Guiyang Mosque

Guiyang Mosque (贵阳清真寺) is the only mosque in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, China. It has a rich history and has been an important religious and cultural center for the local Muslim community.

Historical Background

  • Establishment: Guiyang Mosque was originally built in the 2nd year of the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign (1724) by Hui Muslims. It was renovated in the 17th year of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign (1837).
  • Renovations: In 1934, the mosque was renovated with funds raised by local community elders. It was further repaired and furnished in 1947 by the China Hui Association’s Guizhou branch. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the mosque was listed as a key cultural relic under municipal protection.
  • Cultural Revolution Damage: During the Cultural Revolution, the mosque suffered significant damage. After the restoration of religious policies, the Guiyang municipal government allocated nearly 200,000 yuan in 1980 for comprehensive repairs, and the mosque was reopened in 1982.

Architecture and Layout

  • Location: The mosque is located on Xianzhuang Street, facing north and south. The main entrance features traditional Chinese-style gate towers with stone inscriptions.
  • Design: The mosque has a total area of 630 square meters. The prayer hall covers 110 square meters and is designed in traditional Chinese architectural style with a large wooden roof and glazed tiles. The layout includes:
    • Prayer Hall: Divided into three parts: the front hall, the central hall, and the rear hall, covering a total area of 130 square meters.
    • Additional Buildings: There is a five-story building on the south side of the main prayer hall, covering 400 square meters, which includes facilities such as a bathing room, office, and guest accommodations.

Cultural and Historical Significance

  • Historical Figures: During the Anti-Japanese War, notable scholar Ma Songting and another prominent figure, Wang Jingzhai, took refuge in the mosque. Wang Jingzhai was later buried in a cemetery for Hui Muslims.
  • Cultural Relics: Many of the mosque’s original cultural relics were lost during the Cultural Revolution. Surviving relics include inscriptions and plaques from the Qing Dynasty, such as the “Shengde Yuanliu” plaque from the 24th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1759).

Current Status

  • Community: The mosque currently serves over 1,000 households and about 6,000 individuals, predominantly Hui Muslims, with some members of the Uygur and Dongxiang ethnic groups. It supports the practices of various Islamic traditions including the Gedi, Zheheri, and Yihewani sects.

For the latest information about visiting hours or specific events, contacting the mosque directly or local Islamic organizations in Guiyang would be advisable.