Xiaozhai Mosque in Mile City, Honghe

Short Brief of the Mosque

Chinese Name: 弥勒朋普镇小寨清真寺
English Name: Xiaozhai Mosque in Mile City, Honghe
Address: Pengpu Township, Mile County, Yunnan Province, China.

Historical Background:

  • Established during the Ming Dynasty as part of the “Change of Land and Flow” policy.
  • The original mosque was built in the early Qing Dynasty, initially small and simple. It was destroyed after the failure of the Yunnan Muslim Uprising during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi reigns.
  • Reconstructed in the 13th year of the Guangxu Emperor (1887). Due to population growth, it was rebuilt again in 1982.

Structure and Size:

  • Currently occupies a total area of 9 mu (about 1.5 acres).
  • The main prayer hall covers an area of 560 square meters and follows a traditional Chinese architectural style with symmetrical and harmonious layout.
  • Includes two-story wing rooms.

Cultural and Religious Artifacts:

  • Houses several calligraphic panels personally inscribed by Ma Yuanzhang, the 7th generation leader of the Zhehereniya sect.
  • Features a stone stele from the 5th year of the Jiaqing Emperor (1800), granting exemption from sacrificial tax, and a bronze incense burner from the Ming Xuande era.
  • Also stores four classic Arabic texts.

Community and Leadership:

  • Currently serves 556 households totaling 2363 people, all of whom are Hui Muslims belonging to the Zhehereniya sect.
  • Includes 8 educators (学董), 11 Imams (阿訇), and 35 assistant Imams (满拉).
  • The current religious leader (教长) is Ma Desen, and the current educator (学董) is Jin Deneng.

Location Information:

  • Address: Pengpu Township, Mile County, Yunnan Province, China.
  • Postal Code: 652305

This mosque, with its rich historical and cultural significance, serves as a vital religious and community center for the Hui Muslim population in Mile County, Yunnan.