Ximen Mosque (West Gate Mosque) in Dali Old Town

Ximen Mosque (West Gate Mosque) is one of the oldest mosques in Dali (大理), located on the upper section of Renmin Road in Dali Old Town (大理古城). Established in 1278 CE (15th year of the Zhiyuan era, Yuan Dynasty), it has a history of over 700 years. The mosque remains an important religious and cultural center for the local Hui Muslim community.

The mosque is an architectural fusion of Islamic and traditional Chinese design. Its outer gate features classic Islamic style, while the main hall showcases a single-eave Xieshan-style roof typical of Chinese wooden architecture. The eaves are adorned with carved floral patterns and vibrant paintings, creating a harmonious blend of East and West.

Historical Background

Early History

Originally named “Yingtou Prayer Mosque” (营头礼拜寺), the mosque was approved for construction during the rule of Sayyid Ajall Shams al-Din (赛典赤·赡思丁) in Yunnan. It was built within the city walls near Xiangshui Pass (响水关营头) as a place of worship for the Hui Muslim population of Dali.

During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the mosque flourished as the local Hui population grew. However, after the failure of Du Wenxiu’s (杜文秀) Panthay Rebellion, many mosques in the region were destroyed by Qing troops or repurposed as government property, leaving Ximen Mosque as one of the few surviving examples from that era.

Qing Dynasty and Renaming

In the Qing Dynasty, the mosque was renamed “Baoshan Mosque” (保善寺) in honor of Ma Baoshan (马保善), a respected Islamic scholar and educator. He is revered locally as “Master Ancestor Baba” (师祖老巴巴) and played a pivotal role in religious education among Dali’s Hui Muslims. Ma Baoshan is said to have performed spiritual practices at the mosque, including a legendary act of miraculously transporting a heavy sheep-liver-colored stone mill from Gansu overnight to the mosque’s steps.

Architectural Features

Gate and Exterior

• The outer gate represents traditional Islamic mosque architecture, featuring geometric patterns and simplicity typical of Islamic design.

Main Prayer Hall

• The main hall follows Chinese architectural principles with a single-eave Xieshan-style roof.

• Eaves are decorated with colorful floral carvings and paintings.

• The interior blends Chinese wooden construction techniques with Islamic spatial arrangements for prayer.

Sacred Stone Mill

• Located at the entrance of the prayer hall, this sheep-liver-colored stone mill is a unique historical artifact. According to local legend, it was transported overnight from Gansu by Ma Baoshan for ritual purposes. It remains a major point of interest for visitors.

Well Water

• A deep well inside the mosque provides excellent water quality. Local folklore claims that “spiders do not spin webs, and birds do not build nests” within the mosque grounds, emphasizing its sacred nature.

Cultural Artifacts

• The mosque preserves calligraphic couplets by Zhao Fan (赵藩), reflecting Dali’s cultural diversity and religious tolerance.

Visiting Information

• Location: No. 11 Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省大理白族自治州大理市古城人民路11号)

• Opening Hours: Open year-round; commonly listed as 08:00–17:00

• Admission: Free

• Transportation: Accessible on foot within Dali Old Town or by taking the Three Pagodas shuttle line to Yita Road Stop

Nearby Recommendations

Dining

• Niao Bar Café (鸟吧咖啡馆) – Casual café, less than 100 meters from the mosque

• Daxiong Restaurant Bar (大雄餐吧) – Creative cuisine

Accommodation

• Dali Xishe·QingShe Hotel (大理喜舍·清奢酒店) – Within walking distance

Highlights for Visitors

1. Architectural Fusion – Experience the combination of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.

2. Historical Significance – One of the few surviving mosques after the Du Wenxiu uprising, with over 700 years of history.

3. Legend and Folklore – Learn about Ma Baoshan’s spiritual practices and the sacred stone mill.

4. Cultural Tolerance – Admire the calligraphy and religious artifacts reflecting Dali’s diverse cultural heritage.

Note: Some historical details may vary across sources. Visitors are encouraged to refer to official guides or historical documents for additional context.