Bafang 13 Lane in Linxia

Location: Linxia City, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province (甘肃省临夏回族自治州临夏市)
Total Area: 410,000 m²
Street Length: 1,300 meters
Opening Hours: 08:30–22:00
Admission: Free
Attractions: Bafang Folk Museum (八坊民俗馆), Old Wang Mosque (老王清真寺), North Temple Screen Wall (北寺影壁), Dong Gongguan (东公馆)

Bafang 13 Lane (八坊十三巷) is a fully pedestrianized cultural and tourism street in Linxia City, combining ancient architecture, ethnic culture, local cuisine, courtyard leisure, and cultural creativity. With eight traditional “wards” (坊) and thirteen alleyways (巷), it forms a classic minority residential area showcasing Hui (回族) ethnic culture, traditional crafts, and authentic culinary experiences.

The street is recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a nationally designated night-time cultural and tourism consumption hub, making it a top destination for visitors seeking ethnic heritage and immersive cultural experiences in Northwest China.

History and Cultural Background

Bafang 13 Lane is a historic Hui community, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (唐代). Merchants and religious figures from the Abbasid Caliphate (大食 / modern-day Saudi Arabia) and Persia (波斯) settled here, establishing eight mosques and Islamic teaching centers (教坊). Locals lived around the mosques and commercial wards, forming a harmonious Muslim community, giving the area its name “Bafang” (Eight Wards).

The first mosque in the area, the South Gate Grand Mosque (南关清真大寺), was built in 1273 on several ancient pine tree stumps, earning the local nickname “Connected-Root Pillar Ancient Mosque” (连根柱古寺). During the Ming (明) and Qing (清) Dynasties, Bafang reached its peak development. By the early 21st century, the area underwent a comprehensive renovation, preserving original residents while restoring historic lanes, courtyards, folk museums, craft galleries, and public squares. The restoration was completed in October 2016, creating a vibrant cultural and tourism hub.

Architecture and Street Layout

Bafang 13 Lane consists of eight wards: Dashazi Ward (大旮巷), Qisi Ward (祁寺坊), Xisi Ward (西寺坊), Beisi Ward (北寺坊), Tiejia Ward (铁家寺坊), Qianheyan Ward (前河沿寺坊), Old Wang Ward (老王寺坊), and New Wang Ward (新王寺坊). These connect through thirteen historic alleyways, including Xiaonan Lane (小南巷), Bako Lane (坝口巷), Beixie Lane (北巷), Shagalen Lane (沙尕楞巷), Zhuanyuan Lane (专员巷), Tongqu Lane (童趣巷), and Wangsi Street (王寺街).

The architecture blends Hui brick carving (回族砖雕), Han wood carving (汉族木刻), and Tibetan-style painting (藏族彩绘), showcasing multi-ethnic craftsmanship. Traditional houses are typically enclosed four-sided courtyards (四合院) with symmetry and balance. Wealthier families built larger complexes with multiple courtyards and carriage yards, while most residents lived in modest single or double courtyards.

The street preserves historic mosque-centered layouts, combining Chinese classical architecture with Arab cultural influences, making Bafang 13 Lane a living museum of ethnic and religious architectural heritage.

Must-See Attractions

Bafang Folk Museum (八坊民俗馆)

Located at No. 80 Dashazi Lane (大旮巷80号), this former private residence belonged to Ma Tingxiong (马廷勷), known as “Third Young General” (三少军). The compound originally had three or four interconnected courtyards, with gardens, carriage yards, and storage areas. After careful restoration, the museum now features brick carvings, wood carvings, and traditional Qing Dynasty-style courtyards, representing Linxia’s architectural peak.

Dong Gongguan (东公馆)

Construction began in 1938 and completed in 1945. It is a AAA-rated tourist site, featuring a “Tian” (田)-shaped courtyard, three-story towers supported by 28 pillars, and 189 exquisite brick carvings. The compound blends defense, aesthetics, and functionality. After liberation in 1949, it served as a military command post, highlighting modern historical significance.

Old Wang Mosque (老王清真寺)

Established in 1368 (Ming Dynasty), rebuilt in 1933, the mosque features traditional Chinese palace-style architecture, including a four-story wooden tower with elegant flying eaves. Historically, it served as an educational center for the Gedimu Islamic school.

South Gate Grand Mosque (南关大寺)

Originally built on pine stumps in 1273, expanded during Ming and Qing Dynasties. The prayer hall showcases intricate brick and wood carvings resembling a boat, and it served as an Ikhwan education center.

North Temple (北寺)

Dating to the late Ming Dynasty, restored through Qing Dynasty, it is famous for the North Temple Screen Wall (北寺影壁) with “Dragon and Phoenix Auspiciousness” (龙凤呈祥) reliefs, a masterpiece of Huo Zhou brick carving (河州砖雕).

Qianheyan Mosque (前河沿寺) and Lao Hua Mosque (老华寺)

Qianheyan Mosque incorporates modern Chinese architecture inspired by Singapore’s Minangkabau Mosque, while Lao Hua Mosque, dating to 1368, accommodates 5,000 worshippers and features Arab-style architecture.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Bafang 13 Lane offers rich cultural festivals, culinary delights, and folk performances:

• “Food in Hezhou, Taste Bafang” Festival (食在河州，知味八坊) – showcasing local Hui cuisine and tea culture.
• Craft Exhibitions – featuring brick carving, wood carving, egg carving, clay sculpture, and gourd carving, representing over 60 intangible cultural heritage items.

Recommended Cultural Tours

Bafang Highlights Tour (1 hour)
Dashazi Lane → No. 80 Folk Museum → No. 64 Handicraft Museum → No. 65 Character Story Museum → Yongzheng Lane

Ethnic Culture Tour (1–2 hours)
Dashazi Lane → Zhuanyuan Lane → Wangsi Street → Old Wang Mosque → Bako Lane → Beixie Lane → North Temple → Hongshui River → Alley Entrance

Gastronomy Experience (1–2 hours)
Dashazi Lane → Shagalen Lane → Xiaonan Lane → West Mosque → Bako Lane → Beixie Lane → North Temple → Night Market

Night Illumination Tour (1–1.5 hours)
Beixie Lane → Hongshui River → Tongqu Lane → Bako Lane → Xiaonan Lane → Shagalen Lane → Dashazi Lane
Dashazi Lane → Shagalen Lane → No. 80 Folk Museum → No. 64 Handicraft Museum → No. 65 Character Story Museum → Tea Bowl Plaza → Zhuanyuan Lane → Wangsi Street

Visitor Information

Transportation

• Public Bus: 14 bus lines reach all main entrances, including routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 13, 14, 16, 18, 22.
• Taxi or Self-Drive: Accessible via main entrances, e.g., Dashazi Lane (大旮巷), Beixie Lane (北巷), Wangsi Street (王寺巷). Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.

Travel Tips

• Walking & Sampling: Most stalls have no seating; try small portions and share.
• Customs: Smoking, alcohol, and non-halal food are prohibited.
• Peak Hours: Avoid Friday 12:00–14:00 (main prayer time), Eid, or major holidays.
• Combine Visits: Pair with local tea culture, museums, and night market exploration.

Why Bafang 13 Lane is a Must-Visit

• Authenticity: Local residents’ daily life, traditional architecture, and authentic Hui culture.
• Diversity: Explore historic mosques, folk museums, artisan workshops, and a variety of street food in a single area.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience Hui traditions, Tang-era history, and multi-ethnic crafts, all within one cohesive street.
• Award-Winning: Recognized as AAAA tourist site, nationally designated cultural street, and a national night-time tourism hub.