Pugui Mosque in Jianhua District, Qiqihar

Overview

Pukui Muslim Temple, also known as 卜奎清真寺, was established during the 23rd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1684) during the Qing Dynasty. Located at 1 Limao Hutong, Jianhua District, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, this mosque has a rich history and architectural significance. It is recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the Chinese government.

Location and Transportation

  • Address: 1 Limao Hutong, Jianhua District, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, China.
  • Climate: The region experiences a temperate continental monsoon climate, with cold winters and mild summers.
  • Transportation:
    • By Air: The nearest major airport is Qiqihar Sanjiazi Airport (IQH), approximately 15 kilometers from the mosque. From the airport, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach the mosque.
    • By Train: Qiqihar has a central train station with connections to major cities in Heilongjiang Province. From the train station, it is about 10 kilometers to the mosque, which can be reached by taxi or public transport.
    • By Bus: Local buses and taxis are available to take you to Limao Hutong from various parts of Qiqihar City.

History and Development

Early History

The temple was initially constructed by Muslims from the “Gedi Mu” sect in 1684, during the Qing Dynasty. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, including the reconstruction of the main halls in the Jiaqing era (1796-1819), and later additions by the “Zhelin Ye” sect in 1852.

  • 1894: The temple was rebuilt under the reign of the Guangxu Emperor.
  • 1905: It became the first social organization in Heilongjiang Province to support education. The temple was awarded the plaque “急公好义”, which means “Public Spirit and Righteousness” by the Guangxu Emperor.
  • 1980s: The Qiqihar Municipal Government funded repairs to the remaining buildings and rebranded the complex, combining the East and West Temples into one unified mosque.
  • 1990s: A women’s mosque was added to the site.

Architecture and Features

Pukui Muslim Temple occupies nearly 8,000 square meters and has a building area of over 2,000 square meters. The mosque consists of two main sections: the East Mosque and the West Mosque, both of which follow a palace-style brick-wood structure.

East Mosque (东寺)

  • The East Mosque’s main hall occupies 374 square meters, with a vaulted roof supported by six red columns. The front entrance has a hanging plaque with the words “太斯米” (“Praise be to God”).
  • The Kiln Hall behind the main hall is a three-story tower-style building with Islamic-style brick carvings depicting religious symbols and the names of Islamic saints.
  • The East Mosque’s complex includes a hall and bathroom, among other supporting structures.

West Mosque (西寺)

  • The West Mosque features a traditional “Mountain Gate” entrance, with a main gate that has a tile roof and smaller side gates. The roof and walls are intricately decorated with Islamic motifs and religious inscriptions.
  • The main hall (similar to the East Mosque) has a vaulted roof and is connected to the Kiln Hall, forming a continuous structure. The Kiln Hall has a two-story structure and is decorated with a lotus motif on its top.

Women’s Mosque (女寺)

  • The Women’s Mosque is located within the East Mosque compound, with separate living spaces and a designated worship area for female worshippers.

Cultural and Artistic Value

Decorative Features

Pukui Mosque’s architectural decorations include paintings, wood carvings, and brick carvings, all of which contribute to its aesthetic and cultural significance.

  • Paintings: Colorful Arabic calligraphy, floral patterns, and geometric shapes are common throughout the mosque, especially in the East Mosque. The predominant color is green, which aligns with Islamic traditions that emphasize blue but is often seen as a refreshing color.
  • Wood Carvings: Elaborate wood carvings can be found on the doors, windows, and beams of the mosque. A prominent feature is a set of 20 folding wooden doors, carved with patterns of seasonal flowers, fruits, and cultural symbols.
  • Brick Carvings: Extensive brick carvings adorn the eaves, ridge, and walls of the mosque. Themes include animals, plants, and symbols with auspicious meanings such as cranes, dragons, and bats.

Historical Significance and Protection

In May 2006, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China recognized Pukui Muslim Temple as one of the Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics.

Cultural Heritage

The mosque is historically significant due to its unique architectural style, which blends Islamic and Chinese classical architecture. It provides valuable insight into the history of Islam in Heilongjiang and offers a great example of ethnic and religious fusion in architectural design.

Conservation Efforts

  • 1981: Pukui Muslim Temple was listed as a protected historical site by Heilongjiang Province.
  • 2007: It was rated among Qiqihar’s Top Ten Tourist Destinations.
  • 2006: The temple was formally recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the Chinese government.

Travel Tips

  • Visiting Hours: The mosque is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to visit during the morning or early afternoon to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and architectural details.
  • Dress Code: As it is a religious site, visitors should dress modestly. Women may be asked to cover their heads during the visit.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is milder, and the surroundings are particularly beautiful.
  • Language: While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, it is helpful to know basic phrases in Arabic or engage a local guide for a richer cultural experience.

Pukui Muslim Temple is not only a significant religious site but also an architectural gem that blends Islamic art with traditional Chinese design. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of Islam in China, making it a must-see destination for those interested in history, architecture, and religious studies. Whether you are visiting for its spiritual significance or architectural beauty, Pukui Muslim Temple provides a serene and inspiring experience.