Yongning Mosque in Kunming
Chinese Name: 永宁清真寺
Chinese Pinyin: Yong Ning Qing Zhen Si
English Name: Yongning Mosque in Kunming
Type: Mosque, Cultural Landmarks
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Hour
Opening Time: 8:00-17:30
Tickets Fee: Free
Address: No.153, Jinbi Road in Xishan District
About Yongning Mosque
Kunming Yongning Mosque was located in the west section of Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan. According to the History of Kunming County, it was built by Sayyid Ajjal Shams, the governor of Yunnan Province in the Yuan Dynasty. Director Naguo Xiang suggested that Yongning Mosque should be rebuilt as a modern building. With the support of the government and the support of Muslims, it finally broke ground on December 25, 2007. The new mosque was completed ahead of schedule on December 5, 2008. In less than a year, a building with Arab characteristics combined with the traditional Chinese pattern sprang up.
Historical Evolution
The original site was in Donglai Street, which was called “Fish Market”, also known as “Donglai Street Mosque”, destroyed in the end of the war. There was a reconstruction in Ming Dynasty(1647-1661), renamed the “Yongning Mosque.” According to the tablet, the temple is the largest of all the mosques in the province, and was destroyed in the Qing Dynasty (1856) when the Qing army suppressed the Hui uprising. The existing Yongning Mosque was rebuilt in 1898. It was rebuilt by wooden structure in 2007 and completed ahead of schedule in December 2008.
Layout of Kunming Yongning Mosque
Kunming Yongning Mosque’s layout is like a quadrangle. There is a hill-shaped gatehouse facing north and there is an open patio in the door. The hall of worship is a pure wood structure on the top of the hill. In the middle of the door is hung a wooden plaque of “the true palace”. It has an area of about 200 square meters. In front of the hall, there is a covered gallery with pictures of mecca pilgrimage on both sides of the walls. On the opposite side of the hall, there are seven rooms, which are used for the gathering. The side of the hall has a classroom, a chamber. The bathroom is located behind the chamber. Although the scale of the temple is smaller than that built in the past years, but the temple education has been thriving, mosques throughout Yunnan imams, the master of the school had studied here.
How to Get there?
Yongning Mosque was located at No.153, Jinbi Road in Xishan District. We provide 3 ways for tourists to choose.
Historical Significance
Founded during the Yuan Dynasty, Yongning Mosque has a long history intertwined with the cultural and religious development of Kunming. Over the centuries, it has served as a key religious, educational, and cultural center for Muslims in the area.
Architectural Features
The mosque is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, which blends traditional Chinese design elements with Islamic motifs. Key features include the grand prayer hall, the elegant minarets, and the beautifully landscaped courtyards.
Prayer Hall
The main prayer hall is spacious and adorned with intricate calligraphy and artwork. It can accommodate a large number of worshippers and is the focal point of religious activities.
Minarets
The minarets of Yongning Mosque are notable for their height and elegant design, serving both a religious function and as an architectural landmark in Kunming.
Courtyards
The mosque’s courtyards are beautifully landscaped, providing a serene environment for prayer and reflection. They are often used for community gatherings and events.
Role in the Community
Yongning Mosque plays a vital role in the local Muslim community. It is not only a place of worship but also a center for education and cultural exchange. The mosque hosts various religious and educational programs, including Quranic studies, language classes, and cultural events.
Educational Contributions
The mosque has a long tradition of providing religious education. It has been home to many esteemed scholars and has produced numerous religious leaders who have contributed significantly to the Islamic community in Kunming and beyond.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Yongning Mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions to better serve the growing Muslim population in Kunming. These developments have helped preserve its historical significance while ensuring it meets the needs of contemporary worshippers.
By Subway
Tourists can take Line.3 subway to Wuyi Road Station, and walk about 10 minutes to Yongning Mosque.
By Bus
Tourists can take bus No.206, 213, 3, 4, 62, 90, 98, A1, K11, 62 to Jinmafang Station, and then walk for about 5 minutes to Yongning Mosque.
By Taxi
It takes tourists about 15 minutes to Yongning Mosque from downtown of Kunming by taxi.
