Top Muslim Mosques in Honghe

More Picture

Located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is a region where various ethnic groups and cultures converge. This area boasts not only rich natural landscapes but also a series of unique mosques that embody the deep fusion of Islamic culture with local ethnic traditions. From the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties to the present day, these mosques have witnessed the changes in history and ethnic integration, becoming important centers for religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and community life.

Shadian Grand Mosque (沙甸大清真寺)

Location:

Situated in Shadian District, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, it is located at the junction of Gejiu, Kaiyuan, and Mongzi cities, about a 30-minute drive from Gejiu City.

History:

Established during the Ming Dynasty, the Hongzhi period (1488-1505). It has undergone multiple expansions and reconstructions, with a major rebuild in 1975 after it was damaged due to historical events. In 2005, the mosque was expanded in the style of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and in 2024, it was renovated to integrate more Chinese architectural elements.

Architecture:

The mosque covers 210,000 square meters, with a building area of 17,700 square meters. The minaret stands at 93 meters tall. Initially designed in a palace-style courtyard layout, it blended Arabic and Chinese architectural elements in 2005 and 2024 respectively.

Social Functions:

The mosque holds five daily prayers, and hosts large gatherings on Fridays (Jumu’ah), as well as during the festivals of Eid al-Fitr (开斋节) and Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节). It provides community services such as weddings and civil consultations.

Honors & Historical Significance:

Known as “Asia’s largest mosque,” it stands as a testament to the transformation of Islamic culture in southern Yunnan from the Qing Dynasty to the present day.

Nearby Attractions:

Shadian Hui Culture Street, offering local food, handicrafts, and the Shadian Hui Culture and Art Museum.

Shadian Lotus Pond Mosque (沙甸莲花塘清真寺)

Location:

Located in Shadian Township, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, this mosque is part of the Shadian Hui religious architecture cluster.

History and Culture:

Built in 1981, this was one of the first mosques to be rebuilt in the area following China’s opening-up period, marking the revival of religious sites.

Social Functions:

It serves the Hui community with daily prayers and holiday celebrations. The mosque also implements the “Zakat” system, encouraging mutual aid within the community.

Achievements:

Awarded as a “Peaceful Religious Activity Site” in 2010.

Nearby Attractions:

Shadian Grand Mosque, Shadian Hui Culture Street.

Jianshui Ancient Mosque (建水清真古寺)

Location:

Located in Lin’an Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, close to the historic Jianshui Ancient Town.

History and Culture:

Built during the Yuan Dynasty, the reign of Emperor Renzong (1312-1313), it is one of the earliest mosques in Yunnan Province. The mosque blends the architectural styles of Yunnan’s traditional earth-built homes and the southern Chinese eaves, with preserved Qing Dynasty inscriptions and couplets.

Social Functions:

Provides daily prayers and holiday celebrations for the local Muslim community. The mosque also hosts events for weddings, funerals, and other cultural rituals.

Unique Features:

The mosque retains architectural elements from both the Yuan and Qing dynasties, and a flower called “roof crevice flower” has grown in the cracks of the roof, becoming a unique attraction.

Nearby Attractions:

Jianshui Ancient Town, Wuyi Tang Tea Space.

Miler Pengpu Township Xiao Zhai Mosque (弥勒朋普镇小寨清真寺)

Location:

Located in Xiao Zhai Village, Pengpu Township, Mile City, Yunnan Province.

History and Culture:

Built in the 5th year of the Qing Emperor Jiaqing’s reign (1801), it has been rebuilt twice and now occupies 9 acres of land.

Social Functions:

The mosque offers daily prayers and holiday services, and also operates a Quran study class, providing educational services to the local Muslim community.

Achievements:

Recognized as a cultural heritage site of the local Hui community.

Nearby Attractions:

Mile City Jinping Mountain, Dongfengyun Town.

Gejiu White House Mosque (个旧白房子清真寺)

Location:

Located in Jinchuan Hui Township, Shadian District, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture.

History and Culture:

Built in 1980, this mosque was one of the first to be restored after the “Shadian Incident.”

Social Functions:

Serves the local Hui community, offering services for weddings, funerals, and other community events.

Historical Significance:

It marks the revival of the Hui Muslim community’s faith in southern Yunnan during the early years of China’s economic reforms.

Nearby Attractions:

Shadian Grand Mosque, Shadian Hui Culture Street.

Chuanfang Zhai Mosque (川方寨清真寺)

Location:

Located on Yingbin Road, Shadian Street, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture.

History and Culture:

Built during the late Qing Dynasty, the reign of Emperor Tongzhi (around 1874), it serves as a historical witness to the migration of Hui Muslims.

Architecture:

Features a square hall and retains ancient potted plants that are over 100 years old, along with a stone inscription that reads “Patriotism and Love for Religion,” reflecting the integration of local culture.

Social Functions:

The mosque provides religious services and community support. Recently, it has been renovated to offer a recreational space for local residents.

Historical Significance:

Connected to the Hui Muslim migration and the 1864 uprising during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi.

Nearby Attractions:

Shadian Grand Mosque, Ge Bi Shi Railway Exhibition Hall.

Kaiyuan Mosque (开远清真寺)

Location:

Located in the 080 Township Road West, Kaiyuan City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

History and Culture:

Initially built in the Ming Dynasty, the Wanli period (1573), it has been rebuilt multiple times, reflecting its long cultural and historical heritage.

Architecture:

The mosque incorporates traditional Chinese wooden architecture and Islamic decorative elements. It retains Qing Dynasty inscriptions and couplets.

Social Functions:

It offers religious activities and community services. Historically, it also hosted the Zhong-A New People’s School, which aimed to integrate Chinese and Arabic cultures.

Achievements:

Listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage site in 1998.

Nearby Attractions:

Dazhuang Mosque, Yunwo Temple.

Huilong Grand Mosque (回龙大清真寺)

Location:

Located in Lin’an Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, close to Jianshui Ancient Town.

History and Culture:

Built during the Yuan Dynasty, the reign of Emperor Renzong (1312-1313), it is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Yunnan.

Architecture:

Features a double-eaved gable roof with a harmonious blend of Chinese wood carvings and Islamic geometric patterns, symbolizing the fusion of Hui and Confucian culture.

Social Functions:

Provides religious activities and cultural education, helping to preserve Islamic classics alongside Chinese cultural heritage.

Achievements:

Listed as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site in 2013.

Nearby Attractions:

Jianshui Confucian Temple, Zhu Family Garden.

These mosques are not only places of religious worship but also key witnesses to the history, culture, and faith of the Hui Muslim community in southern Yunnan. Their architectural styles merge Islamic influences with traditional Chinese elements, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of both cultures. Visiting these mosques offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural evolution and diversity of the region.