There is a number of mosques in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, as most of the Huis are believers of Islam. The Nanguan Mosque is a famous one among thousands of mosques in Ningxia. The original Nanguan Mosque was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). After its expansion in 1953, it became a traditional, large architectural complex with an area of over 3,000 square meters (about 0.7 acre). Unfortunately it was pulled down during the 1960s. The present mosque was rebuilt in the 1980s and occupies an area of 2,074 square meters (about 0.5 acre).

The Nanguan Mosque is endowed with Islamic architectural style that is characterized by grand domes, long tines and arch doors and windows. There are five green domes on the top of this two-storey building. It is said that the biggest one in the center symbolizes the Mohammed, the prophet of Islamism, and that the other four symbolize four famous imams. On the first floor is a chapel, residences for the imams and bathing houses which are connected by the cloisters. Visitors can get to the upper floor by the spiral stairs outside.The spacious prayer hall on the second floor can accommodate about 1,000 worshipers at a time. The tabernacle in the hall is enchased with white marble and is engraved with the lection of Alcoran.

In front of the hall you will find a fountain featuring a leaping display of water. In the 1990s, two square 'Bangke' towers and winding corridors were set up in the forecourt. The high 'Bangke' tower is believed to help summon Muslims to attend church. The buildings are a mixture of elegance, gaudiness and sobriety, presenting a scene of Islamic characteristics.