Qudong Mosque in Yongping County, Dali

Qudong Mosque (曲硐清真寺) is located in the center of Qudong Village (曲硐村), Bonan Town (博南镇), Yongping County (永平县), at the eastern foot of Lion Mountain (狮山东麓). Qudong has historically been a densely populated area situated on a vital transportation route, and has at times served as the seat of county government.

The mosque was rebuilt in the second year of the Republic of China (1913) after merging the original large and small mosques. In 1988, it was listed among the first batch of county-level cultural heritage protection sites. It was later recognized as a provincial model mosque in both 1997 and 2003. In 2011, it was honored as an advanced collective during Yunnan Province’s first campaign for building harmonious religious sites.

Currently, it serves as the headquarters of the Islamic Association of Yongping County (永平县伊斯兰教协会) and is the central site for religious activities of the local Muslim community.

The mosque layout consists of an inner and outer courtyard. The inner courtyard includes the main prayer hall, southern and northern wing rooms, and a three-story minaret. The outer courtyard contains a northern building and a western building that includes the main gate. The mosque is renowned for the elegant and classical style of its architecture, which is the largest and most distinguished among the mosques in Yongping County.

In 2024, local government investigations emphasized the importance of adhering to the sinicization of religion and conducting religious activities in accordance with the law.

Historical Development

Initial Construction

In the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign (1872) during the Qing Dynasty, the county seat of Yongping was moved from Laojie (老街) to Qudong, with the county government located at the East Gate (now Yamen Garden, 衙门园). In the 18th year of the Guangxu reign (1892), the seat moved back to Laojie. In 1912, it returned once more to Qudong, with the county government set at the North Gate (now Qudong Elementary School, 曲硐完小). In 1936, due to a rerouting of the Burma-Yunnan Highway via Yunlong, the county seat returned permanently to Laojie.

Before the rerouting of the Xinhe River (新河), the river used to flow through the center of Qudong Village, dividing it in two. Although the population was large, the small river hindered communication, resulting in the establishment of two mosques—one large and one small—as well as separate cemeteries for each. The large mosque was located west of the South Gate Cemetery, and the small mosque was at the foot of the Small Lion Mountain near the West Gate.

Renovation and Reconstruction

Following the rerouting of the Xinhe River in the late Qing Dynasty, Qudong’s population increased, residential areas expanded, and the village became unified. In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), the two mosques were merged and rebuilt as the current mosque.

In 1990, through local fundraising and financial assistance from the provincial, prefectural, and county governments, over 200,000 yuan was raised to construct a new four-story minaret and a main gate tower.

Scale and Structure

Following the rerouting of the Xinhe River and the expansion of Qudong’s population and housing, the village was consolidated. In 1913, the existing mosque was established through the merger of the earlier structures. The site covers 4,500 square meters.

The mosque is divided into inner and outer courtyards. The inner courtyard includes the main prayer hall, southern and northern wing rooms, and a three-story minaret. The outer courtyard includes a northern building and a western row of buildings that contains the main entrance. The main hall is renowned for its elegant, classic, and dignified design. Its spaciousness and refined structure make it the largest mosque in the county.

Located at the eastern foot of Lion Mountain (狮山东麓), the mosque serves as the central venue for the village’s daily and festive religious practices.

Geography and Transportation

Qudong Mosque (曲硐清真寺) is located in the center of Qudong Village (曲硐村), Bonan Town (博南镇), Yongping County (永平县).