Dongguan Mosque

　　An ancient mosque of Islam in China. It is located in Dongguan Village, where the Hui ethnic group resides, in the eastern part of Huizhou County, Gansu Province. According to the "Record of the Reconstruction of the Prayer Hall" erected in the 14th year of the Wanli reign (1586) of the Ming Dynasty, which is still preserved in the mosque, the mosque was first built during the Chenghua era (1465–1487) of the Ming Dynasty. Due to “long-term neglect and deterioration,” it was renovated during the Jiajing era (1522–1566). Later, as the “structures had again collapsed,” it was “rebuilt on the site of the ruins” during the Wanli era (1573–1620).

　　Dongguan Mosque in Huizhou County

　　It underwent several expansions and renovations in the 4th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1852), and again in 1913 and 1982. The current mosque covers an area of 3,500 square meters, and its overall layout follows the traditional Chinese architectural style of palatial buildings. The entire complex consists of three sections and five courtyards, mostly constructed with brick and wood, featuring exquisite carvings and vibrant colored decorations. The main prayer hall is called "Chongyi Hall," spanning five bays in width and eight bays in depth, covering an area of 520 square meters. It is grand and solemn, with a flower stand set up in front of the hall. Facing the street is the "Huaiyuan Pavilion," also known as the minaret, which is a wooden structure standing 15 meters tall. The main tower has three tiers and three eaves with a hip-and-gable roof, covered with tubular tiles and decorative ridge ornaments such as fire beads, referred to as “lion-sea horse upside-down fish,” making it both beautiful and unique. Other auxiliary structures include a washing area, garden, and residential courtyards. Despite having been damaged and rebuilt several times, the mosque has consistently maintained its traditional Chinese architectural features and stands as one of the mosques in Gansu Province with a long history, large scale, and exquisite architectural craftsmanship.