Great Mosque in Hohhot
English Name: Great Mosque in Hohhot
Chinese Name: 呼和浩特清真大寺
Location: Tongdao South Street, Huimin District, Hohhot
Main Sights: Grand Prayer Hall, Teaching Hall, Muslim Baths, Minarets
Travel Information: Admission Fee: 5 Yuan
Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 6:00PM
Overview
The Hohhot Grand Mosque呼和浩特清真大寺, located at No. 28 Tongdao South Street, Hui District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, was established in the 32nd year of the Qing Kangxi era (1693). It is the oldest and largest mosque in Hohhot. The mosque covers an area of over 4,000 square meters and is oriented east-west, featuring an independent three-courtyard layout. The mosque’s entrance is adorned with a horizontal plaque reading “Grand Mosque.” Inside, the prayer hall is oriented toward the east with three arches, and the front is flanked by a small platform.
Historical Development
- 1693 (Qing Kangxi 32nd Year): Construction of the mosque began.
- 1789 (Qing Qianlong 54th Year): Wealthy Hui families donated funds for expansion.
- 1869 (Qing Tongzhi 8th Year): Renovation of the northern and southern lecture halls.
- 1892 (Qing Guangxu 18th Year): Addition of a mountain gate.
- 1896 (Qing Guangxu 22nd Year): Donation of land by descendants of the last ruler of the Left Wing of the Tumd Banner and addition of a screen wall.
- 1923-1925 (Republic of China 12th to 14th Year): Renovation funded by the local Hui community.
- 1939 (Republic of China 28th Year): Addition of the Moon Tower.
- Post-1949: The screen wall was dismantled.
Architectural Layout
The mosque covers over 4,000 square meters and features a three-courtyard layout oriented east-west. The entrance consists of three rooms, with a horizontal plaque reading “Grand Mosque” above. Inside, the main prayer hall faces east and includes three arches at the front, with a small platform in front. The prayer hall’s southern and northern sides are flanked by lecture halls. To the east of the prayer hall is a corridor decorated with paintings of the Kaaba in Mecca, providing a space for Muslims to rest before prayers.
The east side of the mosque includes a second courtyard, with a reception room on the north side. This courtyard connects with the prayer hall’s platform and is used for festivals and ceremonies. The third courtyard, located to the east of the reception room, includes a bathing room, water room, and office space. The southwest corner of the third courtyard features the Moon Tower.
The mosque represents a blend of traditional Chinese architecture with Western influences, reflecting an innovative adaptation of traditional temple layouts.
Major Structures
Main Gate
The main gate faces east and is three bays wide with a palace-style hip roof. The central gate is painted red and features the plaque “Grand Mosque” along with the characters “Guotai” (Nation Prosperous) and “Min’an” (People Safe). The gate is flanked by smaller doors, and the walls are blue.
Prayer Hall
The prayer hall, located behind the main gate, is the central building of the mosque. It faces west and is a regular rectangular shape. It is capable of accommodating over 500 worshippers at a time. The hall features three arches at the front, decorated with Islamic patterns. The central arch has the Arabic inscription “Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth.” The prayer hall includes a small platform in front and is adorned with intricate brick and wooden details.
Moon Tower
The Moon Tower, situated at the southeast corner of the third courtyard, was added in 1939. It stands approximately 36 meters tall and is hexagonal in plan, with a five-story structure. The lower four levels are brick, while the top level is a wooden pavilion. The tower features inscriptions in both Chinese and Arabic and is equipped with two observation platforms. The tower’s design reflects traditional architectural elements with modern influences.
Historical Artifacts
The mosque houses several Arabic manuscripts (about 30 volumes) and seven stone steles that record major events related to the mosque. These steles range from 1.7 to 2.3 meters in height and feature inscriptions in both Arabic and Chinese.
Cultural Value
The Hohhot Grand Mosque is a significant example of modern Chinese architecture influenced by Western styles.
Preservation
- May 28, 1996: Designated as a third-batch district-level cultural relic protection unit by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Government.
- March 5, 2013: Recognized as a seventh-batch national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Travel Information
Location
The Hohhot Grand Mosque is located at No. 28 Tongdao South Street, Hui District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia.
How to Get There
- By Bus: Take bus lines 4, 5, 6, 21, 24, 73, or Metro Line 9 and get off at the Old City North Gate Station.
- By Car: The mosque is approximately 3.9 kilometers from the Hohhot Hui District People’s Government, about an 11-minute drive.
Travel Tips
- Dress Code: As a place of worship, modest attire is required. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- Respectful Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor inside the mosque, especially during prayer times.
- Language: While Chinese is the primary language, some staff may speak basic English. It is helpful to have a translation app or guidebook.
Visiting the Hohhot Grand Mosque provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region.
