Zhaodong Mosque in Suihua

Overview

The Zhaodong Mosque (肇东清真寺) is located in Zhaodong City, Heilongjiang Province, and was originally built in 1912. Prior to the Cultural Revolution, Zhaodong had two mosques: one in Zhaodong Town and another in Changwu Town. The Zhaodong Town Mosque was established in 1912, led by Imam Zhang Baoting, and originally served a small community of Hui Muslims. Today, the mosque has only one acting imam. The mosque was renovated in recent decades and is an important religious site for the local Muslim community.

  • Chinese Name: 肇东清真寺
  • Location: Zhaodong Town, Zhaodong City, Heilongjiang Province
  • Postal Code: 151100
  • Established: 1912

History

Initial Construction

The Zhaodong Mosque was founded in 1912 in Zhaodong Town, during the early 20th century. It was initially led by Imam Zhang Baoting and served a small Hui Muslim community. At the time, the mosque was the main religious center for the local Hui population.

Renovations and Rebuilding

After Imam Zhang Baoting’s tenure, the mosque was led by Imam Li Zhongyuan, and the community grew to about 70 members. The mosque was originally located on Liufa Street but later relocated to its current site on Nan Erdao Street.

  • Renovation: The mosque underwent renovations in 1981, and after Zhaodong was officially designated as a city in 1986, it was renamed the Zhaodong City Mosque.
  • New Construction: In October 1987, a new two-story building was constructed at the mosque’s original location, with European-style architectural elements added to the structure.

Additionally, the Changwu Town Mosque, which had originally been built in 1912 and only served 18 Hui Muslims, ceased to function after 1955, when there was no successor to Imam Ma Delian.

Structure and Layout

General Layout

The Zhaodong City Mosque covers an area of approximately 1.2 acres (about 5,000 m²). The main prayer hall measures 86 m² and is located within a building complex that has a total area of 566 m². The mosque’s construction reflects a mix of traditional Islamic and European architectural styles, giving it a unique and historical character.

Key Features

  • Main Prayer Hall: The mosque’s prayer hall is relatively small but well-maintained, and it serves the local Muslim community for daily prayers and religious gatherings.
  • Architectural Style: The mosque’s building is notable for its European-style features, which include arched windows and decorative elements that reflect both Islamic and Western architectural influences.

Location and Transportation

Location

  • Address: Zhaodong Town, Zhaodong City, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Postal Code: 151100

How to Get There

  • By Taxi: You can easily reach the Zhaodong Mosque by taxi. Simply inform the driver of the Zhaodong City Mosque or Nan Erdao Street in Zhaodong Town.
  • By Bus: Local buses in Zhaodong City can take you to Zhaodong Town, where the mosque is located. Bus stops are relatively close to the mosque, and it’s best to ask locals for directions once you arrive at the town center.
  • By Train: Zhaodong is connected by rail, so if you’re coming from another city in Heilongjiang Province, you can take a train to Zhaodong Railway Station. From the station, you can take a short taxi ride or local bus to reach the mosque.

Nearby Attractions

  • Zhaodong City Park: Located nearby, this park is an excellent spot for relaxing and enjoying nature. It is a good place to visit before or after your trip to the mosque.
  • Suihua City: The city of Suihua is about 40 km south of Zhaodong and offers additional cultural and natural attractions, such as the Suihua River and the Suihua Museum.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The mosque is open year-round, but visiting during Islamic festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, provides a unique opportunity to experience the mosque’s special prayers and community celebrations.
  • Dress Code: As a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly. Women are encouraged to cover their heads when entering the mosque. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.
  • Respectful Behavior: Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor within the mosque. Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas but may be restricted in the prayer hall without permission.
  • Language: While Mandarin is commonly spoken, many of the mosque’s community members also speak Hui Chinese (a dialect of Mandarin with some Arabic and Persian influences). English may not be widely understood, so it’s helpful to have a translator or use basic Mandarin phrases.
  • Local Cuisine: Zhaodong, like many parts of Heilongjiang Province, has delicious Hui Muslim cuisine. You can find local restaurants offering lamb skewers, dumplings, and other halal foods near the mosque.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Zhaodong Mosque is a vital cultural and religious landmark in the Heilongjiang Province. It serves as a focal point for the Hui Muslim community in Zhaodong and has historical value as one of the oldest mosques in the region. The mosque’s architectural blend of Islamic and European styles reflects the unique cultural exchanges of the area. Whether you’re interested in religious studies, architecture, or local history, the Zhaodong Mosque is an important site to visit during your travels in Heilongjiang.