A Spiritual Journey in Xining: Exploring the City’s Most Iconic Mosques

#cityplaybook Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, is a vibrant city with a rich Islamic heritage, home to a large Hui and Salar Muslim population. The city boasts several beautiful mosques that serve as both religious and cultural landmarks. Whether you're a traveler interested in Islamic architecture or a Muslim visitor looking for a place to pray, here’s a guide to the best mosques in Xining. 1. Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺) Location: Dongguan Street, Chengdong District Dongguan Mosque is the largest and most famous mosque in Xining, with a history dating back over 600 years. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it blends traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The mosque features a grand prayer hall, towering minarets, and intricate Arabic calligraphy. As the religious center for Xining’s Muslim community, Dongguan Mosque hosts thousands of worshippers during Friday prayers and Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to explore the courtyard and admire the architecture, though entry to the prayer hall may be restricted during prayer times. 2. Nanguan Mosque (南关清真寺) Location: Nanguan Street, Chengzhong District Nanguan Mosque is another significant mosque in Xining, known for its striking white domes and green-tiled roofs. Originally built in the 1930s, it was reconstructed in recent years with a more modern design while retaining traditional Islamic elements. The mosque is particularly lively during Ramadan, when the surrounding streets fill with food stalls serving local Muslim delicacies like lamb skewers and niangpi (cold noodles). Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observe daily prayers. 3. Xining City Mosque (西宁清真寺) Location: Near the Xining Railway Station This mosque is smaller but conveniently located near the city center and transportation hubs, making it a popular stop for Muslim travelers. The architecture is simple yet elegant, with a green dome and Arabic inscriptions. Xining City Mosque is a great place for travelers to perform prayers while exploring the city. The surrounding area also has halal restaurants and shops selling Islamic books and souvenirs. 4. Beiguan Mosque (北关清真寺) Location: Beiguan Street, Chengbei District Beiguan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Xining, with a history spanning several centuries. It has a more traditional Chinese-style design, with curved roofs and wooden carvings, reflecting the cultural fusion of Islam in China. The mosque is an important community center, offering religious education and charity services. Visitors can appreciate its serene courtyard and observe local Muslim life. 5. Muslim Quarter & Small Mosques Xining’s Muslim Quarter, centered around Dongguan and Nanguan, is home to several smaller mosques and prayer halls. These include Shuishang Mosque (水城门清真寺) and Xiaoxiguan Mosque (小西关清真寺), which cater to neighborhood worshippers. The Muslim Quarter is also a great place to experience halal cuisine, with restaurants serving hand-pulled noodles, yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and sweet sanzi (fried dough twists). Xining’s mosques offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Islamic culture and history. Whether you're admiring Dongguan Mosque’s grandeur or exploring the bustling Muslim Quarter, these sacred sites provide a meaningful travel experience.