Ningbo Mosque

Ningbo Mosque

Ningbo Mosque is a cultural heritage site protected by Haishu District.

The mosque was first built during the Xianping era of the Song Dynasty (998–1003). After several instances of destruction and reconstruction, it was rebuilt at its current location in the 38th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1699). The mosque faces east and is laid out in a rectangular shape, with a central axis and symmetrical design as its main features. It emphasizes horizontal composition and consists of a main gate, Moon-Watching Tower, second gate, screen wall, ablution room, prayer hall, and side chambers on both sides. Since the Song Dynasty, with the opening of Ningbo (then known as Mingzhou) port to foreign trade, many Arabs and Persians came to Ningbo for commerce and cultural exchange. Some settled in Ningbo and brought with them the Islamic faith, making the mosque also a historical witness of the port city.