Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Lanzhou

The Shaanxi Grand Mosque (陕西清真大寺), originally known as Baojia Temple (宝家寺), is an important Islamic landmark in Lanzhou, located in the Chengguan District (城关区). Established in 1941 by the Shaanxi-born Bao Ziming Haji (宝子明哈吉), it is one of the largest mosques in the region and plays a vital role in the local Muslim community. Over the years, it has witnessed both destruction and revival, symbolizing the resilience of its religious and cultural heritage.

History and Development

Early Years and Expansion

The mosque was originally founded in 1941 as Baojia Temple (宝家寺) by Bao Ziming Haji (宝子明哈吉), who was from Shaanxi. It was initially located on Donggang West Road (东岗西路). In 1945, the mosque underwent significant expansion, covering more than 11 acres. The expansion included the establishment of Yongming Primary School (永明小学), which was headed by Ma Yuzhai Axun (马郁斋阿旬), a prominent educator. The school adopted a bilingual teaching approach, combining Arabic (阿拉伯文) and Chinese (汉文), and it produced a large number of skilled professionals in the Hui ethnic community. Graduates from the school went on to spread their knowledge across China, contributing to the growth of Islamic education throughout the country.

Destruction and Reconstruction

In 1958, during the anti-feudal privilege movement, the mosque was severely damaged, and the Yongming Primary School (永明小学) was renamed as the Donggang West Road Hui Primary School (东岗西路回民小学), which later became the Chengguan District Teacher Training School (城关区教师进修学校).

However, after the 11th Plenary Session of the 3rd Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的十一届三中全会), the government began implementing policies that supported ethnic and religious freedom. As a result, the Shaanxi Grand Mosque was rebuilt. In 1989, the mosque was reconstructed on 3 acres of land in the Beiguo area (北国), with design and construction handled by the Gansu Provincial Architectural Survey and Design Institute (甘肃省建筑勘察设计院). The mosque’s new design blends modern (现代) and Arabian architectural styles (阿拉伯建筑风格), giving it a unique cultural and architectural charm. By the end of 1989, the mosque was officially completed.

Structure and Facilities

The reconstructed mosque includes several key buildings and facilities, including:

  • Main Hall (大殿)
  • Minaret (宣礼塔)
  • Water Room (水房)
  • Classrooms (学堂用房)
  • Guest Reception Room (贵宾接待室)

The total building area of the mosque is 2,740 square meters, with the Main Hall covering 120 square meters. The mosque also provides residential accommodations for the Muslim community, including:

  • 9 Residential Units (9套楼房) rented to 9 Hui Muslim families (9户回民)
  • 9 Guest Rooms (9间旅社)
  • 4 Shops (4间铺面)

These facilities generate an annual income of over 100,000 yuan (约10多万元), supporting the mosque’s maintenance and development.

Community and Demographics

The mosque currently serves around 150 households, totaling 572 individuals. The majority of the community are Hui Muslims (回族), with 143 households (143户), while there are also 7 households from the Dongxiang ethnic group (东乡族), comprising 28 people. The mosque follows the Qadiriyya Sufi (格迪目教派) school of thought, which is one of the key Islamic sects practiced in the region.

Education and Cultural Contributions

As part of its educational legacy, the mosque has played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of Lanzhou’s Muslim community. Ma Yuzhai Axun (马郁斋阿旬), a former principal of the mosque’s school, was instrumental in the education of many young Hui Muslims. The bilingual curriculum, which included both Arabic and Chinese, helped cultivate a generation of scholars and educators who went on to make contributions to various fields across China.

Visiting Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Lanzhou

Location and How to Get There

  • Address: 52 Beiyuan Street (北园街52号), Chengguan District (城关区), Lanzhou (兰州市), Gansu Province (甘肃省)
  • Postal Code: 730030
  • Open Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

By Public Transport:

  • Metro: Take Line 3 (轨道交通3号线) and get off at Xiguan Shizi Station (西关什字站). From there, it is a short walk to the mosque.
  • Bus: You can also take Bus No. 2 (2路) or Bus No. 6 (6路), and get off at Jiefangmen Station (解放门站). The mosque is within walking distance from the bus stop.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting a mosque, it is important to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Women should cover their heads, and both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing.
  • Visit During Prayer Times: To experience the cultural and religious atmosphere, try to visit during prayer times, particularly morning prayers. This is an excellent opportunity to observe the spiritual practices of the local Muslim community.
  • Cultural Insight: Take time to explore the mosque’s architecture, which combines modern and traditional Arabic styles. The design reflects the mosque’s deep cultural roots and offers a unique glimpse into Lanzhou’s Islamic heritage.
  • Engage with Locals: The mosque serves as a center of community activity. If possible, interact with the local community to learn more about their customs, history, and educational programs.

The Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Lanzhou is not only a significant religious site but also a cultural hub that has contributed to the educational and spiritual growth of the local Hui Muslim community. Whether you’re visiting for its architectural beauty, its historical significance, or to witness Islamic worship in action, this mosque is a must-see destination in Lanzhou.