Linxia South Pass Mosque

Linxia South Pass Mosque is one of the earliest mosques whose architecture is ones combined Chinese with Arabian. At the same time, is has a comparatively large scale and profound influence in the northwestern area. Moreover, it is listed in the twelve ancient mosques of eight streets in Linxia which is a religious public place for Muslim activities in Linxia.
Linxia South Pass Mosque is located in No. 67, JieFang Road, in the south of the Southern Gate Square, off the Red River on its north. It has a large scale and a long history. It is so called for it stands between the southern ancient city of the He state and the pass. The mosque was first completed in 1273, during Yuan Dynasty. Because it was built on the stumps of several old pine trees it got the name "Mosque relating to stump". Later, it was expanded in Hongwu period of Ming Dynasty, once again in Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. In 1964, it was recognized as provincial cultural relic.
South Pass Mosque covers an area of 4, 390 sq m. The total area of buildings is 3, 337 sq'm. They consist of the front hall and church palace. This is the front hall of flat pattern. Its base is 2 m in height. In the front of it 9 10 round columns stand steadily. This is the church palace. It is made of steel rod and concrete. The building is a combination of Chinese palace with Arabian style, sitting west and facing east. It is of hilltop pattern, comprising seven rooms. The whole church palace is square, 24 m in both length and width. It can hold 4, 000 people at one time. In the front and back of the palace, there are 32 huge columns in the both north and south sides. Just imaged that under its sweep and solemnity, Muslims gather here, doing prayers piously with total loyalty and faith. The relief made of cement on the shadow wall is simple and elegant at the same time. In front of the church palace, there lie three green sharp towers with round ceiling They are higher in the upper and lower sides, but lower in the middle. All are as high as 32 m. They are used for announcing ceremonies and appreciating the moon. Precious vase and crescent are laid on the top of the tower. In the middle of it, it carves the ancient Arabian characters "Qing Zhen Yan".
To the north of the palace, there is a teaching building. It was built in 1985, with three stories and mixed structure. It provides Muslims with Arabian studying classes, baptize hall, kitchen, dormitory and related facilities. It is the place where imams, mania study and do reading.
South Pass Mosque has its whole building featuring as the combination of Chinese traditional building art with Arabian building, thus making it novel and impressive.