Tongxin Grand Mosque in Tongxin County, Wuzhong

Location and Overview

Tongxin Great Mosque (同心清真大寺), located in the Yu Hai Town (豫海镇) of Tongxin County (同心县), Wuzhong City (吴忠市), in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区), China, is the oldest and largest surviving Islamic structure in Ningxia. The mosque, spanning an area of approximately 3,500 square meters, was founded during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) under Emperor Wanli (1573–1620). It holds a prominent place not only in Ningxia’s history but also in the broader history of Islamic architecture in China.

The mosque was constructed on the site of a former Lamaist (Tibetan Buddhist) temple, a historical adaptation reflecting the transition of this religious space into an Islamic site of worship. It continues to be a cultural and spiritual hub for the Hui Muslim community in Ningxia. The mosque features a combination of traditional Chinese architectural styles with Islamic decorative elements, making it a unique example of cross-cultural architecture.

In recognition of its historical importance, Tongxin Great Mosque was declared a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in 1988. In 2015, it was included in the “New Twenty Scenic Spots of Ningxia.”

Opening Hours:

  • Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: 10 RMB

Architectural Features

The mosque’s architecture is an exceptional blend of Chinese and Islamic design, showcasing intricate brick carvings, woodwork, and decorative tile mosaics. The mosque complex consists of two main sections connected by a high brick platform, giving the entire structure its distinct clock-like shape.

Structure and Layout:

  • Upper Section: This includes the main prayer hall, Bunker Tower (邦克楼), north and south halls (经堂), and the mosque’s main gate.
  • Lower Section: This contains the mosque’s gateway, outer courtyard, screen wall (照壁), well house, and bathhouse.

The two sections are connected by a 10-meter-high brick platform, with the mosque’s buildings positioned in a staggered manner. This design creates a sense of elevation and adds to the aesthetic and functional appeal of the structure. The prayer hall and Bunker Tower are situated on the elevated platform, while other elements like the temple gate and bathhouse are found on the lower levels.

Tongxin Great Mosque is built in such a way that it can accommodate up to 800 worshippers at once. The entrance to the mosque features three arched doorways with intricate Arabic brick carvings, and the walls are adorned with decorative motifs.

Key Architectural Elements:

  1. Main Entrance: The entrance has three archways adorned with Arabic inscriptions and detailed brick carvings. The intricate carvings include patterns of hanging lotuses and other Islamic motifs.
  2. Screen Wall (照壁): This large wall is built in a style that imitates wood, though it is entirely made of brick. The screen wall is 9 meters wide and 6 meters high and is decorated with carvings of pine trees and moon designs. The inscriptions include Arabic and Chinese, with the mosque’s name, “Tongxin Great Mosque,” in both languages.
  3. Prayer Hall: The main building of the mosque, the prayer hall, is a vast structure with both front and back halls connected by a vaulted ceiling. The hall is supported by numerous wooden columns, and the floor is covered with wooden planks. The walls are decorated with Quranic calligraphy.
  4. Bunker Tower (邦克楼): Positioned on the southern side of the prayer hall, this tower serves as the place where the Imam calls the faithful to prayer. It is a two-story structure with angled spires and features detailed brick carvings on the upper floors. The tower’s four open sides are supported by wooden pillars and intricate carvings.

Historical Background

Tongxin Great Mosque was first established during the Ming Dynasty, around the reign of Emperor Wanli (1573–1620). The mosque’s creation is believed to have replaced an earlier Lamaist temple. Over the centuries, the mosque underwent numerous repairs and renovations, particularly in the Qing Dynasty (清朝) and later in the 20th century.

The mosque has been a site of religious, cultural, and historical significance. It has witnessed numerous events related to Islamic culture, as well as national historical milestones, such as the founding of the Hui Muslim Autonomous Government during the Chinese Civil War.

