South Wuliqiao (NanWuliqiao) Mosque in Dali

The South Wuliqiao Mosque大理市南五里桥清真寺 is located west of Dafeng Road, south of Dali Ancient City, facing Erhai Lake and backed by Mount Malong Peak (the highest peak of Cangshan) and the Qilong Nushi Pool. The clear waters of Longxi River flow through the village, and the ancient Tea Horse Road runs behind the village, connecting it closely to Dali Ancient City, Dali University, Dali Finance School, and Dali No. 5 Middle School. This garden-like mosque is rich in history and culture, with a thriving educational atmosphere. It stands out for its harmonious ethnic culture, picturesque scenery, and robust education system, making it a beautiful and culturally rich mosque.

The mosque serves as the location for the South Wuliqiao Qur’an School, the Dali branch of Kunming Islamic Institute, and the editorial office of “Dali Islamic Studies.” It was originally established in the tenth year of the Yuan Dynasty under Emperor Xuan Zong (1233 AD) and featured an expansive and majestic main hall covering over 500 square meters, with a reading platform constructed of high-quality Dali marble, surrounded by intricately carved marble railings. After the failure of the Dali Hui People’s Uprising in 1873, the mosque was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1918 and resumed its educational activities.

In December 1990, with the approval of the Dali Islamic Association and registration with the Dali Municipal United Front Work Department, the mosque was granted recognition as the Dali Muslim Culture Vocational School. In March 2005, the school collaborated with a retired professor from Dali University to offer a degree in Chinese Language and Literature, leading to a graduation certificate from Yunnan Normal University. In January 2009, the Dali People’s Armed Forces Department signed a cooperation agreement with the school to create a “civilized school” and “civilized mosque,” yielding positive results. On May 5, 2012, the school signed a partnership agreement with Dali Technician College, becoming a training site for Arabic language skills. In 2010, the school was renamed the Dali South Wuliqiao Mosque Qur’an School after approval from the Dali Prefecture Religious Affairs Bureau. By 2014, it was recognized as a qualified Qur’an school after completing its management assessment. In October 2015, the school successfully passed an evaluation by the Yunnan Islamic Association Education Committee and was recognized as a qualified Qur’an school. On December 19, 2015, the Yunnan Provincial Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee approved the establishment of the Kunming Islamic Institute Dali Branch at the South Wuliqiao Mosque.

Dali South Wuliqiao Village

The South Wuliqiao natural village, part of Yanghe Village Committee, is located south of Dali Ancient City and west of Dafeng Highway, adjacent to Dali University and Dali Finance School. The village has a favorable geographical location with five resident groups, 358 households, and a population of 1,452 people, with a cultivated area of 369 acres and an average of 0.26 acres per person. The village is home to a mix of Hui, Han, and Bai ethnic groups, with Hui people making up over 95% of the total population. Leveraging its designation as a model beautiful village, the community aims to create a harmonious living environment by promoting ethnic culture and building a happy home.

(1) Strengthening Foundations and Building the “Eight Sceneries” of the New Village

Harmony Archway: To foster a rich atmosphere of Islamic culture and enhance the village’s quality and character, a community initiative raised over 1 million yuan to construct a culturally significant stone archway (Harmony Archway) made from a 600-ton local bluestone. This arch symbolizes the unity and collaboration of the entire ethnic group. Several calligraphic plaques by renowned Dali calligraphers adorn the arch, adding cultural value. Additionally, villagers contributed another 1 million yuan to build three more archways (Qingzhen Archway, Unity Archway).
Qingzhen Road: In line with infrastructure development requirements, over 1 million yuan was invested to cement the main road, Qingzhen Road (400 meters), and the southern village road (500 meters). This project included the installation of drainage systems and led the town in burying electric, telecom, and broadcasting lines underground. The road was beautified with greenery and murals, and an ancient well was preserved. A new “Ancient Well Spring” scenic spot was also established, allowing people to enjoy the refreshing spring water by the roadside.
Mosque: The Wuliqiao Mosque is the largest, best-equipped, and most culturally rich mosque among the 18 mosques in Dali. It is the center for Islamic culture in Dali and has seen further improvements and upgrades through new village construction efforts.
Comprehensive Building: To integrate public services, an old comprehensive building was demolished to create a public square for leisure, activities, parking, and hosting events. A new 300-square-meter comprehensive building was constructed for community activities, elderly gatherings, and cultural events, equipped with office facilities, subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, and a library.
Food Street: Taking advantage of its location next to the busy Cang’er Avenue and proximity to Dali University and Finance School, the village has developed a Halal food street. Currently, there are over 42 households offering unique homestay experiences and nearly 60 households engaged in hospitality, Halal dining, and food processing. With over 80 operating vehicles, transportation services have also expanded. Plans are underway to invest 100,000 yuan to build a “Halal Food Street Lantern Bridge” to further promote the food street.
Cultural Square: An investment of over 200,000 yuan has been made to beautify three communal areas in the village, creating cultural squares rich in ethnic character and ambiance. A new wall reflecting Islamic culture and 250 antique-style flower pots have been installed. Photographs of all 18 mosques in Dali are displayed around the square, providing an overview of Islamic architecture in the area.
Islamic Vocational School: Established in 1950, the Dali Islamic Vocational School trains imams and Arabic translators. It has nurtured a large number of high-quality patriotic imams, contributing over 50% of national Arabic translators. The school has gained a reputation as a center for the dissemination of Islamic culture in Dali and serves as a training base for in-service imams. Recent village improvements have enhanced the school’s campus environment, aiming for a harmonious blend of gardens, modern education, and international exposure for students and teachers.
Dali University Affiliated Kindergarten: Covering an area of 20 acres and a building area of 8,000 square meters, the kindergarten emphasizes market integration and the transition to social and international standards while valuing ethnic language and culture. It stands as a high-end kindergarten in Dali, combining inspiration, knowledge, and a beautiful environment for early childhood education.

How to Get There (Transportation)

To reach the South Wuliqiao Mosque from Dali Ancient City, you can take a local bus or a taxi. Buses run frequently from the city center to the nearby Dali University and Finance School, which are just a short walk from the mosque. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, parking is available near the mosque. The scenic views along the route also make for a pleasant journey.

Travel Tips

Respect Local Customs: As this is a place of worship, dress modestly and be respectful of the cultural practices.
Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals or inside the mosque.
Plan Ahead: If you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons, consider scheduling your visit in advance to avoid crowds.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with local guides to learn more about the mosque’s history and the cultural significance of the area.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to try local Halal food options available in nearby eateries and the food street.