Top Muslim Mosques in Lincang

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Lincang, located in the southwest of Yunnan Province, is home to a vibrant multi-ethnic community and boasts a rich Islamic cultural heritage. As an important stop along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Lincang’s mosques are not only centers of Muslim faith but also symbols of ethnic unity. This guide will take you through Lincang’s mosques, exploring their unique architecture, historical significance, and cultural depth.

Cultural and Geographical Background

Lincang lies along the Lancang River basin, a region with diverse climate zones that have nurtured a distinct cultural landscape. The mosques in Lincang originated in the Ming Dynasty when the Hui Muslim community settled alongside local ethnic groups like the Dai and Yi. These mosques, scattered along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, adhere to Islamic teachings while integrating local architectural styles and cultural traditions. The result is a unique “Mountain Islam” cultural landscape that blends Islamic and local influences.

Recommended Mosques

Xincun Huiying Mosque, Yunxian (云县漫湾镇新村回营清真寺)

Establishment: Built on September 30, 1995, located in the Huiying group of Xincun, Manwan Town, Yunxian.
Innovative Features: This mosque established a free senior care home, combining Hui Muslim traditions of respecting elders with Chinese filial piety. It became the first mosque in Lincang to independently operate a senior care home.
Architectural Style: The mosque follows a traditional Chinese-style design, featuring a grand Bunker Tower and an ancient-style Prayer Hall. The minaret has a six-cornered spire, with bilingual Arabic and Chinese plaques hanging beneath the eaves.
Nearby Attractions: The mosque is near Qing Dynasty stone fence tombs, featuring intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and “Longevity and Happiness” motifs. These tombs are protected as local cultural heritage sites.

Huiying Mosque, Yunxian (云县回营清真寺)

History: Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, it became known as the “North and South Prayer Mosque” during the early Qing Dynasty. The current structure was rebuilt in 1930. The main hall features palace-style architecture with a single eave and a hip roof, along with intricately carved lattice doors.
Cultural Legacy: The Mingde Academy was established here during the Republican era, integrating Islamic texts with modern education. This pioneering fusion of Islamic and local education contributed to the development of both religious and secular knowledge.
Historical Significance: The mosque houses an ancient plaque from the Qing Dynasty, detailing the Hui people’s efforts in constructing the Qingyun Bridge.

Lincang Hui Muslim Village Mosque (云南临沧回族村清真寺)

Establishment: Founded during the Ming Dynasty, the mosque evolved into a North-South prayer hall in the early Qing Dynasty. The current building was reconstructed in 1930 and retains a plaque inscribed with “Qingzhen Gusi” (Clear and True Ancient Mosque) by Zhang Fengming, a Qing military officer.
History and Background: The mosque was severely damaged during the Tongzhi period (1873) and was restored in 1987 through Islamic Association funds. It became a municipal cultural heritage site in 1995.
Architectural Features: The mosque’s main hall features a palace-style design with a single-eave hip roof. Intricate carvings blend Chinese architecture with Islamic motifs. The complex spans approximately 5 acres, including the main hall, two wings, and a side room. Supported by 36 cylindrical wooden columns, the building showcases traditional construction techniques and the fusion of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.
Social Functions and Cultural Legacy: Historically, the mosque housed the Mingde Academy, which integrated Islamic and secular education. During Eid al-Adha, the mosque hosts prayers and traditional food-making, including “Youxiang” (fried dough) and “Sanzi” (fried dough twists), which have become a significant part of the local festival culture.
Honors and Historical Significance: In 1995, the mosque was designated a cultural heritage site. It also preserves traces of the 43rd Army Division of the People’s Liberation Army, which enhances its historical and educational value. Recognized by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for promoting ethnic harmony, the mosque emphasizes the region’s role in cultural exchange along the Tea Horse Road.

Cultural Experience Recommendations

Festival Participation

Eid al-Fitr (开斋节): Participate in the traditional “Youxiang” (fried dough) making ceremony, where the food is distributed after the imam’s recitation.
Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节): Observe the traditional animal sacrifice ceremony and learn about Islamic dietary customs and religious practices.

Learning & Interaction

Arabic Class Auditing: Every Friday, after the main prayer, the mosque opens an Arabic class for visitors. It is recommended to contact the mosque management in advance to book a spot.
Exhibit on Islamic Education: Visit the mosque’s education exhibit to learn about “Xiao’er Jin,” a unique writing system that uses Arabic characters to write Chinese.

Exploring the Ancient Tea Horse Road

Hike the Tea Horse Road: Combine mosque visits with a hike along the Yunxian section of the Tea Horse Road. Explore the remains of ancient mule caravan rest stops and historic sites.
Neolithic Culture Exploration: Participate in archaeological investigations along the Lancang River to understand the local cultures and civilizations that existed before the arrival of Islam.

Travel Tips

Language Tips

Some older Muslims may only understand Persian terms, so it is recommended to download the “Common Phrases for Chinese Muslims” app to help with communication.

Special Restrictions

Ramadan (Expected February to March 2025): During Ramadan, refrain from eating around the mosque during the day.
Women’s Prayer Hall: Do not enter the women’s prayer hall without permission, usually indicated by a green curtain.

Booking Special Activities

Some special activities require at least 3 business days’ advance booking via the Lincang Tourism Platform.

Seasonal Recommendations

Rainy Season (June to September): Bring slip-resistant shoes as some mountain paths may be temporarily closed.

Contemporary Insights

By 2025, the mosques in Lincang have evolved into multi-functional spaces that combine cultural heritage preservation, community education, and eco-tourism. The “Temple and Village Co-Management” model has provided innovative governance practices and set a successful example for multi-ethnic border areas. The integration of Quranic teachings with China’s core socialist values offers a unique perspective, making Lincang’s mosques a valuable study area in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

These mosques are not only centers for religious activity but also serve as a window into the Islamic culture of Southwest China, providing an exceptional opportunity for travelers to explore multiculturalism and the spiritual faiths of humanity.