Top Muslim Mosques in Dali
Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州) is a major tourist destination in Yunnan Province, renowned not only for its stunning natural scenery but also for its rich history, culture, and religious diversity. For Muslim travelers, Dali offers many historic and uniquely designed mosques worth visiting. Here are some of the most famous mosques in the Dali region:
Qudong Mosque
Location: Qudong Town (曲硐镇), Yongping County (永平县), Dali City
Highlights: A major religious site in Yongping County, this mosque combines traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.
South Wuliqiao Mosque
Location: South of Dali Old Town, near Erhai Lake (洱海)
Highlights: This mosque boasts a long history and combines traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic elements. It is one of the most important religious sites in the Dali area.
Zhihua Mosque
Location: Zhihua Village (芝华村), Fengyi Town (凤仪镇), Dali City
Highlights: Originally built in 1906 and expanded in 1983, it covers about 3.4 acres with a building area of 404 square meters. It is a key protected cultural heritage site in Dali City.
Shangxingzhuang Mosque
Location: Shangxingzhuang Village (上兴庄村), Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City
Highlights: Home to an Arabic language school, this mosque has educated many Arabic graduates, making it a significant center for Islamic education in the region.
Kelizhuang Mosque
Location: Kelizhuang Village (珂里庄村), Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City
Highlights: Built in 1908, it spans 4.5 acres, with a prayer hall of 290 square meters that can accommodate several hundred worshippers. A minaret was added in 1926.
Guoguo Mosque
Location: Cibi Township (茈碧乡), Eryuan County (洱源县)
Highlights: With an area of 2.5 acres and a 400-square-meter prayer hall, this mosque features a rustic brick-and-wood structure.
Nanmen Mosque
Location: Near the South Gate of Dali City
Highlights: A key religious site in Dali City, the mosque has a simple and elegant architectural style. It is conveniently located for visitors touring Dali Old Town.
Yanqichang Mosque
Location: Yanqichang (晏旗厂), Yongjian Town (永建镇), Weishan County (巍山县)
Highlights: Built in 1872 and relocated in 1911, the mosque was reconstructed at its current site. The double-eaved prayer hall covers 860 square meters. A new minaret was constructed in 1994.
Donglianhua Mosque
Location: Donglianhua Village (东莲花村), Weishan County (巍山县)
Highlights: One of the most significant religious sites in Weishan, this mosque also blends Chinese and Islamic architectural elements.
Xinyingpan Mosque
Location: Xinyingpan Village (新英盘村), Yangbi County (漾濞县), Dali City
Highlights: A key religious site in Yangbi County, featuring a modest and elegant architectural style.
Visiting Tips
- Etiquette: Visitors must remove their shoes before entering a mosque and remain quiet. Women are advised to wear headscarves (some mosques offer them on-site).
- Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to visit outside of prayer times to avoid disrupting religious activities.
- Transportation: Some mosques are located within Dali City or nearby towns and are accessible by car or public transport.
Mosques in Dali are not only places of worship but also living symbols of the region’s multicultural coexistence. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or local customs, these sites are well worth a deeper exploration.