Dongguan Mosque, also known as Dongguan Grand Mosque, is a busy place for Islamic worship in Xining, Qinghai. It is one of the largest and one of the four greatest mosques in northwest China. During Ramadan, Dongguan Mosque sees the 3rd largest gathering of Muslims in the world, only after Mecca and Medina. It is a stop you must make during your Qinghai Xining tour.
Dongguan Mosque was built in 1379 during early Ming Dynasty. It has a history of over 600 years. Its architecture demonstrates a skillful blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic styles, with a magnificent exterior and intricately decorated interior. Apart from its architecture, the mosque is also renowned as the highest learning institution of Islam in the region.
Fast Facts about Dongguan Mosque
- Location: Dongguan Street, Xining City, Qinghai Province, China
- Hours: 8:00-18:00, closed until 15:00 on every Fridays
- Ticket price: free
- Area: 14,280 square yards (11,940 square meters)
- Visit time: 1-2 hours
- Best time of the year: April-October
- Highlights: magnificent architecture, religious education center, Islamic sanctum for holy rituals and divine Islamic scripture study
- Suited to: anyone interested in the history of Islam in China and Islamic architecture
Highlights of Dongguan Mosque
Front Three Gates
At the main entrance of Dongguan Great Mosque are the Front Three Gates. In the center is a three-story building with a green dome. On its sides are two two tall minarets with green windows, triangular decoration patterns, artistic arches.
The Central Square
The entrance takes you to the central square of Dongguan Mosque, where you can see the grand Prayer Hall and the Middle Five Gates. On the sides of these arched gates, there are two towers with wooden roofs. The flying eaves on these roofs are common elements in ancient Chinese architecture, like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
The square has rows of green trees planted symmetrically on the sides. You’ll also see two old wooden buildings. One contains the reception room, meeting room and Sutra mansion, and the other houses the classroom, dormitory, and teaching and research office.
Prayer Hall
The Prayer Hall is the main building and the most sacred site in Dongguan Mosque. It can hold up to 3,000 worshipers at one time. Unlike traditional Chinese architectures facing south, the Prayer Hall faces east. Although visitors can not enter the Prayer Hall, you can still be amazed at the obvious elements of Chinese architecture.
You can see classic red columns, upturned eaves, hip-and-gable roofs, and cornices. The overhang looks like a flying phoenix stretching its wing.
How to Get to Dongguan Mosque
When you travel to Xining, Qinghai, first get to Huzhou Town, which is about an hour drive away. Then take a bus or taxi to Dongguan Town.
Buses to Dongguan Mosque: No. 1, No. 17, No. 909, No. 47, No. 31
Attractions nearby Dongguan Mosque
- Qinghai Lakeis a beautiful lake located about an hour’s drive from Dongguan Town. You’ll be amazed at the stunning views of surrounding mountains and landscapes.
- Ta’er Monasteryin Xining, is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, renowned for its beautiful architecture.
China Silk Road Tours to Dongguan Mosque
