Qingjing Mosque

The Qingjing Mosque, also known as the Ashab Mosque, is located in the center of Tumen Street in Quanzhou. Along with 21 other historical sites in Quanzhou, it has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site under the name of "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China". Throughout the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Quanzhou City was one of the key ports of foreign trade and attracted many Arabs. The mosque, built and repaired by Arab Muslims, reflects the friendship and cultural exchange between China and Arabic countries. Imitating a mosque in Damascus, Syria, it was initially built in 1009 and today is the oldest Arab-style mosque in China. This magnificent mosque covers an area of 2,500 square meters (0.62 acre) and features a gate, the Fengtian Hall, and the Mingshan Hall.

Facing south, the gate is made of diabase and white granite and consists of four conjoined archways. Many of the gate's domes are carved with hanging lotus, symbolizing respect for sanctity and purity. Each carved lotus is surrounded by a web of liernes, which add depth to the carvings. A platform on the roof of the gate allows worshipers to watch the moon and decide when Ramadan begins. To the east of the gate are two stone tablets recording the reconstruction of the mosque in the Yuan (1271-1368) and the Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. Another stone tablet is located just near the gate, engraved with the imperial edict of Zhu Di - the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He spread this edict to protect the Mosque and the Islam in China.

The spacious Fengtian Hall was once the main prayer hall of the mosque. The hall's design depicts the popular architectural style of Islamic prayer halls before the 10th century. Unfortunately, the hall's spectacular roof collapsed in an earthquake, leaving only the granite walls intact. The ornamental walls house stone inscriptions of Alcoran, lit by the large windows carved throughout.

After the earthquake damaged Fengtian Hall, Mingshan Hall became the mosque's central prayer hall. Located in the northwestern portion of the Mosque, Mingshan Hall was built in a more Chinese style and is smaller than Fengtian Hall. It is a quadrangle - resembling a traditional residential compound with a courtyard (common in northern China). Here the stone walls are adorned with Arabic inscriptions dating back to the Song and the Yuan dynasties.

The ancient history and unique blend of Arabic and Chinese architecture in this holy mosque are sure to linger in your memory long after your visit.
 

Admission Fee: CNY 3
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
Bus Route: 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 26
- Last updated on Jan. 10, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Qingjing Mosque
Asked by wai yan sor from MYANMAR | Oct. 17, 2014 23:08Reply
how can go there from sanyuanli,quangzhou to Qingjing Mosque?
i want to go there with metro only!!i wamna know how can i go there
Answers (1)
Answered by Ben from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 18, 2014 01:50
00Reply


If you want to get there only by metro, I’m afraid you cannot make it. It’s quite far, there is no such metro line.

As I know, in the Tianhe Bus Station, there are buses to Quanzhou, you can take one. And then take a taxi to the Mosque.
Asked by ABDULLAH AL KHUSAIBI from OMAN | Apr. 28, 2014 04:58Reply
how far from hong kong to Quanzhou city
Answers (1)
Answered by Jill | Apr. 30, 2014 04:04
00Reply


It is around 700km.
Asked by Yee Soon from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 29, 2013 08:43Reply
Can someone please tell me the street address of the Chendai Ding ancestral shrine in Chendai and how I can get there from Xiamen?
Are there any good decent hotels nearby this shrine where I can stay for a day or two to enable me to trace my ancestral roots? I am planning to visit in early November. Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
Answered by Shan from GREECE | Apr. 01, 2013 02:48
00Reply


There is no a specific street. It is loacted at Andou Village, Chendai Town, Jinjiang City.

From Xiamen, you can take a bus to Quanzhou. At Quanzhou Passenger Transportation Center, there are exclusive buses to Chendai. Upon arrival at Chengdai, take a taxi to your destination.

I don't think there are good hotels in the village. Well, I suggest you find a hotel or hostel at Chendai Town.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail