Daweigeng Mosque in Weishan County, Dali

Basic Information

  • Chinese Name: 大围埂清真寺
  • English Name: Daweigeng Mosque
  • Location: Daweigeng Village, Yongjian Township, Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China

Introduction

Daweigeng Mosque is a prominent Islamic religious site situated in Daweigeng Village, Yongjian Township, Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It holds significant cultural and architectural importance within the local Muslim community.

Historical Background

  • Founding: The mosque’s founding dates back to the late Yuan Dynasty or early Ming Dynasty, although specific details are uncertain. It has undergone multiple reconstructions over the centuries, with the most recent one completed in 1990.
  • Significant Events: In 1872, during the Tongzhi Emperor’s reign, the main prayer hall was destroyed during a siege by Qing forces. It was rebuilt in 1917, expanded in 1978, and reconstructed again in 1990 to its current form.

Structural Features

  • Architecture: Daweigeng Mosque features a large main prayer hall designed in a double-eave hip-and-gable style, covering an impressive area of 1572 square meters. This hall can accommodate up to 1200 worshippers simultaneously.
  • Additional Structures: The mosque complex includes an elegant pavilion known as the “Xuanli Building,” built in a four-cornered hip-and-gable style with three floors above the ground and one below. The total built-up area of Daweigeng Mosque is 3156 square meters, spread over approximately 10 acres.

Community and Education

  • Community Details: Daweigeng Village is predominantly inhabited by Hui Muslims, with 250 households and over 1500 residents belonging to the Gedi clan. The mosque serves as a center for religious education and community activities, hosting over 100 imams (阿訇), 20 haajis (哈吉), and an Islamic normal school (巍山伊斯兰师范学校) with 85 students.

Cultural Significance

  • Local Influence: Historically, Daweigeng Village has been a significant cultural and religious center for the Hui Muslim population in Yunnan. The mosque’s architecture reflects classical Islamic design principles, characterized by its grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship.

Visitor Tips

For visitors to Daweigeng Mosque:

  1. Guided Tours: Arrange for guided tours to explore the mosque’s historical and architectural significance.
  2. Respectful Conduct: Dress modestly and observe mosque etiquette. Remove shoes before entering prayer areas and maintain silence during prayers.
  3. Local Cuisine: Explore Halal food options in the vicinity to experience traditional Hui Muslim cuisine.

Getting There

Daweigeng Mosque is located in Daweigeng Village, Yongjian Township, Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It is accessible via local roads and is approximately 20 kilometers north of Dali City and 20 kilometers south of Weishan County Town, adjacent to the east side of Guanwei Highway.