Nan (South) Mosque in Shenyang

Overview

The Nan Mosque (南清真寺), commonly known as South Mosque (南寺), is a significant Islamic site located near Xiao Xi Road in Shenhe District, Shenyang. It is not only the largest mosque in Shenyang but also an important center for Muslim activity in the region. The mosque has been recognized as a city-level cultural heritage site and is home to the Shenyang Islamic Association. The building has undergone several reconstructions and repairs over the centuries, with the most recent restoration ensuring its continued importance as a religious and cultural landmark.

  • Chinese Name: 南清真寺
  • Common Name: 南寺 (South Mosque)
  • Location: Shenhe District, Xiao Xi Road, Shenyang
  • Area: 7,482 m²
  • Cultural Status: City-level Cultural Heritage Site

History

Initial Construction

The Nan Mosque was first constructed during the Ming Dynasty, in 1403, under the reign of the Yongle Emperor. It was established by local Hui Muslim residents in the Miaodi Street area. The mosque’s foundation is attributed to Tie Shuai Wu, who, according to the Tie family genealogy, had his ancestors move to Shenyang after fleeing from turmoil during the Ming Dynasty. Tie Shuai Wu, appointed as a military officer, used his personal wealth to build this mosque for the growing Muslim community.

Renovations and Rebuilding

Over the centuries, the mosque was repaired and renovated during several periods, including the Qing Dynasty under the Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing emperors. However, by the Jiaqing period (1820), the mosque had become dilapidated and was moved to its current location on Miaodi Street to accommodate a growing number of worshippers.

In the early 2000s, the mosque, after over 600 years of service, faced severe damage. To preserve this cultural and religious heritage, the local government and the Muslim community launched a significant restoration project from 2004 to 2006. With support from the government and donations from the community, the mosque was fully restored and revitalized to its former glory.

Structure and Layout

General Layout

The Nan Mosque is the largest Islamic mosque in Shenyang, covering an area of 7,482 m². The mosque is structured in the traditional Chinese siheyuan (四合院) style, with four courtyards and multiple buildings.

  • The main buildings include:
    • Main Prayer Hall
    • Moon Viewing Tower (望月楼)
    • Lecture Hall
    • Bathhouse
    • Tea House
    • Rear Hall

These structures reflect both Islamic architectural styles and elements of Chinese cultural design.

Architectural Features

Style Characteristics

The Nan Mosque is renowned for its grand scale and architectural completeness. The mosque features 15 halls and covers more than 4,400 m². The architectural layout begins with a grand entrance hall, where visitors cross a stone arch bridge and pass through the Adhan Tower (宣礼楼) to enter the main prayer hall. The path leads through several courtyards, finally reaching the Moon Viewing Tower, which dominates the mosque’s skyline.

The mosque’s design is characterized by Islamic elements, such as intricately carved wooden, brick, and stone decorations, and features a high-quality wooden ceiling in the main hall. The mosque also has practical facilities, including bathrooms for worshippers to perform ritual cleansing before prayers.

Key Buildings

  • Moon Viewing Tower (望月楼): This three-story hexagonal tower, standing at 30 meters, is one of the mosque’s most striking features. It was built to observe the moon, a practice that holds significance in Islam, especially for determining the dates of important religious events.
  • Main Prayer Hall: The prayer hall is a spacious, beautifully decorated building, covering 662 m². It is designed with a nine-bay, hip-and-gable roof structure and includes five front rooms and seven rear rooms. This space can accommodate a large number of worshippers.
  • Symbolic Architecture: The Moon Viewing Tower, with its curved eaves and intricate carvings, serves as a symbol of Islamic religious architecture. The tower is decorated with Islamic motifs, and the windows feature Arabic calligraphy.

Location and Transportation

Location

  • Address: Nan Mosque (南清真寺), Xiao Xi Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China

How to Get There

  • By Taxi: Taxis are available in Shenyang. Tell the driver to go to Nan Mosque or Xiao Xi Road in Shenhe District.
  • By Public Transport:
    • Bus: Several local buses pass through Shenhe District. Take a bus that goes toward Xiao Xi Road or ask the bus driver to stop near the mosque.
    • Metro: The Shenyang Metro system also services the area. Take Line 1 and get off at the Shenhe District station, from where the mosque is a short walk away.

Nearby Attractions

  • Shenyang Imperial Palace (沈阳故宫): The historical palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 15-20 minutes by taxi from the mosque.
  • Zhongshan Square (中山广场): A popular public square with historic buildings, shopping, and dining options, just a short drive from the mosque.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The mosque is open year-round, but visiting during Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha provides a unique cultural experience with special prayers and activities.
  • Dress Code: As a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly. Women are encouraged to cover their heads with a scarf when entering the mosque, and both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.
  • Respectful Behavior: Visitors are expected to maintain respectful silence inside the mosque. Photography is permitted in the outer areas but should be avoided in prayer halls without permission.
  • Guided Tours: To learn more about the mosque’s history and architectural significance, consider booking a guided tour. Guides are available to explain the rich cultural and religious heritage of the mosque.
  • Local Cuisine: While visiting the mosque, take the opportunity to try local Hui Muslim cuisine, available at nearby restaurants, offering dishes such as lamb skewers, dumplings, and steamed buns.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Nan Mosque is not only a key religious site but also a symbol of the Hui Muslim culture and heritage in Shenyang. Its historical value, architectural grandeur, and artistic details make it an essential destination for those interested in Islamic culture, Chinese architectural history, and religious studies. Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about Islamic heritage, the Nan Mosque is a remarkable site worth exploring in Shenyang.