Anqing South Gate Mosque

Anqing South Gate Mosque

The Anqing South Gate Mosque is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Anqing South Gate Mosque was originally built in the fifth year of the Chenghua era during the Ming Dynasty by Ma Yi, a hereditary General of the Imperial Cavalry. It has a history of over 500 years. The entire mosque is grand in scale, exquisitely structured, and resplendent with gold and color. It is one of the one hundred key mosques in China. The area, height, and craftsmanship of the Main Prayer Hall are rare among religious buildings along the Yangtze River and it is praised as the “First Hall on the Mighty Yangtze.” — All praise to Allah.

The South Gate Mosque is located at the foot of Shengtang Mountain, with its main entrance on Mosque Street, facing the city wall (which has now been demolished). In the past, from atop the city wall, one could see the undulating roof ridges and the striking sight of white walls with black tiles. The temple complex follows traditional Chinese architectural styles. Upon entering the gate and passing through the partition gate (demolished during the Cultural Revolution) and the drum-shaped stone archway, you arrive at a rectangular courtyard. To the south is the reception hall, and to the west, through an ornamental gate, lies a large bluestone courtyard where the main prayer hall is situated. The hall is five bays wide, with a front porch, side corridors, and a rear prayer chamber, presenting a majestic yet serene atmosphere. The main prayer hall covers an area of over 600 square meters, supported by 36 wooden pillars, each requiring two people to encircle. The floor is flat and clean, and the hall is over 20 meters high, capable of accommodating more than 1,000 worshippers for congregational prayers. When crowded, straw mats would be laid out in the porch and courtyard areas to provide additional space for prayer. There are four stone steps leading up to the hall, with a single piece of white marble (referred to in palaces as “throne stone”) embedded diagonally in the center, measuring approximately 1.5 square meters, intricately carved with soaring dragons and clouds in exceptional detail. On either side of the main hall are the North and South Lecture Halls, used by imams and elders for teaching religious doctrines and conducting discussions. The main structures of the mosque are divided into three sections: one group includes the entrance hall, drum-shaped stone archway, rectangular courtyard, and reception hall; another group consists of the main prayer hall and the North and South Lecture Halls. These two groups are connected via the ornamental gate. Thanks to the well-planned axis, the building complex, though more than three times the size of the courtyard, does not feel cramped. From the mosque entrance to the main prayer hall, the layout is clear in its hierarchy, harmonious in color, elegant yet unadorned, giving a solemn and dignified impression. Both the architectural layout and design have reached a very high level. The third group includes the Yangzheng Hall, ablution area, and imam’s living quarters, built against the northern slope of Shengtang Mountain, accessible by dozens of granite steps, offering an ancient, serene atmosphere.

According to the mosque’s stele inscription (which was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution), the Anqing Mosque was initially built in the early Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty. It suffered damage during military conflict in the 23rd year of the Guangxu era (1897) and was gradually rebuilt and expanded through fundraising, taking over 430 years to reach its current scale. During the Cultural Revolution, the Anqing Mosque was not spared—it was occupied by a factory, cultural relics were destroyed, and even the flooring inside the main prayer hall disappeared. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, with assistance from the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Office of the Anqing Municipal People’s Government, the mosque’s management committee took back control, relocating the occupying entities. Funding and materials were allocated to comprehensively renovate the main structures, repaint and refinish surfaces, and reinstall flooring, largely restoring the original appearance. The Anqing Mosque architectural complex was modeled after the Qing Dynasty emperors’ memorial temples, known as “Wanshou Palace,” featuring a grand scale, rigorous layout, and complex structure. No other Qing-era architectural complex in Anqing can compare to it. Anqing is within half a day’s travel to Mount Lu, Jiuhua Mountain, and Huangshan, which has drawn domestic and international attention to this site. This architectural masterpiece is the fruit of the wisdom and collaborative efforts of generations of both Hui and Han peoples.

Protected Area: Within the mosque’s surrounding wall.

Construction Control Zone: Outside the protected area, extending west to Dananmen Street, east to the west wall of the Piston Ring Factory, south to Mosque Street, and north to Dengyunpo Lane.

Appendix: Inscription on the Reconstruction of the Mosque [Wan City] – The South Gate Mosque within the city was first established in the early years of the Ming Chenghua era. Originally named the Mosque Hall, it was later renamed simply “Mosque,” following the convention of other provinces. Its foundation was expansive, but the halls were not particularly majestic. During the mid-Kangxi period of our dynasty, it was entirely rebuilt, becoming grand and towering. To the north, the Mingde Hall was constructed, along with corridors on both sides. In the early Daoguang era, a lecture hall was added to the north, and in the late years of the era, the Moon-Viewing Tower, also called the Octagonal Pavilion, was built. In the third year of the Xianfeng era, it tragically suffered from warfare. After its recapture, the site was covered in rubble and overgrown with weeds. The western civilian houses near the mosque were then repurposed as a temporary prayer space. A comprehensive plan was made to gather funds and donations, with vigorous fundraising efforts from officials, merchants in Jiangxi and Hubei, and philanthropists from nearby villages, eventually amassing around 8,000–9,000 taels of silver. In the second year of the Guangxu era, perimeter walls were erected, the gate tower constructed, and the main hall built, all in strict accordance with the old designs. However, inspired by the circular roof ridge style of Wanshou Palace’s assembly hall, a similar design was adopted, requiring careful planning. Subsequently, a northern lecture hall, purification area (commonly called the water room), fire brigade station, and a well were dug and renovated, with total expenditures approaching 10,000 taels. Over ten years, due to the delicate openwork carvings on the double-eaved roof that could no longer bear the load, repairs including brick and stone infilling cost over 300 taels. In the thirteenth year, with 500 taels remaining from the sale of the Yangzheng Hall, two lecture halls, a red gate, terrace, and stone railings were constructed. Unfortunately, the flat and round roof ridge caused poor drainage, leading to leaks over the years that nearly compromised the entire structure. Therefore, last autumn, after extensive fundraising efforts, over 700 taels were collected to renovate the roof, replacing wooden rafters to allow smooth water runoff—an effort truly achieving lasting results. The remaining funds were used to build a new hall, the Mingde Hall, with freshly painted beams and plaques, refreshing its interior and exterior. This project spanned over twenty years, costing more than 10,000 taels, and involved immense hardship. It is only right to document its entire history, to inform future generations, so they may forever remember. The mosque was originally intended for worship, and it is hoped that its leaders will promote devotion among followers, encouraging self-discipline and dedication, never losing sight of the mosque’s grand purpose. Guangxu Year of the Pig, Second Month of Summer.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units