Nanguan Mosque, Yinchuan – A Sacred Site in Ningxia

Nanguan Mosque (南关清真寺), located in the old city of Yinchuan, is one of the largest mosques in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, holding significant importance in the hearts of the local Hui people. The mosque has a long history, with its origins dating back to the late Ming Dynasty. Initially, it was situated outside the southern gate of Yinchuan at a site called “Gongbei,” but it was relatively small. In 1916, the mosque was relocated within the southern gate and transformed into a large structure featuring classical architectural styles. Unfortunately, much of the mosque was destroyed during the turmoil of the 1960s. However, in 1981, the local Muslim community successfully raised funds to rebuild it at its current location.

Designed by Hui architect Yao Fuxing, the mosque features a two-story main structure covering over 1,300 square meters. The prayer hall is located on the upper level, accessible by a curved staircase leading to a two-tiered platform. A double-circular colonnade, faced with white marble, connects the platform to the main hall. The square prayer hall, measuring 21 meters on each side, features a niche crafted from white marble, intricately inscribed with verses from the Quran.

The hall’s centerpiece is a large dome with a diameter of 9.5 meters, accompanied by smaller domes at each corner. Both the large and smaller domes are entirely green and adorned with decorative bottle-shaped finials, with the crescent on the larger dome reaching 22 meters in height. The base of the large dome is supported by four square columns covered in green tiles, and there are 24 skylights around it, along with large windows on the north and south sides, ensuring the hall is well-lit. Additionally, 19 grand chandeliers and dual-pipe magnolia lamps enhance the interior’s illumination.

Below the main prayer hall, there are smaller prayer areas, living quarters for the imam, and meeting rooms connected by corridors. The mosque’s design is cohesive, elegant, and grand, complemented by a fountain in front, surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and autumn. Every Friday and during traditional Hui festivals, thousands of Muslims gather here to engage in communal worship and religious activities.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Nanguan Mosque is located at 288 Yuhuangge South Street, Xiqing District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. To get there, you can take bus 21, 28, 42, 307, 711, or 723 and get off at Changcheng Road Yong’an Alley Intersection Stop (长城路永安巷口站).