Datong Mosque

Datong Mosque

Datong Mosque is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Datong Mosque is located on Jiulou Lane, Daxi Street in downtown Datong. The mosque faces west and features simple, traditional architecture. The lintel above the entrance is carved with Chinese characters. Covering an area of over 20 acres, the mosque has a rectangular layout. From the entrance gate to the prayer hall, there is a gentle downward slope. The entire complex is compactly arranged, with a rigorous structure that is clean and solemn. Along the central axis are the main gate, a cruciform pavilion, a stone bridge, and the prayer hall, with auxiliary rooms and ablution facilities located on either side of the axis. The main buildings consist of four connected halls: the front features a rolled-brim porch, followed by two larger halls with hip-and-gable and flush-gable roofs, while the last set combines rolled-brim and round spire roof structures. The overall architectural form features undulating eaves and dynamic variations, preserving the style of ancient Chinese wooden structures while also reflecting elements of Arabic culture.

Historical records indicate that the mosque was built in the second year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (628 AD), dating back 1,200 years. Most of the existing structures date from the Qing Dynasty. According to the "Imperially Commissioned Mosque Stele," re-erected in the seventh year of the Qianlong reign (1742), the mosque was constructed in 628 AD during the Tang Dynasty, with most current buildings being Qing-era remnants. In the western courtyard of the mosque lies a separate women’s prayer hall. Originally covering more than 2,000 square meters, the mosque had become outdated due to years of disrepair, with facilities no longer adequate for worshippers and incongruous with Datong’s status as a historic and cultural city. Starting in 2008, the Datong Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government incorporated the mosque's renovation and expansion into the ancient city revival project, investing over 17 million yuan. Following the principle of restoring the old as it was, the original prayer hall underwent complete dismantling and restoration. Over 8,000 square meters of additional floor space were added, including two new auxiliary halls, two moon-viewing towers, expanded office areas, and an additional bathhouse. Currently, the mosque spans more than 10,000 square meters with a rational layout, elegant aesthetics, comprehensive functionality, and strong ethnic characteristics.

Address: No. 5, Jiulou Lane, Daxi Street, Datong City

Type: Temple / Mosque

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 12.0 RMB

Transportation

Take bus No. 17 and get off at Jiulongbi Station

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units