Shuichengmen Mosque in Xining
Shuichengmen Mosque西宁市水城门清真寺, located at 119 Qiyi Road, North Xiaojie, Xining, Qinghai Province, is named after its location at the entrance to the East Gate Shuicheng. It was originally established during the early Qing Tongzhi era and is one of the older mosques in the Dongguan area of Xining.
Basic Information
- Initial Construction: The mosque initially covered an area of 2,200 square meters and featured a brick-and-wood structure with a single-ridge, dual-flow worship hall consisting of nine rooms. The premises included sixteen single-story buildings made of earth and wood, serving as residences for the imam and Ma La, classrooms, water tanks, a coal room, and a kitchen.
- Occupancy and Dismantling: During the religious reforms of 1958, the mosque was occupied by the Lead Wire Factory of the Chengdong District in Xining. In 1962, the factory dismantled the mosque buildings to expand its site, replacing them with factory structures.
Development History
- Restoration: In 1980, following the implementation of the Party’s ethnic and religious policies, part of the mosque’s premises was returned. On December 2, 1980, the mosque was officially reopened with approval from the Municipal United Front Work Department. Ma Zhaorui and Xie Youlu were appointed as imams after the reopening. After Ma Zhaorui’s death in 1986, Xie Youlu became the sole imam.
- Reconstruction: On February 3, 1981, a reconstruction fund of over 160,000 yuan was raised by Ma Zhongliang, Zhang Jie, Ma Jilin, Ma Yonggui, and others. Construction began on March 1, 1983. The mosque was rebuilt with a two-story, brick-and-concrete worship hall consisting of fourteen rooms and two minarets. A three-story brick-and-concrete building was constructed to the north, a two-story brick-and-concrete building to the east, a two-story brick-and-concrete building and two single-story wood structures to the south. All construction was completed in May 1987.
- Expansion: In 2006, the mosque was further expanded, with the expansion completed on August 30, 2007. The mosque features a traditional Chinese classical architectural style with a grand and elegant worship hall. A five-story minaret was also constructed to complement the main hall. The entrance includes a three-meter-high barrier with two circular doors, and the gate is inscribed with “Shuichengmen Mosque” in cement. The entire construction project cost approximately 500,000 yuan.
Additional Facilities
- Public Housing: Outside the mosque, there are fifty-six public housing units that are rented to others.
How to Get to Shuichengmen Mosque in Xining
Location
- Address: 119 Qiyi Road, North Xiaojie, Xining, Qinghai Province, China.
Directions
- From Xining Railway Station:
- By Taxi: The most convenient way is to take a taxi from the railway station directly to Shuichengmen Mosque. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
- By Bus: Take Bus No. 1, No. 7, or No. 10 from the railway station to a nearby stop on Qiyi Road. From there, it’s a short walk to the mosque.
- From Xining Longdongbao International Airport:
- By Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and will take you directly to Shuichengmen Mosque. The trip generally takes around 30-40 minutes.
- By Airport Shuttle and Public Bus: Take an airport shuttle to the city center, then transfer to a local bus that travels to Qiyi Road. Bus routes may vary, so check current schedules upon arrival.
- Local Transportation:
- Public Bus: Xining’s bus network includes routes such as Bus No. 2, No. 5, and No. 11, which pass through Qiyi Road. Disembark at the nearest bus stop and walk to the mosque.
- Bicycle or Scooter: Renting a bicycle or scooter is a flexible option for getting around Xining. Follow Qiyi Road to reach the mosque.
- Walking Directions: If you are nearby, follow signs to Qiyi Road. The mosque is located at the intersection of Qiyi Road and North Xiaojie.
