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The Shadian Grand Mosque, a Chinese palace-style structure located at the junction of Gejiu, Kaiyuan, and Mengzi counties and cities, was built in 1684, the 23rd year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi. It boasts a long history and covers an area of 21,000 square meters. The Shadian Grand Mosque boasts elegant architecture and a rich, devout Hui Muslim community. The atmosphere is rich with religious rituals, and the local customs and practices are uniquely Islamic.
In 1980, the Shadian Grand Mosque was rebuilt on the original site with government funding and public donations. The mosque now covers a total area of 21,000 square meters, with the main hall planned to occupy approximately 3,000 square meters. It will be built on two floors, with a semi-basement first floor and a prayer hall on the second floor, creating a chapel with Islamic characteristics. Construction began on the Shadian Grand Mosque's expansion in 2005. It is the largest mosque in southwest my country and one of the 100 most famous mosques in China.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
The Shadian Grand Mosque boasts elegant architecture and is home to affluent Hui people who adhere devoutly to Islamic teachings. The atmosphere is rich with religious rituals, and the local customs and practices are uniquely Islamic. While the mosque partially inherits traditional Chinese architecture, it is symmetrically arranged along its central axis, comprising a main hall, a minaret, and a lecture hall.
The interior decoration of the hall inherits the architectural style of the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, with its large corridors, arches, beams and pillars. The dome is set in the center, surrounded by four smaller domes and topped with a crescent moon symbolizing the characteristics of Islam.
The main courtyard, built in the style of a Chinese palace, comprises a main hall, two north and south side rooms, a minaret, an east sanctuary, a water room, and a main gate. Its layout is well-proportioned and ingeniously designed. The main hall, also known as the prayer hall, stands on eight pillars, boasting a wide, elevated platform. With a ridge height of 7 meters, a width of over 30 meters, and a depth of 20 meters, it boasts exquisite decoration and craftsmanship, including a wing-shaped structure and overhanging eaves and walls. Beyond the main hall are smaller halls, separated by twelve lattice doors. These doors feature three-tiered relief carvings depicting verdant pines, cypresses, mountains, rivers, and lakes. The designs are lifelike and the carvings are intricate.
The main hall is located to the west, elevated on a hilltop. Rising from a courtyard, the four stone steps give it the air of an ancient temple and a majestic presence. It is the mosque's focal point. North and south of the courtyard are wing rooms, each with a single story and a basement. The two symmetrical north and south wings are constructed of brick and wood, each with ten rooms upstairs and downstairs, housing the scripture hall, classrooms, and student dormitories. The Kaaba is located at the easternmost point of the facade.
The main gate faces south, located south of the centerline between the minaret and the eastern Kaaba. It is a standalone structure, situated on a high foundation, ascended and descended by stone steps. It features two thick redwood doors. Flanking these doors are two reclining stone lions, their mouths wide open, resembling majestic chants. Above the door is a carving of two facing dragons, their heads held high, their demeanor majestic. Above the dragons hangs a large plaque with the inscription "Mosque" in elegant, gold-dusted regular script.
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Shadian Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Yunnan’s Red River region, serving as a central place of worship for the local Hui Muslim community. It symbolizes the cultural and religious heritage of the area and has historical significance as a center of Islamic learning and community life.
Located in Shadian Town, Luxi County, Red River Prefecture, Yunnan. Visitors can reach it by bus from Luxi Town, taxi, or private car. Walking is feasible if staying nearby, but there is no metro access.
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and witness the calm of prayer times.
Entrance is free for visitors. Donations to support the mosque are welcomed.
No advance booking is required for general visits. For guided tours or special events, contacting local authorities in advance is recommended.
About 1–2 hours to explore the mosque, courtyard, and surrounding area.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese; audio guides are generally not provided.
Enter through the main gate, visit the courtyard first, then the main prayer hall, followed by exploring side halls and surrounding streets.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special tours may be arranged during festivals or religious holidays.
Less crowded on weekdays outside of prayer times. Fridays and festival days see more visitors.
Basic facilities include restrooms and a small courtyard area. Nearby shops and restaurants provide food and refreshments.
Generally accessible, though some areas may have steps. Assistance may be needed for wheelchair users.
Cash is preferred for donations or small purchases nearby; some vendors may accept mobile payments.
Local halal restaurants are available near the mosque serving traditional Hui cuisine.
Halal food is widely available; vegetarian options may be requested at local eateries.
Several guesthouses and small hotels are available in Shadian Town for overnight stays.
Souvenir shops nearby offer Islamic crafts, prayer beads, traditional textiles, and local specialties.
Taxi, private car, or local buses can take visitors to nearby towns, scenic areas, or back to the Red River main city center.
