Mosque 🕌

Address: No. 163 Louxi Street

Historical Development

The mosque was originally constructed during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1472), making it one of the most intact Islamic temples from the Ming era in North China. It has undergone multiple renovations throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a major expansion during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty marking a pivotal moment in shaping its current layout. As a religious and cultural center for the local Hui community, it has witnessed centuries of Islamic faith transmission and social integration.

Architectural Features

The mosque faces east and is laid out along a central axis, with main structures including the main gate tower, prayer hall, lecture hall, and stone tablet pavilion. The main hall features a timber post-and-lintel structure, covered with blue tiles and adorned with upturned eaves, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese architectural style and Islamic decorative elements. Inside, the ceiling’s intricate murals and the dome inscribed with the Arabic calligraphy of “Allah” (الله) convey a sense of sacred grandeur. The stone lions at the entrance and the carved couplets retain their original Ming Dynasty craftsmanship, holding significant artistic value.

Cultural Relics and Remnants

• Ming Dynasty Stone Inscriptions: Three surviving steles document the founding history and successive restoration efforts; among them, the Stele on the Rebuilding of the Mosque, personally inscribed by a Minister of Rites, serves as crucial physical evidence for studying regional religious history.
• Arabic Inscribed Bricks: Embedded in the foundation walls, these bricks bear excerpts from the Qur’an, introduced during the Qing Dynasty, reflecting historical cultural exchanges between China and the outside world.
• Ancient Incense Burner Used in Prayers: A bronze incense burner cast during the Jiaqing era, featuring elaborate patterns, remains in use during festive ceremonies.

Cultural Significance

Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mosque has long been a repository of Hui language, customs, education, and charitable traditions. Historically, it housed a private school teaching Arabic and classical Chinese texts, earning it the reputation as a "beacon of Hui culture in Northwest China." Today, it is designated a provincial-level cultural heritage site and listed in the national intangible cultural heritage protection register.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: 8:00–18:00 daily (closed on Fridays)
• Admission: Free entry
• Recommended Visit Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Transportation: Exit at Louxi Station on Metro Line 2, walk 5 minutes; Bus lines 11 and 28 stop at Louxi Street Intersection
• Important Notes: Please dress modestly before entering, observe religious etiquette, and refrain from taking photos in restricted areas.

🌿 Serene and solemn, every brick and tile tells a story of a thousand years of faith—this is an ideal place to experience the profound convergence of China’s diverse civilizations.