Southern Grand Mosque (Nandasi) in Urumqi

The Southern Grand Mosque (Nandasi)(乌鲁木齐市南大寺), established in 1919, has undergone three major renovations—during the early Republic of China period, in 1976, and again in 1987. The mosque covers 4.7 acres and features a total building area of 464 square meters. Constructed in a brick and wood structure, the prayer hall can accommodate up to 1,200 people in total. It serves as a central place of worship for 1,100 Hui Muslim households who follow the Zheherinye tradition.

Location and Historical Significance

The mosque is located in the busy urban area of Urumqi City, near the southern end of Liberation South Road. Originally built in Nanshan (Southern Mountain), it was relocated to its current site in 1919. In 1985, the Urumqi Municipal Government designated it as a protected historical monument, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers.

Architectural Features

Prayer Hall

• The prayer hall is the primary structure of the mosque, designed in a convex shape.
• The roof features a multi-eaved hip-and-gable style, covered with glazed tiles.
• The ridge of the roof is decorated with figures of two dragons playing with a pearl, a traditional Chinese motif.
• Eaves and Decoration: Five layers of decorative panels beneath the eaves are painted with intricate floral patterns in five vibrant colors. The roof beams are intricately carved with 22 flying dragons.

Interior Design

• The rear of the hall is made of brick walls, while the front is equipped with delicate wooden lattice doors.
• The hall is divided into inner and outer sections. The outer hall measures 15 meters deep and 22 meters wide, and the inner hall measures 15 meters in both depth and width, together accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers.

Corridor Carvings

Along the corridors of the mosque, the walls are adorned with carvings depicting the traditional four plants of Chinese culture: orchid, plum, bamboo, and lotus, which are symbolic of the four seasons.

Facilities and Layout

Prayer Capacity

• The inner hall accommodates 300 people, while the outer hall accommodates 500 people.
• Additionally, a platform in front of the prayer hall has space for 400 more worshippers.

Additional Facilities

• The mosque is equipped with a minbar for sermons, a bathing pool for ritual cleansing, housing for the Imam, and a reception room for hosting foreign guests.

Cultural and Religious Importance

The Southern Grand Mosque is a vital place of worship for the Hui Muslim community in Urumqi. Its historical significance and beautiful fusion of Chinese and Islamic architecture make it a focal point for worshippers and visitors alike.