Jinling Hui Ethnic Town in Linzi District, Zibo
Overview
Jinling Hui Town (金岭回族镇) is located in Linzi District (临淄区), Zibo City (淄博市), Shandong Province (山东省), and is one of the five ethnic minority towns in the province. It covers an area of 18.7 square kilometers with a population of 15,192 people (as of 2007). The town includes four natural villages, one residential committee, and nine villagers’ committees.
Jinling Hui Town is strategically situated at the intersection of Linzi District and Zhangdian District (张店区). It is close to National Highway 309 and is crossed by Provincial Road 102, making it well-connected with key roads like Weisan Road (纬三路), Weiliu Road (纬六路), and Jinxi Road (金烯路) in the industrial park. The advantageous geographical location and convenient transportation routes contribute to its development as a key hub for trade and industry. The town is home to both Hui and Han ethnic groups and was officially named Jinling Hui Town in 1984 in recognition of its Hui Muslim population.
How to Get There
- By Car: Jinling Hui Town is easily accessible by road via National Highway 309 or Provincial Road 102.
- By Train: The town is close to the Jiaoji Railway (胶济铁路), which passes nearby, providing convenient rail connections to major cities in Shandong Province.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (济南遥墙国际机场), from which travelers can take a car or train to reach Jinling Hui Town in about two hours.
History of Jinling Hui Town
The town’s origins date back to the early Tang Dynasty, when it served as an important transport hub with a rich history. The name “Jinling” was derived from the nearby Taiping Ridge (太平岭) and Jin Mountain (金山). By the late Tang Dynasty, the area had already gained the title “Jinling Town” (金岭镇), as recorded in historical texts. During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, the population grew, with many residents adopting commerce and craftsmanship as their main livelihoods. Common surnames in the town include Zhao, Wang, Ma, Ding, and Zhang.
Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
Jinling Mosque (金岭清真寺)
One of the most notable landmarks in Jinling Hui Town is the Jinling Mosque. Built during the Ming Dynasty’s Chenghua period, it is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Shandong Province. Over the years, the mosque has been rebuilt and restored, especially after destruction during the Qing Dynasty and the Cultural Revolution. The mosque covers an area of 4,250 square meters and can accommodate around 1,500 worshippers. The architectural style blends traditional Chinese palatial structures with Arabic Islamic designs, featuring a moon-viewing tower (望月楼) and grand prayer hall.
Travel Tips
- Dress Code: Visitors to the mosque should dress modestly, with men wearing hats and women covering their heads with scarves out of respect for the local customs.
- Touring the Mosque: It’s best to visit during non-prayer times to explore the mosque’s intricate designs and historical significance.
- Local Customs: Be mindful of local Islamic customs, especially when visiting during religious festivals like Ramadan or Eid.
Traditions and Customs
The Hui people in Jinling Hui Town have maintained many traditional customs influenced by Islam. Men often wear black or white prayer hats, while women cover their heads with veils. Many Hui people continue to use Persian or Arabic words, particularly during religious ceremonies and holidays.
Festivals
Jinling Hui Town celebrates four major Islamic holidays:
- Laylat al-Qadr (盖德尔夜): Celebrated on the 27th night of Ramadan, this is a night of prayers and Quran recitations.
- Eid al-Fitr (开斋节): Also known as “Eld Festival,” it marks the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha (宰牲节): Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” where animals are sacrificed in commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
- Mawlid al-Nabi (圣纪节): Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Dietary Habits
The Hui people place great emphasis on food hygiene. Beef, lamb, chicken, duck, and geese are common dishes, and all animals must be slaughtered according to Islamic law by an imam (阿訇). Pork and alcohol are strictly forbidden. Local restaurants and food stalls display the “Halal” (清真) sign to indicate that the food is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.
Famous Figures
Xue Fengzuo (薛凤祚)
Xue Fengzuo, a renowned astronomer and mathematician during the early Qing Dynasty, was a native of Jinling Hui Town. He studied under European astronomers and played a significant role in bridging Chinese and Western astronomical knowledge. His most famous work, Tianxue Huitong (天学会通), comprises 80 volumes on astronomy, including China’s first logarithmic tables.
Modern Development and Economy
Today, Jinling Hui Town has a population of 16,522 people, including 5,069 Hui residents. The town has two schools, one kindergarten, and a well-equipped hospital. The local economy is growing rapidly, with a focus on trade, small-scale industries, and agricultural production.
Transportation and Travel Tips
- Getting Around: The town is well-connected by road and rail. Public transportation options like buses and taxis are available for easy access to nearby cities like Zibo and Jinan.
- Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting, especially during religious events, it is important to be respectful of the Hui Muslim customs. Avoid bringing alcohol or non-halal food into the town.
Jinling Hui Town offers a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese cultures, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, architecture, and the cultural diversity of Shandong Province.
