Lingtang Mosque

Lingtang Mosque

Lingtang Mosque is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Lingtang Mosque is located in the Hui Village in the northern part of Lingtang, the only Hui ethnic township in our province. It was built in the 24th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1844 AD) by the missionary Xue Qi. The mosque covers an area of over 3,500 square meters and is divided into three sections from front to back. It includes a front hall, main prayer hall, mihrab chamber, ablution room, imam’s office, and mortuary room. Among these, the mihrab chamber is a square pavilion with flying eaves and double layers, exhibiting a strong ethnic style.

In 2006, the mosque was designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit. It has become a center for Muslim activities. Over the years, in addition to regular prayers, thousands of Muslims from five neighboring counties and cities in Jiangsu and Anhui have come here to participate in religious activities during major Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and the Prophet's Anniversary.

Gaoyou Lingtang Mosque has been included as one of the heritage sites in China's application for the Maritime Silk Road to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a national 3A-level tourist attraction.

Lingtang Mosque is located in Hui Village in the northern part of Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township, Gaoyou City. It is the largest Islamic mosque for Muslim prayers in East China. According to records, the mosque in Hui Village was initially built before the mid-Ming Dynasty in Huiwan (now Hui Village). The original site covered an area of 3,500 square meters and was divided into three sections from front to back, with two side wings and three courtyards. In front of the mosque there was a screen wall, and behind it, a garden. The mosque complex included over 20 structures such as a front hall, main prayer hall, mihrab chamber, ablution room, north and south wing rooms, and a mortuary room. The main surviving buildings are the mihrab chamber, main prayer hall, and the square pavilion (mihrab chamber). The mihrab chamber features grand flying eaves and double layers, with a simple and elegant design that reflects a rich ethnic style.

Lingtang Mosque has become a hub for Muslim activities in Jiangsu Province, Anhui, and other neighboring counties and cities. In June 2006, it was designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit with the approval of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government.

Lingtang Mosque bears witness to the migration, movement, settlement, and commercial activities of the “Hu merchants” and Arab immigrants in ancient China, especially since the Tang Dynasty and particularly after the Yuan Dynasty. It clearly outlines the survival, evolution, and social integration of ancient Arab merchants, soldiers, and other types of immigrants in the Central Plains region of China. It is a tangible representation of how the ancient Arab commercial immigrant community practiced and spread Islam, integrated into traditional Han Chinese culture, and promoted the blending of Chinese and Western religious cultures.

Hui Village: Hui Village is located within Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township, Gaoyou City, Jiangsu Province, and is a natural village under the jurisdiction of the Lingtang Hui Autonomous Township. Geographically, Hui Village is situated 23 kilometers southwest of Gaoyou City. To its east is Wangyao Village, to its south is Lingtang Village, and to its north, it faces Jinhu County of Huai'an across a lake. Hui Village has numerous cultural relics, including Lingtang Mosque.

… More details about Hui Village++

Further reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units