Dongguan Mosque

Dongguan Mosque(东关清真大寺) in Xining is one of the largest mosques in northwest China with a history more than 600 years. Architecture of the mosque combines traditional Chinese style and the local features, with grand appearance and delicate, dazzlingly inside ornaments. The mosque has a prayer hall which can hold up to 3,000 people. Now this mosque serves as an educational center and institution of higher learning for Islamism, and also is the leading mosque in Qinghai.

With its name “Xining Dongguan Great Mosque” shining at the top of a western-style entrance, the great mosque features a magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, walls and a temple-like main service hall. The mosque covers an area of 13,602 square meters now, and the construction area is 4,654 square meters. These buildings have a large scale, and combine the traditional Chinese architectural art with the Islamic architectural form. With the name of the mosque written on it, the gate is 10 meters high and 15 meters wide.

In 1998, a three-story modern building was built between the gateway and the street to house the mosque administration. Visited by as many as ten thousand worshippers during each one of the Muslim holidays, the Great Mosque of Xining is still the most important mosque in Qinghai and serves as a center of religious education for the region. The mosque is not of particularly Muslim architecture, normally easily differentiated from its Buddhist counterparts, but is more in the typical Chinese folk style. Beyond the square itself, the grand Domed Hall, housing up to 10,000 Muslim worshippers at peak times, is the highest Islamic education center in the province.
 

Why Visit Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque

Dongguan Mosque is located on the south side of Dongguan Street Road in Xining. It is a famous building in Xining and one of the four major mosques in northwest China. It is also known as the four major mosques in northwest China with the famous Huajue Temple in Xi ‘an, Qiaomen Temple in Lanzhou and Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, Xinjiang. 

According to two inscriptions in the existing temple, it was founded in Ming Dynasty.  Zhu Yuanzhang(emperor of Ming dynasty at that time) made Mu Ying to guard the present Gansu-Qinghai area. Mu Ying asked the imperial court for permission to start construction of a mosque in Dongguan, where the Hui people live in compact communities. The temple is magnificent, simple and elegant, which combines the multi-cultural characteristics of Han and Tibetan, shows the classical architecture and national style of China, and has the architectural characteristics of Chinese classical architecture and national style. The existing buildings that have been destroyed many times in history and are constantly being built were rebuilt in 1913, rebuilt and expanded in 1946 and rebuilt in 1979.
 

Things to Do at the Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque

Admire the Architectural Design

The Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque has been rebuilt. It used to be more western style with green domes, crescent finials and geometric patterns. And now it is more Chinese style with the wooden structure and sloping roofs. Strolling around the Dongguan Mosque, you can admire the architectural design of the buildings.

Experience the Islamic Culture

The Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque is one of the best places to experience the Islamic culture in Xining. Muslims will gather at the Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque on Fridays. If you are non-Muslims, you can see this massive gathering at the gate of the Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque.

Nearby Attractions

Xiananguan Street

Xiananguan Street is a prosperous and popular street in Chengdong District of Xining. At the Xiananguan Street, you can know about the life of the local people and taste various kinds of local foods and snacks. Walking on this 500-meter street, you can see the various kinds of shops and foods.
 

Nanguan Mosque

Location: No. 23 Zhongnanguan, Chengdong District, Xining, Qinghai Province

Nanguan Mosque is one of the landmarks of Xining. Nanguan Mosque was built in 1934, which is with characteristic architectural design. It combines the elements of traditional Islamism and modern buildings. The two main buildings in Nanguan Mosque are white and golden, which are typically Islamic buildings. At the Nanguan Mosque, you can know about its history, stories and know about the Islamic culture in Xining. You can also watch the local Muslims praying here.

Kindly reminder, please pay attention to your dressing while visiting to religious sites to respect the local customs.
 

How to Get to Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque

Dongguan Muslim Grand Mosque is located near the Xining downtown, where you can take bus or taxi to reach there.