Dongguan Mosque, Xining, Qinghai, China

The Dongguan Mosque in Xining, Qinghai Province, is one of the most prominent Islamic landmarks in northwest China.

Originally built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, it has stood for over six centuries as a center of worship and religious education for the region’s Muslim population. It’s recognized as the largest mosque in Qinghai and one of the “Four Greatest Mosques” in northwest China, alongside the Great Mosque of Xi’an, Xiguan Mosque in Lanzhou, and Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. The mosque has long served as a spiritual and cultural hub, hosting thousands of worshippers during Friday prayers and major Islamic festivals.

Architecturally, the Dongguan Mosque is a striking blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic design elements. Its prayer hall, which can accommodate over 3,000 people, features elegant arches, intricate carvings, and a layout that reflects both religious function and aesthetic harmony. Historically, the mosque included green domes and minarets added in the early 2000s, but these were removed in 2021 during a renovation aimed at restoring its original Chinese-style appearance—a move that sparked debate over cultural preservation and political influence. Despite these changes, the mosque remains a protected cultural site and continues to draw visitors for its beauty and historical significance.

Beyond its religious role, the Dongguan Mosque has also been a focal point for social and political expression. In the late 20th century, it was the site of large-scale protests by Chinese Muslims against publications they viewed as offensive to Islam. These events underscore the mosque’s importance not just as a place of worship, but as a symbol of identity and resilience for the Hui Muslim community in China. Today, it stands as a testament to centuries of Islamic presence in the region and offers a unique window into the intersection of faith, architecture, and history in Chinese society.

Dongguan Mosque seen from the northwest

Panorama of the Dongguan Mosque facade seen from the east

Mosque clock tower

Staircase and entrance doors to the mosque

Panorama of the Zhongwu Gates (Five Middle Gates), also Chongwu Gate

«The Zhongwu Gates (Five Middle Gates) of the Grand Mosque facing the five gates of the main building are also called Chongwu Gate, consisting of one large gate and four small ones.

The gates stand between two minarets which are integrated with them, forming an arch—like brick gateway. The minarets are three-story hexagonal buildings with hexagonal cornice pavilions as roofs. On each roof with glazed green tile inlays and six supporting wooden poles, a gold-plated prayer wheel is installed. Two minarets on top of the main building stand at a great height and catch everyone's eyes due to the pageantry. The four minarets (minarets for the five middle gates and minarets for the main building) are symmetrically built. Such arrangement is relatively rare for mosques in China.

The outer crossbar of the gate in center is provided with gold-plated characters: Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining City while other outer and inner crossbars are provided with gold-plated classic admonitions in Arabic.

The mosque carves the One Hundred Character Praise Poem (Bai Zi Zan) written by Zhu Yuanzhang (the founder of Ming dynasty) in the five gates.»

The One Hundred Character Praise Poem (百字讃, Bai Zi Zan) was written by Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor and founder of the Ming dynasty, in honor of the Prophet Muhammad and the virtues of Islam:

«At the beginning of the universe, his name was recorded in the heavenly canon.
The great sage who preached the teachings was born in the Western Regions.
He imparted the Scriptures, thirty volumes, to enlighten all living beings.
He was the teacher of millions, the leader of all saints.
He assisted the providence of heaven and protected the people.
He prayed at the five times of the day, silently wishing for peace.
He kept his heart in Allah, and strengthened the hearts of the poor.
He saved those in need, and penetrated the netherworld.
He liberated souls, freeing them from sin.
His benevolence spread throughout the world, and his teachings were unparalleled throughout history.
He defeated evil and united the people, and his religion was called Islam.
Muhammad, the most noble sage.»