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At Yudaiqiao Mosque, visitors can admire the beautiful Islamic architecture, including intricate tile work and elegant domes. It's a great place to learn about local Islamic culture and traditions. Visitors can also observe the peaceful atmosphere and explore the surrounding area, which is rich in history.
Yudaiqiao Mosque, one of Xining's ancient mosques, was built during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Spanning over 400 square meters, the mosque's architecture is typically Islamic. The newly rebuilt Yudai Hall, a fusion of Chinese and Arabic architectural styles, boasts a spacious, bright, and magnificent two-story structure.
The Yudaiqiao Mosque was first built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (around 1530 AD) and rebuilt in 1933 (the 22nd year of the Republic of China) with an area of about 100 square meters. In 1980, it was rebuilt with funds raised by religious believers, with a construction area of 400 square meters. In 2006, the Yudaiqiao Mosque underwent a third large-scale reconstruction, and the total area of the newly renovated Yudaiqiao Mosque reached 3,150 square meters.
Yudaiqiao Mosque is located on Dazhong Street in Xining's Chengdong District (formerly Wayaogou North). It's adjacent to the Yudaiqiao Bridge in Wayaogou, hence its name. The main hall is slightly tilted, but this doesn't affect its functionality. During Eid al-Fitr and other worship services, it attracts many Muslims, making it the second-largest mosque in Xining, rivaling the Dongguan Grand Mosque.
The plateau has a continental climate with abundant sunshine, long cold winters and cool summers. Summer is the best time to travel.
The overall architecture of Yudaiqiao Mosque is in typical Islamic style. The prayer hall in the middle is the largest building in the mosque. Its exterior is shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings. It is a brick and wood structure with the architectural style of ancient Chinese palaces. It covers an area of 1,102 square meters and can accommodate 3,000 people for worship. The roof of the hall is decorated with a Tibetan gilded vase, which was donated by the lamas of Labrang Monastery in Gansu Province. It is unique in domestic mosques. The 18 large pillars in the hall were donated by Youning Temple.
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Yudaiqiao Mosque is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in Xining. It serves as a cultural and religious hub for the local Hui Muslim community. The mosque's unique architecture and design reflect the blending of Chinese and Islamic influences, offering insights into the region's diverse heritage.
The mosque is located in the city of Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It can be reached by taxi or public bus from most areas in Xining. The mosque is a short walk from some of the city's main streets and local markets.
The mosque is open to visitors every day. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, as these are quieter periods when you can explore in peace and witness prayer rituals.
There is no entrance fee to visit Yudaiqiao Mosque, as it is a place of worship. Donations are appreciated but not mandatory.
No tickets or reservations are required in advance. Visitors can simply show up during opening hours.
Visiting the mosque typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much time you wish to spend admiring the architecture and learning about its history and significance.
The mosque's prayer hall, beautifully decorated with Islamic calligraphy and tilework, is the main highlight. The courtyard and surrounding gardens also provide a peaceful environment for reflection.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. If you require an English-speaking guide, it's best to arrange this in advance or ask at the mosque for assistance.
The best photography spots include the mosque’s grand entrance, the main prayer hall, and the exterior tilework, which reflects the blending of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.
Start by entering the mosque through the main gates and explore the prayer hall. Take time to appreciate the intricate details of the architecture, then step outside into the courtyard for a peaceful moment before leaving.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows or special tours. It is a place of worship, so visiting during the day is recommended.
The mosque can get crowded during prayer times, especially on Fridays. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon, outside of prayer hours.
Basic facilities such as restrooms are available nearby. There are no food or drink services inside the mosque, but you can find local food vendors in the vicinity.
The mosque is generally accessible, though there are some steps in the mosque complex. Visitors with mobility issues should check in advance about accessibility options, as certain areas may be difficult to navigate for those with limited mobility.
While cash donations are welcome, the mosque does not charge for entry. Cards and mobile payments are typically not accepted, so it’s advisable to carry some cash if you plan to make a donation or purchase small items from local vendors.
There are several restaurants and cafés nearby offering local Hui Muslim cuisine, such as lamb dishes and hand-pulled noodles. One popular spot is the Hui-style restaurant near the mosque.
As a Muslim-majority area, halal food is widely available around the mosque. Vegetarian options are also offered at most local restaurants.
Nearby accommodations include budget hotels and guesthouses in Xining city center, such as the Holiday Inn Express Xining or local boutique hotels.
Nearby attractions include the Xining Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, and the Qinghai Provincial Museum. These can be easily combined into a day trip to explore the religious and cultural diversity of Xining.
Souvenir shops around the mosque sell Islamic-themed items such as prayer beads, local handicrafts, and religious books. You can also find traditional Tibetan and Hui Muslim items.
Taxis and local buses are the most convenient modes of transportation to continue your trip. Xining’s main train station and bus terminals are easily accessible from the mosque area.
