Anqing Nan Guan Mosque

　　    Address: Zhongxiao Street, Haimen, Nanguan Town, Yingjiang District, Anqing City, Anhui Province

　　    Originally named the Prayer Hall, it was later renamed following the “established practice of other provinces.” It is located… In the fifth year of the Ming Chenghua era (1469), Ma Yi, a former Anqing Guard Commander and Imperial Cavalry General, returned to his hometown after retiring from service in Guangxi. In the name of the “Dunyue Hall Ma Family,” he donated funds to establish the mosque. Legend has it that Emperor Xiaozong of Ming, Zhu Jianshen, once bestowed upon it a “Hundred-Character Plaque.” The mosque was destroyed during the wars at the end of the Ming Dynasty. From the mid-Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing Dynasty to the second year of the Xianfeng era (1852), it underwent multiple reconstructions. In the third year of Xianfeng (1853), it was again ravaged by war, leaving no tiles intact. From the second to the twenty-second year of the Guangxu era (1876–1896), it was rebuilt on the original foundation and gradually funded, restoring it completely to its former appearance. It was destroyed during the “Cultural Revolution” in the 1970s.

　　    In 1983, it was comprehensively renovated with funding from the local government. It features the traditional architectural style of southern China, using the small courtyard artistic technique, adapting to the environment with a rational layout. The entire mosque is divided into three sections. Passing through the main gate, stone gate, and pendant-flower gate, one winds into the complex, passing several small courtyards before reaching the main prayer hall. The courtyards are neat and the structures complete. The original complex included the main prayer hall, Mingde Hall, Yangzheng Hall, Wangyue Octagonal Pavilion (now destroyed), North and South Lecture Halls, Scripture Study Hall, Xixin Hall (ablution area), guest reception room, and “Chaotian” (a well). The main prayer hall is majestic and tall, covering an area of over 600 square meters, with a height of more than 20 meters. It has 36 pillars and can accommodate a thousand worshippers. It features double eaves, bracket sets extending four tiers out, an outer corridor, and a gable and hip roof with a short additional eave. The doors and windows are adorned with carved red lattice patterns, exquisitely beautiful and rare. From design and layout to construction, the architectural artistry is of a very high standard.