Tongxin Great Mosque, Ancient mosque in Tongxin County, China
Tongxin Great Mosque is an Islamic temple in Tongxin County with a main prayer hall consisting of two connected sections built upon a seven-meter elevated platform with a cyan-colored base. The complex displays traditional brick carvings throughout and follows predominantly Chinese construction styles with Islamic decorative elements integrated into its design.
The structure was first built in 1573 during the Ming Dynasty and maintained its core form through renovation campaigns in 1791 and 1907. It survived the Cultural Revolution period, one of few religious buildings in the region to do so, making its preservation historically significant.
The mosque blends Han Chinese architectural traditions with Islamic decorative patterns throughout its buildings, reflecting how two distinct artistic traditions merged here. Walking through the complex, you notice how local craftsmanship and religious artistry created something that belongs fully to both worlds.
You can reach the mosque by bus from Yinchuan Railway Station to Tongxin County, a journey that takes several hours. Plan your visit during daylight hours when the grounds are open and you have good light for exploring the buildings and carvings.
The mosque remained intact during the Cultural Revolution when thousands of other religious buildings across the region were destroyed. This survival made it a rare testament to both local faith and community resilience during a turbulent historical period.
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