Jinniujie Mosque in Kunming

Jinniujie Mosque in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明金牛清真寺
Chinese Pinyin: Kun Ming Jin Niu Qing Zhen Si
English Name:Jinniu Mosque, Kunming
Type: Mosque, Cultural & Historical Landmarks
Visiting Hours: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Opening Time: 8:00-17:30
Tickets Fee: Free
Address: North side of Jinniu Park, Jiangbin West Road, Huguo Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City

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Jin Niu Street Mosque (金牛街清真寺), also known as Dongmen Mosque (东门清真寺), is located at No. 41 Jin Niu Street (金牛街), Kunming City (昆明市). Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (元代), it was designated as a Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Panlong District (盘龙区) in Kunming in 1990. This mosque is an important site for Islamic worship in Kunming and has been described as the only well-preserved Chinese-style mosque in the city. Today, it remains a major religious activity center for the local Muslim community.

  • Name: Jin Niu Street Mosque (金牛街清真寺)
  • Built: Yuan Dynasty (元代)
  • Address: No. 41 Jin Niu Street (金牛街), Kunming City (昆明市)
  • Designation Level: Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Panlong District (盘龙区), Kunming City (昆明市)

Historical Background

The mosque was initially built by Hui (回族) people and Hui soldiers from the northwest who followed Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar (赛典赤) to Kunming during the Yuan Dynasty. In 1856 (the Bingchen Year of the Xianfeng reign), the mosque was severely damaged during a military uprising. It was later expanded and renovated in 1889 (the fifteenth year of the Guangxu reign), funded by local Hui donors. Additions included five main halls, a central hall, side rooms, and a minaret. After being bombed by Japanese aircraft in 1941, it was rebuilt in 1943. The existing mosque, rebuilt multiple times, is a traditional Chinese-style brick-and-wood structure.

Architectural Features

The mosque features a siheyuan (四合院) layout that blends Islamic culture with traditional Chinese architecture.

  • Main Prayer Hall: The hall is 19 meters wide and 13 meters deep, accommodating over 200 worshippers.
  • Auxiliary Structures: It includes a main gate tower, minaret (邦克楼), central halls, and side rooms.

Cultural and Social Role

In 2000, the mosque collaborated with the local community to establish a school promoting ethnic unity and civic values, while continuing to function as a religious site. It is now one of the most active Islamic centers in Kunming, attracting both Muslims and non-Muslim visitors interested in Islamic religion, culture, history, and local Muslim customs.

Location and Access

The mosque is located at No. 41 Jin Niu Street (金牛街), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省).