Chengdong Mosque in Zhaoqing

Overview

Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque (肇庆城东清真寺) is located on Shuishiying Road in the Duanzhou District of Zhaoqing. According to the “Qianlong Restoration of the Mosque Inscription” preserved within the mosque, the mosque was originally established during the Tang and Song Dynasties. However, another theory suggests it was built during the Ming Dynasty. The mosque underwent multiple renovations and expansions during the Qing Dynasty, particularly in the reigns of Kangxi, Qianlong, and Daoguang. The mosque’s vast space originally included various sections, but only the prayer hall remains today. The hall is devoid of idols, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Islam.

In 1984, the mosque was designated as a cultural heritage site of Zhaoqing, recognized for its historical and cultural significance as a valuable relic of the spread of Islam in Guangdong.

  • Chinese Name: 肇庆城东清真寺
  • Type: Mosque
  • Date of Use: 2006
  • Location: Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province

History

The Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque has a rich history, with origins dating back to the Tang or Song Dynasties, as noted in the mosque’s historical inscriptions. Over the centuries, the mosque was repaired and expanded several times, particularly during the Qing Dynasty under the reigns of emperors Kangxi, Qianlong, and Daoguang. The mosque represents a significant historical and cultural site for the Muslim community in Zhaoqing, and its preservation as a cultural heritage site in 1984 highlights its importance in the region’s Islamic history.

Role in Local Education

The Chengdong Mosque has played a crucial role in the education of the local Muslim community. In 1946, Imam Yang Maolin opened a study hall within the mosque. The following year, with the support and funding of local elders, the mosque established the Zhaoqing Private Islamic Primary School. After 1949, the school transitioned to a public institution. The mosque’s involvement in education continues to be a key aspect of its legacy in the region.

Renovations and Modernization

In the late 1980s, the People’s Government of Duanzhou District implemented policies related to ethnic and religious affairs, returning 1,684 square meters of land south of the mosque to the Islamic community. The mosque’s main hall was also reconstructed with a reinforced concrete structure to better meet the needs of the growing Muslim population in the area.

However, it wasn’t until 2006 that the mosque underwent a significant renovation. The Zhaoqing Islamic Association invested more than 600,000 RMB to rebuild important sections of the mosque, including the Imam’s residence, study hall, conference room, bathrooms, and other facilities. The mosque is now fully operational and serves as a central place of worship and community gathering.

Geography and Transportation

Location

Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque is situated in the Duanzhou District of Zhaoqing, a city in Guangdong Province, China. The mosque is easily accessible from various parts of the city.

Transportation Tips:

  • Public Transportation:
    • The mosque is located within the city center and can be easily reached by bus from Zhaoqing’s central transportation hub. Buses to Duanzhou District or Shuishiying Road will bring you close to the mosque.
    • The Zhaoqing Railway Station is about 5 kilometers from the mosque. From there, you can take a local taxi or bus to reach the mosque.
  • By Taxi/Private Transport:
    • You can take a taxi directly to Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque by simply saying “Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque” (肇庆城东清真寺) to the driver. The taxi ride from the train station or bus terminal should take approximately 10-15 minutes.

Travel Tips:

  • Respect Local Customs: As the mosque is a religious site, visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of the customs observed at the mosque. It is customary to remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
  • Best Time to Visit: The mosque can be visited year-round, but if you’re interested in witnessing religious activities, visiting during important Islamic festivals such as Ramadan is highly recommended.

Zhaoqing Chengdong Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical and cultural site that reflects the long-standing presence of Islam in Guangdong. Whether you are visiting for its architectural beauty, its historical value, or its role in local education, the mosque offers a unique insight into the region’s Islamic heritage.