Lianhuatang Mosque in Gejiu City, Honghe

Lianhuatang Mosque (莲花塘清真寺) is located in Shadian Township (沙甸乡), Gejiu City (个旧市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was originally built in 1981 and represents a key example of the revival and reconstruction of Hui (回族) Muslim religious sites during the early years of China’s Reform and Opening-Up period. Its establishment is directly linked to the religious policy reforms led by Wang Lianfang (王连芳). Other mosques rebuilt during the same period include Shadian Mosque (沙甸清真寺) and Jinjizhai Mosque (金鸡寨清真寺).

In 2010, the mosque was designated a “Safe Religious Venue” by the Honghe Prefectural Party Committee and Government (红河州委、州政府), reflecting its role in promoting religious harmony. As a notable case in Islamic economic activities, the mosque’s zakat contributions between 2003 and 2007 accounted for 4.4% to 32.9% of the total registered annual amount in the area, demonstrating the lasting influence of the zakat system.

• Location: Next to Lianhuatang Mosque (莲花塘清真寺), Shadian District (沙甸区), Gejiu City (个旧市)
• Year Built: 1981
• Religious Affiliation: Islam, Mosque
• Honorary Title: Safe Religious Venue (2010)
• Economic System: Zakat-based poverty relief

Architectural History

Rebuilding of the Mosque

Lianhuatang Mosque (莲花塘清真寺), completed in 1981, was among the first batch of religious buildings rebuilt in Shadian Township (沙甸乡) after the Reform and Opening-Up. Its reconstruction was overseen by Hui official Wang Lianfang (王连芳), who also led the rebuilding of other mosques such as Shadian Mosque (沙甸清真寺) and Jinjizhai Mosque (金鸡寨清真寺).

Geographic Location

Specific Address

The mosque is located at No. 28 Honggou Road (洪沟路28号), Shadian Town (沙甸镇), Gejiu City (个旧市), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). About 380 meters to the northeast lies the Shadian District Yunyi Ganba Store (沙甸区云伊干巴商铺). From 2008 to 2021, a local enterprise—the Shadian Shale Ganba Processing Workshop (沙甸沙乐干巴加工坊)—used “next to Lianhuatang Mosque (莲花塘清真寺旁)” as its registered address, affirming the mosque’s status as a regional landmark.

Religious Economic Activities

Zakat Contributions

From 2003 to 2007, the mosque’s zakat contributions rose significantly, accounting for between 4.4% and 32.9% of the total annual registered zakat in the region. In 2006, the figure reached 28.8%, and in 2007, it climbed to 32.9%. This charitable religious economic model aligns with the high proportion of Hui residents in the Shadian area—88% in 1996 and 80% in 2005.

Specifically, the zakat amounts disclosed by the mosque in 2003, 2006, and 2007 made up 4.4%, 28.8%, and 32.9% of the annual totals respectively, highlighting the mosque’s central role in local rural economic relief efforts.

Social Impact

Recognition and Awards

In 2010, Lianhuatang Mosque (莲花塘清真寺) was honored with the title of “Safe Religious Venue,” becoming one of the first 14 mosques among the 25 religious sites in Gejiu City (个旧市) to receive this distinction. The selection was organized by the Honghe Prefectural Party Committee and Government (红河州委、州政府). Other prominent religious buildings such as Shadian Grand Mosque (沙甸大清真寺) were also recognized at the same time.