Dongda Mosque

　　    Dongda Mosque is situated in the Hui ethnic enclave in the southern part of Jining and is the center of Islamic activities in southwestern Shandong. In 1992, it was listed as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit by the provincial government. Historical research indicates that the mosque was first built during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty (1426–1435). Some ancient architecture experts consider its grand and magnificent structure to be unprecedented and the finest among all mosques in China. Since the Ming Dynasty, it has undergone renovations in successive dynasties, reaching its final scale during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty when it was commissioned by imperial decree. Since 1980, with government funding and public donations totaling 550,000 yuan, comprehensive restoration work has been carried out, giving the ancient mosque a completely renewed appearance.

　　    Dongda Mosque boasts a grand and imposing scale, covering a total area of over 6,200 square meters with a construction area of more than 4,518 square meters. It faces east and is arranged along an east-west axis, featuring main structures such as the stone memorial archway, main gate, bangke pavilion (minaret), main prayer hall, moon-viewing tower, and rear gate memorial archway, all aligned in sequence. On both sides are the north and south lecture halls, ablution rooms, and other facilities. The layout is tightly arranged, logically structured, and densely organized, making it one of the representative works of Islamic architecture in China. The main prayer hall covers a construction area of 1,057 square meters, with a maximum width of 27.5 meters and a depth of 41.5 meters. The base of the hall is 1.3 meters high, supported by 40 bright red wooden pillars extending to the ceiling and 12 stone pillars. The entire hall consists of three parts: the portico, the front prayer hall, and the rear窑hall, connected in a continuous roof style. The rear窑hall is a three-story pavilion topped with a hexagonal umbrella-shaped roof that stands 30 meters high. The roof is adorned with a bronze-gilded spire, which is unique among the many mosques in Shandong Province. Its long history means that when strong winds blow, the spire gleams even more brightly.

　　    The roofs of the main gate, bangke pavilion, main prayer hall, moon-viewing tower, and rear gate memorial archway are covered with yellow and green glazed tiles, while the ridges and gable walls are decorated with dragon-tailed and geometric-patterned glazed ornaments. The carved stone memorial archway, dragon pillars, phoenix pillars, and decorative drum stones in the mosque are considered masterpieces of stonework in the architectural decoration of Chinese mosques.

　　    Since its restoration, Dongda Mosque has hosted numerous domestic and international dignitaries, including recitation delegations from Iran, international guests from Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan, compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, as well as leaders from central and provincial governments who have visited the mosque for tours and exchanges.