Huangyuan Mosque or Dongguan Mosque in Huangyuan County, Xining
Huangyuan Mosque, also known as the Dongguan Mosque西宁市湟源县清真寺(湟源县东关清真寺), is located in Huangyuan County, within Xining. Its exact date of construction is not recorded, but it is believed to have been originally built during the Qing Dynasty, sometime between the reigns of Yongzheng and Xianfeng. According to the Dangar Gazetteer, the mosque in the Cangyuan Alley was destroyed in 1865 due to the instigation and sabotage by Qing rulers.
Historical Timeline
- Early Destruction: The original mosque was burned down in 1865 during the reign of the Qing Dynasty. The mosque was then rebuilt several times, facing destruction again in 1895 during the “Yiwei Hui Uprising” and in 1929 during the “Huangyuan Blood Incident.”
- Modern Period: The mosque was closed in 1958 during religious reforms, and religious leaders were dispersed. It was repurposed for community use until it was reopened in 1983 after approval from the Huangyuan County People’s Government, restoring normal religious activities.
Structure and Architecture
- In 1932, the mosque was relocated to its current location, occupying an area of 3.6 acres. A prayer hall was built in the Ming Dynasty Golden Throne style, covering 280 square meters, with intricate eaves and cornices resembling a “phoenix spreading its wings.” A five-story, 30-meter-high wooden minaret was also constructed but was later demolished during the Cultural Revolution.
- In 1982, a new three-story, 18-meter-high minaret with an Arab-style dome was built using reinforced concrete. The combination of the ancient prayer hall and the modern Islamic-style dome creates a unique aesthetic blend, exuding an elegant and serene atmosphere.
Notable Figures
- Ma Shengshou (deceased), a former student at the Guilin Branch of the Whampoa Military Academy, served as the Colonel Deputy Chief of the 78th Brigade of the National Army.
- Hajji Ma Chenggong (deceased) was chairman of the local Hui school and mosque board, as well as a county representative and senator before the liberation.
- Ma Xingzhong, aged 73, was a former Colonel Staff Officer of the 82nd Army of the National Army and head of the Military Service Section.
- Ma Liangkui, aged 72, graduated from Chongqing University and was the former director of the Northwest Mining and Metallurgy Office and head of a leather factory, one of the eight major factories in Qinghai.
Location and Transportation
The Huangyuan Mosque is located on Wanan Street in the town center of Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province. It can be accessed via the main roads connecting Xining to Huangyuan County, and the mosque is situated conveniently for visitors exploring the local area.
