Xiaomiaojie Mosque in Yuxi City

Xiaomiaojie Mosque (小庙亍清真寺), formerly known as Zhoucheng Mosque (州城清真寺), is located at No. 92 Fenghuang Road (凤凰路92号), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The current imam is Ma Jiecong (马介聪). The mosque was originally built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, during the Muslim uprising in Yunnan, led by Tian Qingyu (田庆余). It was later demolished by Qing troops in the twelfth year of the Tongzhi reign (1873).

In 1924, local Muslims raised funds to rebuild a simple mosque in Xiaomiao Street (小庙街), and due to a growing Muslim population, it was expanded multiple times. In 2000, because the original site was insufficient, the mosque was relocated and reconstructed at its current location, completed in 2003.

The new mosque is an octagonal brick-concrete structure that includes prayer halls, classrooms, and other functional spaces, covering a total area of 3,343 square meters and accommodating 650 worshipers. It also hosts Arabic classes and is planning a new teaching building, serving both local and temporary Muslim populations.

The development of this mosque closely reflects the settlement and growth of the Hui Muslim population in Yuxi (玉溪), evolving through periods of uprising, constrained rebuilding, and revival during the Reform and Opening-Up era, eventually forming its current scale. The reconstruction has received support from local government and enterprises, showing strong collaboration.

History

Initial Construction

Historically, most Hui Muslims in Yuxi (玉溪) lived in Longmen Jiucun (龙门九村), with few residing in the city proper. A 1827 stele inscription shows only a small donation from city Muslims, indicating their low numbers at the time and the absence of a mosque.

The first mosque in the city was built during the Muslim uprising, led by Tian Qingyu (田庆余). Amid the brutal Qing suppression, Tian captured the city and, despite being at war, resolved to construct a mosque for the thousands of Muslims who had gathered. The mosque was built near the Confucian Temple’s pond and wall, and its first imam was Sai from Shiping (石屏).

Destruction

During repeated Qing offensives, the mosque remained standing and served as a stronghold for the resistance. Tian Qingyu fought against the Qing for ten years, with the mosque playing a central role in the struggle. After the uprising failed, the mosque was destroyed in 1873 and replaced by temples dedicated to the God of Wealth and military deities.

Reconstruction

During the late Qing and early Republic periods, Hui Muslims gradually returned to the city. In 1924, led by Ma Jinyou (马金友) and Ma Rui (马瑞), they raised funds to build a modest mosque on Xiaomiao Street (小庙街). Due to objections from nearby Han residents, it could only be a flat-roofed, single-story building without curved eaves. Imam Jin served as the religious leader.

During the early years of the People's Republic, the mosque was briefly closed and repurposed as housing for Jin’s family. After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh CPC Central Committee, the mosque resumed its religious function, with He Guangdou (合光斗) and later Ma Benrong (马本荣) as imams.

Revival and Expansion

By 1988, the Muslim population in the city had grown to over 1,400. The existing mosque was too small, so a new two-story brick-concrete structure was built on adjacent land, including shops on the ground floor and a prayer hall above. The total cost was 62,738 yuan, funded by Muslims in Yuxi and supported by the Yuxi Prefecture Government, Yuxi Cigarette Factory, Yuxi Fertilizer Plant, and other institutions.

Despite this expansion, space remained insufficient. In 1992, approved by the Planning Commission, a new three-story mosque with a basement was built, completed in early 1993. It included prayer halls, classrooms, dormitories, and a guest room, with a total area of 435 square meters and an investment of 130,000 yuan. Ma Benrong was succeeded by Ding Hengxing (丁恒兴), followed by Ma Chaolin (马超林), who served two terms.

Rebuilding and Modern Development

By 1999, the city’s Muslim population had reached over 3,000, including 600 temporary residents. When Xiaomiao Street (小庙街) underwent urban redevelopment, it provided the opportunity to fully resolve the “too many people, too little space” issue. In 2000, the district’s religious affairs bureau approved the relocation and rebuilding of the mosque, renamed Yuxi Urban Mosque (玉溪城区清真寺).

Led by Ma Yunhua (马运华), the management committee purchased a 4.5-mu plot at No. 92 Fenghuang Road (凤凰路92号) for 1.751 million yuan. On June 1, 2002, construction of the prayer hall began with chants of “Allahu Akbar” from the female students of the Shigoutou Girls' Islamic School. The hall was completed on December 24, 2003.

The new octagonal, three-story brick-concrete structure includes:

• First Floor: Multi-functional hall
• Second Floor: Men’s prayer hall
• Third Floor: Women’s prayer hall
• Fourth Floor: Offices and classrooms

The second floor features polished hardwood flooring, bright chandeliers, and space for 650 worshipers. The prayer hall covers 2,483 square meters, cost over 1.8 million yuan, and took 16 months to complete.

An additional building to the southwest includes:

• First Floor: Restrooms
• Second Floor: Student dormitory and meeting room
• Third Floor: Imam’s residence

This building covers 197 square meters and cost over 300,000 yuan.

Later, Ma Benling (马本令) served as imam, followed by Ma Jiecong (马介聪), with their wives Ma Junfen (马俊芬) and Ma Shunmei (马顺梅) teaching Arabic. The mosque currently operates full-time Arabic classes, senior classes, holiday youth classes, and weekend classes, with 10–13 students in the full-time program.

Collaboration and Community Support

The multiple expansions and eventual relocation of Xiaomiaojie Mosque (小庙亍清真寺) were made possible with the support of municipal and district governments. Hui officials, both active and retired, also contributed significantly. The enthusiastic donations and labor from Muslim residents reflect their deep commitment to reviving Islam. The mosque’s management committee played a key role throughout.

Today, the community is constructing a new teaching building. In the near future, one will see both the new educational building and the mosque’s minaret standing side by side on Fenghuang Road (凤凰路), as white-capped and headscarf-wearing worshipers emerge from prayer into the modern streets of Yuxi (玉溪). Yuxi Urban Mosque (玉溪城区清真寺) now stands as a symbol of harmony, serenity, and dignity.

Nearby Attractions

Hongta Industrial Zone in Yuxi
Yuxi Museum
The Former Residence of Nie Er in Yuxi
Gaogu Tower in Hongta District, Yuxi
Yingyuetan Hot Spring in Hongta District, Yuxi
Yuquan Temple in Hongta District, Yuxi
Fuxian Lake

Best Time to Visit

If you are interested in Yuxi Mosque, you can visit it at all seasons.

Tours Including Yuxi

2 Days Jianshui Ancient Architecture Tour from Kunming(Xingmeng Mongolian Village in Tonghai County of Yuxi)

2 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour at a glance

6 Days Yunnan Small Group Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces