Jiuciping Gongbei

　　Jiuciping Gongbei is situated atop Nangeda Mountain in Jiuciping Village, Jiuciping Township. Established in the second year of the Tongzhi reign (1863) during the Qing Dynasty, the site spans 25 acres. It serves as the burial place for the remains and spirits of sixteen revered figures, including Feng Laoye (the fifth-generation leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi order), Yang Baoyuan (the seventh-generation leader), An Hongxiuzhen (the eighth-generation religious leader), and Yang Zhiyun (the ninth-generation leader), as well as a cemetery for Hui Muslim followers. The annual religious events held here are renowned for their grandeur, both within the region and beyond.

　　 During the 15th year of the Guangxu reign (circa 1890), the Qing government sent envoys bearing titles of nobility to Gongbei in an effort to ease tensions, and also presented Yang Baoyuan with twelve embroidered screens inscribed with calligraphy. In the Republican era (around 1935), senior military officials and notable Hui figures such as Bai Chongxi, Ma Hongbin, Ma Bufang, Ma Hongkui, and Ma Yuanting bestowed plaques, inscriptions, and erected steles at Jiuciping Gongbei. In the early years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chairman Mao Zedong and Commander Zhu De sent a soft plaque inscribed with the words “Long Live All Nationalities,” which was unfortunately lost during the Cultural Revolution.

　　 The current Gongbei complex was gradually rebuilt between 1985 and 1995 under the leadership of the tenth-generation leader, Li Degui. It is divided into six sections: the mountaintop Gongbei area, the quiet chamber and prayer hall area of the Seventh Master, the mountaintop prayer area, the fortress-style female guest lodging area, the mountain hollow greenery zone, and the processing and auxiliary facilities area. The architecture is thoughtfully arranged across the mountain and valley, surrounded by lush trees, birdsong, and fragrant blossoms, offering a spectacular view from afar. The brick carvings on the Gongbei and mosque structures are exceptionally intricate and widely used, featuring scripts, floral designs, geometric patterns, and auspicious motifs—making it a prime spot for visitors to admire traditional brick artistry. The ancient fortress-style prayer hall at the foot of the mountain has a uniquely distinctive structure. From the outside, it resembles a miniature ancient city, with ten-meter-high rammed earth walls topped by watchtowers at each corner. The mountaintop buildings follow a “one-courtyard, four-wing” layout, mainly including an octagonal hall with a “vaulted awning,” the Zhonghe Hall, a water-milled brick-carved screen wall, three gates, perimeter walls, and more, all of which hold high ornamental value. The integration of Hui and Han cultural elements is prominently reflected in the brick carvings—from the calligraphy and patterns to decorative themes. For instance, Buddhist expressions promoting virtue can be seen on the couplets by the gates, while traditional Han symbols like the yin-yang fish, lotus flowers, and bamboo appear in the ornamentation. This fusion is relatively unique among Islamic architecture in Ningxia. The elegance of the site, the uniqueness of its terrain, the grandeur of its brick carving artistry, and the innovative layout all contribute to its distinct ethnic architectural character.