Taiyuan Mosque

Taiyuan Mosque

Taiyuan Mosque is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Taiyuan Ancient Mosque is located in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, originally named Qingxiu Temple. It sits on the east side of the southern section of Jiefang Road. A wooden memorial archway stands prominently along the street, standing out strikingly amid the surrounding towering modern buildings. The lintel bears four gilded characters reading "Qingzhen Gu Si" (Ancient Mosque), written in bold strokes that are particularly eye-catching and draw visitors’ attention. These inscriptions were penned in the second year of the Shunzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1645) by Wang Juemin, the then prefect of Taiyuan. The ancient mosque was first built during the Zhenyuan era of the Tang Dynasty and was later renovated during the Song Dynasty. The existing structure is a remnant from its reconstruction during the Ming Dynasty. It is a mosque with a long history; according to an inscription on a stele from 1876, the mosque was initially established in the 8th century during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), and underwent continuous renovations after the 11th century. The current buildings were largely constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

The main prayer hall of the mosque features a mixed brick-and-wood structure, with interiors adorned in classical Arabic style. The round columns are grooved and layered, decorated with gilded powder paintings that are extremely rich and elegant. The wooden walls around the columns are engraved with Arabic script from the Quran — the carvings are neat, clear, delicate, and beautifully executed. The entire prayer hall is spacious and airy, with a rigorously organized layout. Calligraphy works in cursive script by the famous Song Dynasty calligrapher Huang Tingjian are preserved here, as well as inscribed stelae by Zhao Mengfu of the Yuan Dynasty and Fu Shan of the early Qing Dynasty, all marked by vigorous and graceful brushstrokes that further enhance the mosque’s quaint and venerable ambiance.

In May 2013, Taiyuan Mosque was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Address: No. 48, Jiefang Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units