Beida Mosque in Cangzhou

Overview

The North Mosque (Beidasi) (沧州市清真北大寺) in Cangzhou is one of China’s most significant Islamic sites, with a history spanning over 600 years. It is known for its grand architecture and historical importance, making it one of the four great mosques in China, alongside the mosques in Guangzhou, Quanzhou, and Jining.

Historical Background

  • Construction: The mosque was founded in the late Ming Dynasty, with construction beginning in the final years of the Jianwen period (1398-1424). It was completed in 1420 under the guidance of Wu Xuemeng and his descendants. The construction was supported by the imperial court and local Hui community.
  • Reconstruction: The mosque underwent renovations during the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. It was damaged during the Cultural Revolution but was restored in 1980 with government funding. It is now a nationally protected cultural heritage site.

Architectural Features

  • Size: The mosque covers an area of 8,000 square meters with a total building area of 3,008 square meters.
  • Main Hall: The main prayer hall occupies 1,350 square meters and is supported by brick and wood structures. The mosque includes several sections: the front hall, central hall, rear hall, and ancient pavilions.
  • Design: The mosque’s architecture features intricate carvings and distinctive design elements. The roof has “five ridges and six beasts” (traditional Chinese architectural decorations). The mosque’s layout resembles a writing desk or camel’s back, with a unique “literary style” wooden structure.

Religious Significance

  • Community Role: The North Mosque is renowned for its historical and architectural significance, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers. It plays a central role in the Hui Muslim community and hosts significant religious activities.
  • Education: The mosque has a longstanding reputation for Islamic education, with many students coming from various regions to study.

How to Get There

Address: North Mosque (Beidasi), 65 Jiefang Middle Road, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, 061000, China

From Beijing:

  1. By Car:
    • Drive from Beijing via the Jinghu Expressway (京沪高速公路). Exit at Cangzhou North and follow Canghe Road east to the West Outer Ring Road. Turn south to Jiefang Road, where the mosque is located. The journey is about 130 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
  2. By Train:
    • Option 1: Take a high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Cangzhou West Railway Station. The trip takes about 1 hour. From Cangzhou West, you can take a taxi or local transport to Jiefang Road.
    • Option 2: Take a regular train from Beijing Railway Station to Cangzhou Railway Station. This takes about 2 hours. From Cangzhou Railway Station, take a taxi or local bus to the mosque.

From Cangzhou City Center:

  1. By Taxi:
    • Directly take a taxi from the city center to 65 Jiefang Middle Road. The trip should take around 10-20 minutes.
  2. By Bus:
    • Check local bus routes for services to Jiefang Middle Road. You may need to transfer to a local bus or take a taxi from the bus stop to the mosque.

Public Transportation Tips:

  • Train Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance for high-speed or regular trains. Check the latest schedules online or via travel apps.
  • Taxi Services: Have the mosque address written in Chinese to show to taxi drivers.
  • Bus Routes: Verify local bus routes and schedules, which can be checked at bus stations or via local travel apps.