Top Muslim Mosques in Wenshan

More Picture

Wenshan City, located in southern Yunnan Province, is known for its cultural diversity, with the Hui Muslim community playing a significant role in shaping the area’s cultural identity. The mosques here are not just places of worship but also cultural and historical landmarks that reflect the unique blending of Islam with local traditions. These mosques offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the region’s religious practices, architectural heritage, and the peaceful coexistence of various ethnic groups.

Wenshan Mosque (文山清真寺)

Location: Located in the center of Wenshan City, Yunnan Province, covering 0.7 acres.

History & Culture: Founded in 1985, Wenshan Mosque was one of the first mosques to be restored in the region after China’s Reform and Opening-up era. The mosque’s design merges traditional Islamic architecture with local influences. It features plaques like “Guo Xing Jiao Sheng” (国兴教盛), highlighting the harmonious relationship between the Hui Muslim community and other ethnic groups in the region.

Social Functions: The mosque serves as a center for worship, hosting weekly Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) and other important Islamic events. It is also open to visitors who wish to learn about the cultural and religious practices of the Hui people. As a symbol of ethnic unity, the mosque fosters cultural exchanges and promotes understanding among different communities.

Maoke Mosque (茂克清真寺)

Location: Situated in Xinzhai Street, Maoke Village, Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township, Wenshan, Yunnan Province.

History & Culture: Originally destroyed during the 1975 “Shadian Incident,” Maoke Mosque was rebuilt in 1979. The current structure, established in 1998, was officially registered as a religious activity site in 2012.

Social Functions: Maoke Mosque hosts regular prayers and celebrates Islamic festivals. The mosque features an Ethnic Unity Square, where various public events, such as the Spring Ploughing Festival and the Water Splashing Festival, take place. In 2022, it was honored as a “Provincial Ethnic Unity Demonstration Unit.”

Architectural Features: The mosque combines traditional Chinese palace-style architecture with Islamic design elements. The total area spans 2,747 square meters, including spaces for community activities and religious services.

Huanglongba Mosque (黄龙坝清真寺)

Location: Located in Huanglongba Village, Matang Town, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, about 10 kilometers from Wenshan city center.

History & Culture: Established in the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty (Qianlong era), Huanglongba Mosque has preserved its original brick-and-wood structure. It also houses several Qing Dynasty relics, including copies of the Quran.

Social Functions: The mosque holds weekly Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) and celebrates Islamic festivals. It attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year, making it a popular destination for both worshippers and tourists.

Natural Scenery: The mosque is set near Huanglong River, surrounded by terraced fields that provide stunning views throughout the year. This makes it a great location for hiking and photography.

Xinzai Mosque (新寨清真寺)

Location: Located in Rize Township, Qiubei County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

History & Culture: Built in 1872 during the Qing Dynasty, Xinzai Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Qiubei County. It was added to the national mosque registry in 2012.

Social Functions: The mosque hosts weekly Friday prayers and other religious events. It is staffed by 28 full-time religious personnel, including 8 female Imams, a rare feature in the region.

Achievements: In 2022, Xinzai Mosque was recognized as a “Demonstration Religious Site for Ethnic Unity and Progress” by the local government.

Songyunli Mosque (松云里清真寺朝真殿)

Location: Located in Hebian Village, Yuezhai Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, covering 2,965.52 square meters.

History & Culture: Built in 1883, Songyunli Mosque retains its original Qing Dynasty architecture. It is a significant symbol of Hui ethnic culture and patriotism.

Social Functions: As a protected cultural heritage site, the mosque regularly holds prayers and religious ceremonies. It also plays a key role in the development of cultural tourism in the region.

Achievements: In 2001, Songyunli Mosque was designated a provincial-level cultural relic protection site.

Songmaopo Mosque (松毛坡清真寺)

Location: Situated on Dalan Road, Pingyuan Town, Yanshan County, Wenshan Prefecture, covering 6 acres.

History & Culture: The mosque features a combination of traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Its design retains essential features for Islamic worship while incorporating local architectural elements.

Social Functions: The mosque holds regular prayers and celebrates major Islamic festivals. It also serves as a center for religious education and community outreach, offering services to the local Muslim population.

Wenshan Mosque (文山清真寺), with its modest 280-square-meter space, plays a vital role in preserving both faith and culture. It serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering a spiritual home for the Hui Muslim community while providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich multicultural heritage. The mosque embodies Wenshan’s commitment to religious harmony and ethnic unity, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the cultural diversity of the region.