Tupang Mosque in Eryuan County, Dali

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Tupang Mosque (土庞清真寺) is located in the northwest of Yusuo Town (右所镇), Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province. The mosque sits at the foot of Fuzhong Mountain (覆钟山) and faces Lvyu Pond (绿玉池). It was originally built in the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1896). The architecture integrates traditional Chinese style with Islamic elements. The main hall features a suspended gable roof and intricately carved lattice doors with seasonal flowers and birds, crafted in the Jianchuan (剑川) woodcarving style. Beside the main hall is a moon-watching tower and a green dome modeled after the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Inscriptions such as the “Record of the Reconstruction of Shipang Village Mosque” are preserved within the mosque. It currently serves as the headquarters of the Islamic Association of Eryuan County. In 1997 and 2004, it was recognized as a model mosque at the prefectural and provincial levels, respectively.

Tupang Hui Village (土庞回族村) was formed during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. It was originally named “Sipang Village (寺旁村)” because of its location between Zhongling Temple (钟灵寺) and Xishan Temple (西山庙), and later renamed “Shipang Village (士庞村)” due to the emergence of many notable individuals including scholars and Ahungs. The original mosque was burned down by Qing troops in 1856. The current structure was rebuilt in 1896, and the moon-watching tower was added in 1920. The village holds two annual memorial festivals to honor those killed during the massacres by Qing forces in 1856 and 1872. The mosque now serves 376 Hui households and follows the Qadim (格迪目) tradition.

Historical Evolution

Tupang Hui Village (土庞回族村) dates back to the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Due to its location between Zhongling Temple and Xishan Temple, it was initially called “Sipang Village.” As the village produced many outstanding individuals, including Jinshi degree holders, martial scholars, and renowned Ahungs, the name was changed to “Shipang Village.” The original mosque was destroyed in 1856 during a raid by Qing troops led by Zhang Zhengtai (张正泰).

The current mosque was rebuilt in the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign (1896), and the moon-watching tower was constructed in 1920. The main hall adopts a traditional Chinese gabled roof structure. Inscriptions preserved at the site include the “Record of the Reconstruction of Shipang Village Mosque” and the “Record of the Construction of Dengming Tower.” Besides major religious festivals, two annual memorial events are held to commemorate the massacres that occurred on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month in 1856 and the 5th day of the twelfth lunar month in 1872. The Islamic Association of Eryuan County is headquartered at the mosque.

Scale and Structure

Tupang Village Mosque (土庞村清真寺) occupies approximately 1,000 square meters in building area, with a total complex area of 2,500 square meters. It serves 376 Hui households with a total population of 1,820, all adherents of the Qadim (格迪目) tradition. In 1997, the mosque was recognized as a model mosque at the prefectural level, and in 2004, at the provincial level.

Architectural Features

Tupang Village Mosque features traditional-style roofing and carved lattice doors on its eastern side, made with Jianchuan (剑川) woodcarving techniques. The intricate patterns of seasonal flowers and birds, along with colorful paintings, enhance the visual appeal of the structure. The second floor includes three large green domes on the north, south, and center, modeled after the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and topped with silver crescent-moon ornaments.

The call-to-prayer tower (minaret) is four stories high. The first and second stories are hexagonal pavilion-style towers with flying eaves featuring carved dragons. The spire includes a four-tiered gourd structure, while the roof ridge ends are decorated with mythical ao fish. A golden hare is also depicted running along the ridge.

Geography and Transportation

The mosque is situated in the northwest of Yusuo Town (右所镇), Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province. It stands with Fuzhong Mountain (覆钟山) behind it and Lvyu Pond (绿玉池) in front, providing a scenic and serene environment.