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The Shuichengmen Mosque in Xining is located at the intersection of Beixiao Street, No. 119, Qiyi Road, Xining City, Qinghai Province. It gets its name from its location at the Dongguan Water Gate. Originally built in the early years of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was destroyed by war in the 21st year of the Guangxu reign (1896) and rebuilt in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). It is one of the oldest mosques in the Dongguan area of Xining.
During the religious reforms of 1958, the mosque was occupied by the Lead Silk Society of Xining's Chengdong District. In 1962, the Lead Silk Society demolished all of the Shuichengmen Mosque's buildings to build factory buildings for expansion. When the Party's ethnic and religious policies were implemented in 1980, some of the mosque's buildings were returned to the mosque. It was reopened on December 2, 1980, with the approval of the Municipal Party Committee's United Front Work Department.
On March 1, 1983, reconstruction of the Shuichengmen Mosque began, with the construction of a two-story brick-concrete prayer hall with fourteen rooms and two wake-up towers. A three-story brick-concrete building was added to the north, a two-story brick-concrete building to the east, and a two-story brick-concrete building to the south, along with two one-story civil structures. The entire mosque complex was completed in May 1987. Expansion work began in 2006, and the mosque expansion was celebrated on August 30, 2007.
The plateau has a continental climate with abundant sunshine, long cold winters and cool summers. Summer is the best time to travel.
The Shuichengmen Mosque adopts a traditional Chinese classical architectural style. The main hall is simple, elegant, and magnificent. Other antique-style buildings, such as the five-story Minaret, complement the main hall. The mosque is flanked by a three-meter-high barrier and two circular gates. The words "Shuichengmen Mosque" are carved in cement atop the main gate.
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Open all day
The Water City Gate Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Xining, has significant historical value for the Hui Muslim community in the region. It has been a center for religious practice and a symbol of Islamic heritage in Qinghai.
The mosque is located in the heart of Xining, Qinghai Province. It can be reached by taxi or public transportation. It's a short distance from major landmarks in the city.
The mosque is open for visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the mosque is less crowded.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the mosque. Visitors can enter freely during opening hours. However, donations are appreciated.
No advance booking is required. Visitors can walk in during opening hours.
A visit to the mosque typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring the interior and learning about the history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Chinese may be available, but it's best to inquire beforehand for availability in other languages.
The best photography spots are from the courtyard, capturing the mosque's architectural beauty. The view from the entrance gate and minaret is also a great angle for photos.
Start with the exterior and courtyard, then proceed inside to explore the prayer hall and detailed artworks. Spend time in the minaret if you're interested in panoramic views of the area.
Night visits or light shows are not available. However, the mosque's evening prayer times can be a peaceful experience for visitors.
The mosque is generally quiet and peaceful, especially in the morning before prayer times. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or religious holidays.
The mosque has basic facilities including toilets and water fountains. There are no shops or food services within the mosque, but there are nearby local food options outside.
The mosque is accessible for elderly and children, though the site has stairs and some areas may be difficult for visitors with mobility impairments. It's advisable to inquire about accessibility assistance if needed.
Cash donations are appreciated, but no formal payment is required for entry. Mobile payments and cards are generally accepted in the vicinity, but not inside the mosque.
There are several local restaurants and cafés around the mosque, serving traditional Chinese and Hui Muslim food. Popular dishes include lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles.
Halal food options are readily available near the mosque, including many local eateries offering vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.
There are no souvenir shops inside the mosque. However, local markets near the mosque sell Islamic-themed souvenirs, such as prayer beads, carpets, and traditional clothing.
Taxis or local buses are the best options for continuing your trip around Xining. Many attractions are within a short distance and can be easily reached by public transport or a quick taxi ride.
