Qinghai: Visit the Hongshuiquan Mosque in Autumn

In the tributary of Yellow River’s source area, the middle reaches of Huangshui River, stands a grand and magnificent ancient temple. It is the famous Hongshuiquan Mosque. The mosque is located at Hongshuiquan village, southwest of Ping’an County in eastern Qinghai Province. It is said that it was first built in Ming Dynasty, originally small in size, later after five extensions, then forming today’s dimension with a total area of 4500 square meters. It is consisted by screen wall, the front gate and prayer hall etc and renowned for its exquisite craft and architectural art.

In terms of architectural style, Hongshuiquan Mosque combines Han, Hui and Tibetan architectural features, at the same time, it widely used some auspicious patterns like plum blossoms, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, the eight auspicious symbols, lyre-playing, chess, calligraphy and painting etc. The cultural elements of Han, Hui and Tibet appear simultaneously in one mosque, which is unusual in Muslim temple in China and can be said as a symbol of national unity.