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Located within the ancient city of Shou County, the mosque is an ancient Islamic temple in China. Built during the reign of Emperor Qi of the Ming Dynasty and renovated during the reigns of Emperor Daoguang and the Republic of China, its central axis features the main gate, secondary gate, and prayer hall. The hall, with its five-bay width and double-eaved hip roof and a rear-mounted gable, is the tallest surviving ancient building in Shou County and exudes a sense of grandeur.
The front and rear halls both feature double-eaved hip-and-gable roofs with arches. The surrounding corridors are constructed with stone columns and interlocking beams, each with five bays and 11 purlins. The roof tiles are tubular flat tiles, with a slightly raised ridge, large ridges at each end, and sitting beasts at the top of the double ridge. The interior of the main hall utilizes a " thoroughly exposed " design, with beams, rafters, columns, and piers fully exposed, without a ceiling covering. This allows the hall's interior to reach the ridge purlins, and decorative elements such as brackets create a spacious and magnificent appearance.
The concave walls of the hall are decorated with Arabic script. The " Khutubai " pavilion has an exquisitely crafted triple-eaved roof. The overall architecture of the temple is magnificent, with ingenious design and rich decoration. The book "Islamic Architecture in China" calls it " a relatively rare example of a large and magnificent Islamic building in China . "
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The Shou County Mosque is a significant religious site for the local Muslim community in Huainan. It showcases traditional Islamic architecture and serves as a place of worship and community gathering. The mosque reflects the region's historical connection with Islam and its cultural importance in the area.
The Shou County Mosque is located in the city of Shou County, Huainan, Anhui. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options may be limited, so a taxi is the most convenient choice.
The mosque is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, as weekends can be busier due to prayer sessions and community gatherings.
There is no entrance fee to visit the mosque. It is open to visitors free of charge, though donations are often appreciated.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary as the mosque is a public place of worship and does not require reservations for visitors. However, it's advisable to check local schedules for prayer times to ensure a more peaceful visit.
A visit to the Shou County Mosque typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your interest in the mosque’s architecture and surroundings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages might not be available, so it’s advisable to check in advance if you need one.
The best photography spots are around the mosque's exterior, especially its main entrance and minaret. The surrounding gardens also offer picturesque backdrops for photos.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the mosque. However, you may be able to attend evening prayers if you’re interested in the local Islamic practices.
The mosque is usually less crowded on weekdays, particularly in the morning hours before the prayer sessions begin. It can be busier during religious festivals and weekends.
The mosque offers basic facilities such as toilets and water stations. There are no food stalls or shops within the mosque, but you may find local restaurants nearby.
The mosque is generally accessible, but there are some stairs to the prayer hall. Elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance to navigate the mosque’s interior.
Cash is commonly accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all facilities, so it’s better to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are several local restaurants and cafés nearby that serve Anhui cuisine. You can enjoy traditional dishes like braised pork, tofu, and dumplings after your visit.
Halal food options are available in nearby restaurants, catering to the Muslim community in the area. Vegetarian and vegan options are also commonly available.
There are several hotels in Shou County and Huainan city, offering budget to mid-range accommodations. The mosque is easily accessible by taxi from most hotels.
There are small souvenir shops near the mosque selling Islamic-themed memorabilia, traditional Chinese crafts, and local snacks.
Taxis or private car services are the most convenient options for continuing your trip. Local buses may also be available, but they might not be as frequent or direct for further sightseeing.
