Songmaopo Mosque in Yanshan County, Wenshan
Basic Information
Chinese Name: 砚山松毛坡清真寺
English Name: Songmaopo Mosque in Yanshan County, Wenshan
Keywords: Songmaopo Mosque in Yanshan County, Muslim culture, Muslim architecture
Location: Dalan Road, Pingyuan Town, Yanshan County, Yunnan Province
About Songmaopo Mosque
Songmaopo Mosque is located in Dalan Road, Pingyuan Town, Yanshan County, Yunnan Province. It is part of an integrated village developed from one family to more than 280 families, encompassing Tianxin Village (田心村) and Maolong Village (茂龙村).
The History of Songmaopo Mosque
Originally, in 1975, Songmaopo Mosque was a small mosque that could accommodate 150 people. Following the Shadian Incident (沙甸事件), a religious persecution incident in 1978, the government provided subsidies amounting to CNY 80,000. The local community also contributed significantly to the construction of a larger mosque. This new mosque, with a worship hall that could accommodate 700 people, side rooms, a conference room, an office building, bath rooms (耳房), Yibailou Building (宜拜楼), and other facilities, was completed at a total cost of CNY 500,000. Subsequently, a new female church was also added to the complex.
The Architecture and Pilgrim of the Mosque
The entire mosque complex covers an area of 4,000 square meters. The worship hall, which blends Chinese and Western architectural styles, spans 500 square meters. The total built-up area of the mosque is 2,000 square meters.
A total of 1,485 Hui ethnic people worship at Songmaopo Mosque, including 5 imams (阿訇), 80 manias (满拉), and 5 Muslims in charge of finances (学董). The mosque houses seven pairs of plaques and serves as a pilgrimage site for more than 30 haji. Since 1980, the mosque has educated a total of 150 students across seven classes.
Muslim Travel Tips
Visiting Hours: The mosque is open for prayers and visits. It is advisable to check local timings for prayer sessions to plan your visit accordingly.
Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly, covering their arms and legs. Women may be required to wear a headscarf.
Respectful Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor, especially during prayer times. Avoid loud conversations and follow the guidance of mosque staff.
Photography: Seek permission before taking photos inside the mosque to respect the privacy and religious practices of worshippers.
Local Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy halal food available in the vicinity of the mosque, offering a variety of delicious Muslim dishes.
Cultural Engagement: Engage with the local Muslim community to learn more about their faith, traditions, and lifestyle. The mosque often hosts events and activities that provide deeper insights into Islamic culture.
Songmaopo Mosque stands as a significant religious and cultural center in Yanshan County, reflecting the rich heritage and evolving traditions of the Hui Muslim community.
