Located in Tianjin City’s Hongqiao District, the Tianjin Great Mosque has the distinction of being the most intact Muslim architectural compound in the region, and it is counted amongst the most renowned places of worship in the nation. The mosque was initially constructed in 1644 in the time of the Qing Dynasty and has been expanded and reconstructed a number of times since then. The mosque compound extends over an expansive 5,000 sqm and features impressive architecture. This magnificent edifice features an Entrance Hall, a Screen Wall, Preaching Hall and Prayer Hall. Out of these, the handsome Prayer Hall is the most venerated and most frequently used, being the focus of worship for the local Muslim community. This vast hall, which has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 persons, is splendidly decorated in gold and green, with ornate detailing and exquisite colouring.
Within the place of worship are to be seen numerous tablets and engraved couplets fashioned in Chinese as well as Arabic characters, which are the work of recognised master craftsmen. Many are up to 300 years in age, portray varied styles and express profound meanings. Another of the mosque’s most prized possessions is a pair of miniature Korans, which are exceedingly rare and priceless. In a gatehouse towards the north of the complex are a collection of splendid carved brick artworks, which are the work of Ma Shaoqing, a renowned artiste of Hui ethnicity. These prized brick artworks in the main describe the scenic attractions of the area of Tianjin. Visitors will also see a number of pavilions within the mosque compound.
Today, in excess of 1,000 devotees from the environs of Tianjin perform their worship at the mosque every week. As the native Hui people are renowned for their culinary prowess, visitors may enjoy a selection of delectable Muslim foods in the environs of this place of worship. Visitors will find both modern attractions and historical highlights within the city of Tianjin, an expansive city inheriting a rich cultural heritage. Well-informed visitors seeking Tianjin accommodation will be pleased by the Somerset Youyi Tianjin which is a fine option for a Tianjin apartment that offers well-appointed rooms and a selection of stylish amenities.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.