dongguan mosque 西宁东关清真寺
Situated on Dongguan Street of Xining City, the Dongguan Mosque is the biggest in Qinghai Province. Established in 1379 during the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, it illustrates the ethnic diversity of Xining, as well as the religious ideas that accompanied merchants and their goods along the Silk Road.
Among the Great Mosque of Xi'an, Lanzhou Qiaomen Mosque, and Kashi Aitikar Mosque, it is considered one of the four great mosques in Northwest China where its architectural style combines both traditional Chinese artworks and Islamic features. The Xuanli Pavilion stands on either sides of the front door where Imams, religious leaders, invite people to pray. The main worship hall was built facing the east, therefore Muslim can pray facing the holy city of Mecca. Dongguan Mosque underwent several architectural reconstructions; with the existing buildings being rebuilt in 1913, expanded in 1946, and renovated in 1979.
Today, the Dongguan Mosque serves as an educational center and China's top Islamic institution of higher learning. It has become an important place of worship as Muslims from around the region gather regularly at the mosque for religious services and Islamic festivals.
Today, the Dongguan Mosque serves as an educational center and China's top Islamic institution of higher learning. It has become an important place of worship as Muslims from around the region gather regularly at the mosque for religious services and Islamic festivals.