Zhongying Mosque in Zhaotong

Zhongying Mosque (中营清真寺) was originally built in the ninth year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1731). After the failure of the Hui Muslim uprising against the Qing in 1856 (sixth year of Xianfeng), the mosque was burned down by Qing troops. It was later rebuilt but suffered severe damage again during the Cultural Revolution. In 1979, local Muslim residents raised tens of thousands of yuan, and under the leadership of Haji Ma Anzhen (马安真) and Grand Ahong Hu Rong (虎荣), the groundbreaking ceremony was held. The mosque was officially completed and inaugurated in October 1984.

• Chinese Name: 中营清真寺
• Address: Xiaolongdong Township (小龙洞乡), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Postal Code: 657002
• Current Imam: Ma Zhenwei (马真伟)
• Current School Supervisor: Suo Zhende (锁真德)

Historical Development

Zhongying Mosque was built in 1731 during the ninth year of the Yongzheng reign in the Qing Dynasty. It was destroyed by Qing forces after the failure of the Hui uprising in 1856. The mosque was later rebuilt but suffered another major blow during the Cultural Revolution. In 1979, local Muslims raised funds, and under the guidance of Haji Ma Anzhen (马安真哈吉) and Grand Ahong Hu Rong (虎荣大阿訇), construction resumed. The inauguration ceremony was held in October 1984.

Scale and Structure

Zhongying Mosque now covers an area of 9.3 mu (亩), with a total built area of 1,958 square meters. The main prayer hall occupies 378 square meters.

Architectural Features

The mosque is designed in an Arabic architectural style. The main hall has five bays with a front veranda and a rear pavilion, presenting a solemn and dignified appearance. The side rooms and halls are multi-storied. The minaret stands 13 meters tall, topped with a hexagonal spire that reflects distinct Islamic characteristics and grandeur. Inside the mosque, there are stele inscriptions commemorating the mosque’s reconstruction and the minaret’s benefactors. The minaret is also used by Muslims to sight the new moon. The courtyard contains four ancient white-branched trees, each over 200 years old.

Religious Community and Sect

The mosque currently serves 900 Hui (回族) Muslim households, with a total population of about 4,500. There are 18 school supervisors (学董) and 40 ahongs (阿訇), all following the Gedimu (格迪目) tradition.

• Current Imam: Hu Xianrong (虎贤荣)
• Current School Supervisor: Ma Zhirong (马芝荣)

Scripture Collection

Zhongying Mosque houses a collection of 200 volumes of Arabic Islamic scriptures.

Location

Zhongying Mosque is located in Xiaolongdong Township (小龙洞乡), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省).