West Mosque (Xiqingzhensi) in Cangzhou

Overview

The West Mosque (Xiqingzhensi) (沧州市清真西寺) in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, is an important Islamic site known for its historical and cultural significance. It is the only mosque in Cangzhou affiliated with the Jinhui Renye sect of Islam.

Historical Background

  • Origins: The mosque was established in 1740 by followers of the Jinhui Renye sect, which split from the North Mosque (Beidasi). The founder, Liu Bao, and his supporters acquired land in the Xisi Hutong area to build the mosque.
  • Historical Changes: During the Cultural Revolution, the mosque was partially demolished and repurposed by various local factories. In 1989, efforts were made to restore the mosque, and by 1990, it was officially returned to the religious community with substantial government support.

Mosque Features

  • Location: Located in the Xisi Hutong area, on Minzhu Street in the Yunhe District of Cangzhou.
  • Size: The mosque covers an area of 1,445 square meters with a building area of 510 square meters. It includes one main hall, 13 side rooms, and 20 single-story rooms, totaling 33 rooms.
  • Capacity: The restored mosque can accommodate 60-70 worshippers.

Key Personnel

  • The mosque has been served by several imams, including Liu Bao, Liu Xien, Ma Tai, Ma Cheng, Liu Hongru, Liu Songshou, and others. Liu Xien, who was a significant figure, served as the chairman of the Cangzhou Islamic Association and was involved in local government.

How to Get There

Address: West Mosque (Xiqingzhensi), Xisi Hutong, Minzhu Street, Yunhe District, Cangzhou, Hebei Province

From Beijing:

  1. By Train:
    • Option 1: Take a high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Cangzhou West Railway Station. The journey takes about 1 hour. From Cangzhou West Railway Station, take a taxi or local transport to the West Mosque.
    • Option 2: Take a regular train from Beijing Railway Station to Cangzhou Railway Station. This takes about 2 hours. From Cangzhou Railway Station, take a taxi or local bus to the mosque.
  2. By Car:
    • Drive from Beijing to Cangzhou via the G25 Expressway. The distance is about 130 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

From Cangzhou City Center:

  1. By Taxi:
    • Directly take a taxi from the city center to Xisi Hutong. This should take around 10-20 minutes.
  2. By Bus:
    • Check local bus routes for services to the Yunhe District. You may need to transfer to a local bus or take a taxi from the bus stop to Xisi Hutong.

Public Transportation Tips:

  • Train Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance for high-speed or regular trains. Check the latest schedules online or via travel apps.
  • Taxi Services: Have the mosque address written in Chinese to show to taxi drivers.
  • Bus Routes: Verify local bus routes and schedules, which can be checked at bus stations or via local travel apps.