Lijiang Mosque in Lijiang City

Lijiang Old Town Mosque (丽江古城清真寺) is located at No. 20 Yuyuan Road (玉缘路), Gucheng District (古城区), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is the only mosque within the developed area of Lijiang (丽江). The mosque was originally built in 1985 with an area of just over 60 square meters. In 2008, it underwent expansion and renovation, increasing its size to over 600 square meters.

Historical Background

The history of Lijiang Old Town Mosque (丽江古城清真寺) can be traced back to the mid-Ming Dynasty. It was originally established to serve the religious needs of the local Hui (回族) Muslim community. In 1985, the local government allocated a plot of land in the Beimen Community (北门社区) for the construction of this mosque. To better meet the growing needs of local Muslims, the mosque underwent major expansion and renovation in 2008.

Architectural Style

Lijiang Old Town Mosque (丽江古城清真寺) features an architectural style that blends Han (汉族) and Islamic cultural elements. From the exterior, it adopts traditional Chinese-style roofing, while the interior retains many classic Islamic design elements such as geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy. This fusion of Eastern and Western design reflects the local Muslim community’s respect for native culture as well as their openness to foreign traditions.

Function and Significance

Lijiang Old Town Mosque (丽江古城清真寺) serves not only as a spiritual sanctuary for local Muslims but also as a symbol of ethnic unity and religious harmony. During significant Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, large numbers of worshippers gather at the mosque to celebrate these sacred occasions. Additionally, the mosque provides a platform for interethnic exchange and understanding of Hui (回族) culture.

Location and Surroundings

The mosque is situated near the North Gate Slope (北门坡) of Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), an area known for its scenic beauty and convenient transportation. It is close to several tourist attractions, including Sifang Street (四方街) and the Old Town Waterwheel (古城大水车), making it easily accessible for visitors.

As an important part of Lijiang’s (丽江) multicultural landscape, Lijiang Old Town Mosque (丽江古城清真寺) bears witness to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures and is a must-visit destination for those exploring the cultural richness of Lijiang.