Sanjiazhai Mosque in Xingren City, Qianxinan

Overview

The Sanjiazhai Mosque(黔西南兴仁市三家寨清真寺) is an important Islamic site located in the Luchuying Hui Autonomous Township of Xingren City, Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Established in the late Qing Dynasty, the mosque serves as a significant cultural and religious center for the Hui Muslim community in the region.

Historical Background

  • Establishment: The mosque was founded in the 16th year of the Guangxu era (1890) by Ma Yuanzhang, a leader of the Zhihuan sect of Islam. Initially, it consisted of three simple rooms.
  • Expansion: By the 19th year of Guangxu (1893), the mosque was completed, and Yang Yunhe was appointed as the administrator. Under his management, the mosque expanded to 47 additional rooms and improved its financial and structural stability.
  • Renovations: The mosque underwent two major renovations funded by the government in 1982 and 1984. It is now listed as a cultural relic protection unit by the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.

Architectural Features

  • Layout: The mosque covers an area of over 1,300 square meters and features a traditional Chinese courtyard layout with two main quadrants.
  • Building Structure: It is a brick and wood structure. The central building is the prayer hall, with the prayer room on the upper floor and a dining area below. The right wing includes dormitories, a bathhouse, and a school, while the left wing features guest rooms and a library.
  • Garden: Behind the main prayer hall is a small garden, flanked by additional rooms including a headmaster’s office and a bathhouse.

Religious and Cultural Significance

  • Community: The mosque plays a vital role in the religious and cultural life of the local Hui Muslim community. It is an important center for Islamic education and worship in the region.

How to Get There

Address: Sanjiazhai Mosque, Luchuying Hui Autonomous Township, Xingren City, Guizhou Province, China

From Xingren City Center:

  1. By Taxi:
    • The mosque is located approximately 20 kilometers from Xingren city center. A taxi ride should take around 30-40 minutes.
  2. By Public Bus:
    • Check local bus routes for services heading to Luchuying Township or nearby areas. You may need to transfer to a taxi for the final leg of the journey.

From Guiyang City (the capital of Guizhou Province):

  1. By Car:
    • From Guiyang, take the G75 Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway to the Xingren exit, then follow local roads to Luchuying Township. The drive is approximately 150 kilometers and should take about 2.5-3 hours.
  2. By Bus:
    • There are long-distance buses from Guiyang to Xingren. From Xingren, take a local bus or taxi to Luchuying Township.

Travel Tips:

  • Language: It might be useful to have the mosque’s address written in Chinese for easier communication with local drivers.
  • Local Transport: Verify bus schedules and routes in advance if you plan to use public transportation.

The Sanjiazhai Mosque is a historically significant site that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Hui Muslim community in Guizhou Province.