town was rebuilt in 1908, with a significant portion of the funding coming from overseas Chinese in Myanmar. Keli Village Mosque is a famous 'hometown of overseas Chinese'; historically, it had powerful horse caravans that traveled throughout Yunnan province to places like Kunming, Simao, and Zhongdian, and connected southward to cities in Myanmar such as Mandalay, Mawlamyine, and Lashio. Since the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, hundreds of households from Keli Village have migrated to Myanmar, and the Chinese mosque in Yangon's Chinatown has often been led by imams from Keli Village.















The minaret and side rooms were rebuilt in 1926, with funding provided not only by local community members and overseas Chinese in Myanmar, but also by surrounding Bai villagers and various merchants. Back then, the north side room was where Ma Yin'an and his son Ma Xin taught Islamic studies, training a group of Imams for western Yunnan and even the Tibetan region. The south side room hired Bai intellectual Yang Handing to teach Chinese studies. Today, the minaret and side rooms are still used as classrooms for study groups.















The main gate of the mosque can be said to be a representative of the traditional Dali style of mosque architecture.













3. Eryuan County

1. Sanmei Mosque: 1908

The three mosques on the Dengchuan Basin were built in 1908. The Hui people here speak the Bai language and wear Bai clothing, and their architectural style is also very similar to that of the Bai people, so they are called "Bai Hui" by the outside world.



















2. Jiming Mosque

The two neighborhoods where the Jiming Mosque and Shipang Mosque are located on the Dengchuan Basin are the areas with the highest concentration of the so-called "Bai Hui" people. Jiming Mosque was built in 1894, and the current minaret was built in 1992. When I visited, it was undergoing renovations.









3. Shipang Mosque

The Sepang Mosque was built in 1896, and the minaret was built in 1920. view all