Haiyuan Mosque in Zhongwei

Overview

The Haiyuan Grand Mosque (海原清真大寺) is the oldest Islamic mosque in the Xihai Gu (西海固) region of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区). Located in the northwest side of Haiyuan County (海原县), within the city center on Dasi Alley (大寺巷), this mosque has a history spanning over 400 years. It was first established during the reign of the Ming Dynasty’s Emperor Shen Zong (明神宗), specifically in the Wanli period (万历年). The mosque serves as the spiritual and religious center for Muslims in Haiyuan County and holds significant cultural and historical value.

The Haiyuan Grand Mosque is known for its simple yet solemn atmosphere, which is balanced with grand and majestic architectural features. The mosque houses a rich collection of books, a spacious main hall, and towering ancient elm trees, which leave visitors in awe of its historical grandeur.

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 海原清真大寺
• Location: Haiyuan County (海原县), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区)
• Established: During the Wanli period (万历年), Ming Dynasty (明神宗)
• Open Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, 00:00 - 24:00
• Area: 4100 m²
• Notable Attractions: Moon Viewing Platform (望月台), Sutra Hall (经堂)

Architecture and Structure

Construction and Renovation

The Haiyuan Grand Mosque has undergone several rounds of repairs and expansions over the years. The mosque now covers an area of 4,100 square meters, with an indoor area of 1,025 square meters. The construction of the Sutra Hall (经堂) and Main Hall (大殿) spans an additional 460 square meters.

Design Features

The architectural style of the mosque blends Chinese palace-style (宫殿式) and Arabian architectural art (阿拉伯建筑艺术). The Sutra Hall (经堂) consists of five rooms, while the Main Hall (大殿) has seven rooms. The building structure is made from a combination of brick and wood.

• Main Hall (大殿): The main hall features a dual-pitched roof with a dome covering an area of 300 square meters, capable of holding more than 600 people. The vaulted ceiling measures 110 square meters.
• Sutra Hall (经堂): The Sutra Hall has three levels: the lower floor contains five rooms, the middle floor has three rooms, and the upper floor has one room. The total area of the Sutra Hall is 240 square meters, with a height of 11.7 meters.

All the floors in the Moon Viewing Platform (望月台), Sutra Hall, and Main Hall (大殿) are made from 3 cm thick pinewood planks. The mosque complex also includes:

• Three central rooms (五檩) in the second courtyard
• Six side rooms (东西厢房)
• Five corridor study rooms (过道学房)
• Three bathing rooms (沐浴室)
• Five storage rooms (保管室)
• One restroom (卫生间)

In total, there are 24 rooms, covering an area of 360 square meters, contributing to an overall building area of approximately 1,470 square meters.

The architectural details, including the carved patterns around the eaves, doorways, and windows, are particularly stunning. The doors and windows are inscribed with gilded verses from the Quran (《古兰经》) in bas-relief, which add to the solemn and respectful atmosphere of the mosque.

The massive arched doorways are made of brick and support a three-story wooden prayer tower (宣礼楼) that rises to a height of 8 meters, enhancing the grandeur of the entire building.

The mosque is surrounded by 14 towering ancient elm trees (榆树), believed to be as old as the mosque itself, adding to the impressive presence of the mosque.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Haiyuan Grand Mosque has been central to the Islamic community in Haiyuan County, playing a key role in religious activities for Muslims. It is often referred to as the "Haye" (哈耶), meaning a sacred or revered site, particularly by local followers of Islam. The mosque’s spiritual influence continues to resonate with believers, who come to pray, study, and reflect.

Travel Information

How to Get There

To visit the Haiyuan Grand Mosque (海原清真大寺), follow these steps:

1. By Air: The nearest major airport is Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (银川河东国际机场). From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Haiyuan County (海原县), which is about 120 km (1.5 hours by car) from the airport.
2. By Train: Haiyuan Railway Station (海原火车站) is the closest train station to the mosque. It is well connected to the surrounding regions. From the station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the mosque.
3. By Bus: Buses to Haiyuan County (海原县) are available from Yinchuan (银川) and other nearby cities. After arriving in Haiyuan, you can take a taxi to the mosque, located in Dasi Alley (大寺巷) in the city center.

Travel Tips

• Dress Modestly: Visitors should dress modestly when entering the mosque, especially women. It is advised to cover the head and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
• Respect Religious Customs: As the mosque is a place of worship, be mindful of local customs. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the prayer halls.
• Observe Prayer Times: If you wish to observe or participate in prayers, check the prayer schedule ahead of time. The mosque hosts regular prayers throughout the day.
• Photography: Ask for permission before taking photographs inside the mosque, particularly during prayer times, to ensure that you are respecting the religious environment.
• Nearby Dining: There are various local restaurants and convenience stores near the mosque. You can enjoy some local Hui Muslim dishes, such as lamb skewers, pilaf, and bread.
• Accommodation: While the region offers accommodation options, it’s recommended to book in advance if you're visiting during peak seasons.

The Haiyuan Grand Mosque is a remarkable blend of architectural elegance, historical significance, and spiritual importance, making it a must-visit site for those interested in Islamic culture and the history of Ningxia.