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Tongxin Mosque, located on high ground in the northwest corner of Tongxin County's old city, is the oldest and largest extant Islamic building in Ningxia. Tongxin Grand Mosque is also a renowned revolutionary relic and has been designated as one of the first batch of key cultural relics under protection by the autonomous region.
Tongxin has a typical temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, large temperature differences between day and night, an average annual precipitation of about 259 mm, and evaporation of more than 2325 mm. Drought and water shortage are the biggest natural characteristics.
The Grand Mosque faces west and east, with the temple gate, screen wall, well house, and bathrooms located at the bottom. The main hall, bunker building, and lecture hall are situated on a 7-meter-high brick platform. The screen wall stands in front of the platform, behind which is a three-arched doorway, with the bunker building standing atop the archway. Passing through the archway and ascending the steps, one reaches the platform, which forms a three-courtyard platform comprised of the main hall and north and south lecture halls. The main hall, a brick and wood structure, faces west and east. The entire Grand Mosque occupies 3,542 square meters and boasts a majestic architecture, primarily in Han style, supplemented by Islamic decorative elements.
prayer hall
The prayer hall is the core building of the temple, where many religious activities take place. It consists of two halls, front and back, connected by a porch in front of the entrance. Except for low, open railings on either side, the entire structure is a hollow corridor. The columns and rafters of the porch are decorated with cloud-patterned hangings, the brackets and eaves are staggered, and the arch pads are carved with plants and Arabic patterns. The hall is paved with wooden planks, and the walls are decorated with calligraphy from the Quran. The two halls are 18 meters wide and approximately 30 meters long, with a clear area of 408 square meters, accommodating 800 worshippers. Each of the front and back halls is supported by four exposed columns, with lotus-shaped capitals. The designers cleverly connected the three vertical columns with diagonal beams, reducing the weight of the wooden structure and improving the view from the rear.
There were originally four plaques hanging on the eight pillars of the front and rear halls, but only one remains today, as the rest were destroyed during the "Cultural Revolution".
Screen Wall
The screen wall is 9 meters wide and 6 meters high, divided into seven bays. In the center is a blue brick carving from the Guangxu period depicting the "Moon Hiding Pine and Cypress," symbolizing the omnipotence and immortality of God and the longevity of His followers. On either side are brick-carved couplets in official script, reading, "All things are born under the influence of God, and His grace is manifested in His salvation of all lost souls." The signature reads, "Carved by Hezhou craftsman Ma Zhongliang." On the other side of the screen wall, inscribed in Arabic and Chinese, are the words "Tongxin Grand Mosque."
Bunker House
The Bangke Building is where the imam calls Muslims to their daily prayers. Originally three stories high, the building was damaged by a tornado during the Republican era and later rebuilt into two. Located above the three-arch entrance, the building measures 8 meters long and wide, with a square plan. Inscribed with the inscription "Xishu Craftsman Tan Dehua," the building's roof features pointed corners, and the columns and beams are decorated with exquisite hardwood hangings, creating a delicate and exquisite experience.
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The Tongxin Grand Mosque, located in Ningxia, is an important place of worship for the Hui Muslim population. It is renowned for its cultural and architectural significance, blending Chinese and Islamic elements in its design. The mosque serves as a center for religious activities, education, and community gatherings. Its presence highlights the religious diversity in China and offers insights into the Hui Muslim culture.
The Tongxin Grand Mosque is located in Tongxin County, Ningxia, in the northern part of China. It can be reached by taxi from the county center or by local bus services. The mosque is not directly accessible by metro, as the area lacks such infrastructure, so taxis or walking are your best options for getting there.
The mosque is open for visitors from early morning to late evening. The best times to visit are during non-prayer hours, typically between 9 AM and 5 PM, to fully appreciate the architecture and explore the grounds. However, it’s recommended to visit around prayer times for a more immersive cultural experience if you are interested in observing the religious practices.
There is no entrance fee to visit the mosque, as it is a religious site. However, donations are often encouraged to support the mosque and its community services. You can simply visit during operating hours, as there are no formal ticketing processes.
No advance booking is required to visit the Tongxin Grand Mosque. However, if you are planning to attend special religious events or festivals, it may be a good idea to check with local organizers or the mosque in advance.
A typical visit to the Tongxin Grand Mosque can take around 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the architectural details and the surrounding area. If you plan to attend a prayer service or engage with the local community, you may wish to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available, and they can provide detailed insights into the mosque's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Tours are typically offered in Mandarin, but some guides may speak basic English. It’s advisable to inquire in advance if you require an English-speaking guide.
Start by exploring the outer courtyards and admire the mosque’s exterior design. Then, enter the prayer hall to experience the interior beauty and the spiritual atmosphere. If time permits, walk around the gardens and the minaret area to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Night visits are not available, as the mosque closes in the evening after the last prayer. There are no light shows or special evening tours, but the mosque’s beauty can be appreciated during the day, especially around sunset for photography.
The mosque is typically not overcrowded, but it can get busier during major Muslim festivals such as Ramadan. Weekdays, especially early mornings and late afternoons, tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful visit.
The mosque is accessible to elderly and children, though the grounds may have some uneven paths. Visitors with mobility impairments might find the terrain a little challenging, but it is possible to navigate with assistance.
While cash is commonly accepted, mobile payments (such as Alipay or WeChat Pay) may be more widely used in the area. It is best to carry cash for any small transactions, especially in rural regions like Tongxin County.
Nearby, you’ll find a few small local restaurants serving traditional Chinese and Hui Muslim cuisine, such as lamb dishes, noodles, and dumplings. For more variety, you may need to visit Tongxin County or nearby larger cities.
Halal food options are widely available due to the Hui Muslim population. Vegetarian dishes are also commonly found in the area, though vegan options may be limited in local restaurants.
There are basic hotels and guesthouses in Tongxin County, but for more comfort, you might want to stay in nearby cities like Yinchuan, which offers a broader range of accommodations.
While there aren’t souvenir shops directly at the mosque, small shops in Tongxin County sell Islamic-themed products, such as prayer beads, traditional textiles, and books on Islam and Hui culture.
Taxis or buses are the best way to continue your journey from Tongxin County. If you're heading to larger cities like Yinchuan, buses and trains are available for longer-distance travel.