Notable Events and Historical Significance:

  • 1936 Red Army Victory: In 1936, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, General Peng Dehuai (彭德怀) and the Red Army passed through Tongxin, where they ended the Western Expedition and celebrated the victory. The mosque also witnessed the establishment of the Hui Muslim Autonomous Government of Yuhai County, an important step in China’s ethnic regional autonomy system.
  • Cultural and Political Events: The mosque also served as a gathering point for political discussions during the era of Communist China’s establishment. For instance, it hosted the formation ceremony of the Hui Muslim Autonomous Government in 1936, which contributed to the growth of China’s national policy of ethnic autonomy.

Key Features of the Mosque

  • Bunker Tower (邦克楼): The tower is one of the mosque’s most striking features. It serves both as a structural and symbolic part of the mosque, calling the faithful to prayer and symbolizing the connection between the earth and the heavens.
  • Brick and Woodwork: The mosque’s architecture cleverly combines traditional Chinese woodwork with Islamic brick carving techniques. The use of wood, despite being a traditional Chinese element, creates a harmonious blend with the mosque’s Islamic design.
  • Decorative Elements: The mosque is adorned with many decorative carvings, particularly in the form of Arabic script, floral designs, and geometric patterns that reflect Islamic art. These intricate carvings add depth to the mosque’s spiritual atmosphere.

Cultural Activities and Community Impact

Tongxin Great Mosque is not just a place of worship but also a cultural center. It plays a major role in promoting Islamic teachings and community values among the local Muslim population in Ningxia. The mosque regularly hosts lectures and seminars on various subjects, including Islamic teachings, nationalism, social harmony, and public health.

Notable Cultural Events:

  • 19th Party Congress Lecture (2017): In November 2017, the mosque hosted a lecture by Ma Yuxiao, a National People’s Congress representative, discussing the spirit of the 19th Party Congress. This event marked the mosque’s role in bridging religious practices and political education.
  • “Four In” Activities (2018): In 2018, the mosque organized the “Four In” campaign, which focused on promoting Chinese national flags, the Constitution, socialist core values, and traditional Chinese culture in Ningxia’s mosques.

Preservation and Recognition

Tongxin Great Mosque has been protected as a cultural heritage site due to its historical and architectural value. Over the years, the mosque has been the subject of numerous preservation efforts, particularly after it was listed as a key cultural site in 1985 and a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1988.

Recognition and Honors:

  • Patriotic Education Base: In 1996, the mosque was included in the list of 100 patriotic education bases in China, highlighting its importance as a site for national unity and religious harmony.
  • Red Tourism Spot: The mosque was also recognized in 2004 as one of China’s top 100 “Red Tourism” destinations, a testament to its role in the historical revolutionary events.
  • Ethnic Harmony Education: In 2006, the mosque was designated as a national base for ethnic unity education, further emphasizing its cultural and educational significance.

How to Get There

Tongxin Great Mosque is located in the Yu Hai Town (豫海镇) of Tongxin County (同心县), Wuzhong City (吴忠市), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区).

Directions:

  • By Car: From the Tongxin County People’s Government, take Luoshan Road (罗山路), then proceed to Yuhai South Street (豫海南街) and South Ring Road (南环路), which will lead you to the mosque.
  • By Train/Bus: The nearest major transport hub is in Wuzhong City. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the mosque.

Travel Tips

  1. Respect Local Traditions: As the mosque is an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and follow local customs. Women, in particular, should wear headscarves when entering the mosque.
  2. Best Time to Visit: The mosque is open year-round, but visiting during Islamic holidays such as Eid can offer a more immersive cultural experience, as the mosque will be hosting special events and prayers.
  3. Language: Mandarin Chinese is the primary language used in the region, but Arabic inscriptions can be found around the mosque. It’s helpful to have a guide or learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience.
  4. Nearby Attractions: Explore the surrounding area, including the historical sites related to the Red Army’s victory and the Hui Muslim Autonomous Government, which were crucial moments in Chinese history.