Chengxi Mosque in Zhaoqing

Overview

Chengxi Mosque (城西清真寺) is a significant cultural and religious site located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. It has been designated as a Zhaoqing Municipal Cultural Heritage Site. Originally established during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the mosque was first built in Zhongyong Fang and later relocated to its current location. The mosque covers an area of 1285.2 square meters.

  • Chinese Name: 城西清真寺
  • Location: Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing, Guangdong
  • Area: 1285.2 m²
  • Famous Attractions: The prayer hall, study hall, and two corridors

History and Development

Chengxi Mosque is located on Kang Le Zhong Road in Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing. The mosque was originally built in 1767 (the 32nd year of the Qing Emperor Qianlong’s reign) and covers an area of 1285.2 square meters. The mosque includes several key structures, including the prayer hall, study hall, and two corridors. The front stone pillars of the prayer hall are inscribed with Quranic verses. The inscription reads:
“勤念礼课斋，七日一朝须敬畏；守忠存仁义，六行三物贵真诚”
This phrase emphasizes the importance of worship, piety, and sincerity in Islam.

Scale and Architecture

In 1814, a set of wooden boards containing inscriptions in classical Chinese was installed in the mosque, measuring 2.23 meters in height and 0.27 meters in width. The inscriptions read:
“何须色相昭彰，五拜中严然如在；漫道典型迂远，卅卷内自有真传”
This emphasizes the enduring and intrinsic value of Islam, even beyond visible appearances.

In 1983, due to the severe deterioration of the original structure, the mosque was rebuilt with Arabian-style architecture. The reconstruction was completed in September 1984. The mosque today continues to serve as a central place of worship for the local Muslim community.

Architectural Features

The mosque consists of several buildings, including the prayer hall, study hall, two corridors, a bathroom, office, Imam’s residence, kitchen, and student lounge. The main building, the prayer hall, has an area of 434.8 square meters. The hall is topped with a white circular spire, symbolizing the majesty of Allah. The crescent moon atop the spire is a symbol commonly found in Islamic architecture.

The prayer hall has three main doors at the front and additional entrances on the north and south sides, making five doors in total. This symbolizes the five key practices in Islam: prayer (念), fasting (礼), zakat (课), pilgrimage (斋), and faith (朝). The prayer hall is built with reinforced concrete and is spacious, without any idols, reflecting the Islamic principle of aniconism.

In 1984, the mosque was officially recognized as a Zhaoqing Cultural Heritage Site.

Geography and Transportation

Location

The mosque is located at 48 Kang Le Zhong Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. It is conveniently situated within the city and easily accessible to both locals and visitors.

Transportation Tips:

  • Public Transportation:
    • Zhaoqing’s public transportation network makes it easy to access Chengxi Mosque. Buses traveling to Duanzhou District or Kang Le Zhong Road will bring you close to the mosque. You can ask the driver to drop you off near 48 Kang Le Zhong Road.
    • The Zhaoqing Railway Station is about 5 km from the mosque. You can take a taxi from the station to the mosque in around 10-15 minutes.
  • Taxi/Private Transport:
    • Taxis are available throughout Zhaoqing. Simply tell the driver “Chengxi Mosque” (城西清真寺), and they will take you to the mosque directly.
    • For those traveling by private car, the mosque is easily reachable via Kang Le Zhong Road. The location is well-marked on GPS navigation systems.

Travel Tips:

  • Respect Religious Customs: As the mosque is a place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Women may need to wear a headscarf, and both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees before entering the prayer hall.
  • Best Time to Visit: The mosque is open to visitors year-round. However, it is especially meaningful to visit during Ramadan, when the mosque hosts special prayers and community events. It is advisable to check the mosque’s schedule for prayer times and events before planning your visit.

Chengxi Mosque is a significant cultural landmark in Zhaoqing, offering a rich history that spans over two centuries. Its unique architecture, historical inscriptions, and central role in the local Muslim community make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese Islamic heritage. Whether you’re exploring the beauty of Islamic architecture or simply seeking a peaceful space for reflection, Chengxi Mosque offers a profound experience.