Phoenix Mosque

Assalamu alaikum and welcome to the Phoenix Mosque, or Fenghuang Qingzhen Si, located in the vibrant heart of Hangzhou. As a scholar of Islamic history in China, I am delighted to introduce you to one of the four most ancient and…

We begin our tour at the main entrance, a gateway that serves as the threshold between the modern streets of Hangzhou and a history that dates back to the reign of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Above you, the traditional Chinese roof…

The courtyard of the Phoenix Mosque is designed as a classic Chinese garden space, meant to foster reflection and a sense of 'family energy.' In the Islamic tradition, the courtyard, or sahn, is a place for ablution and communal…

The heart of the Phoenix Mosque is the Main Prayer Hall, a structure that truly embodies the 'combination of East and West.' Unlike many Chinese mosques that utilize timber frames for their halls, the Phoenix Mosque features a…

As we move toward the rear of the complex, notice the arched gateways and the remnants of the mosque's original minaret tower. In Islamic architecture, the minaret is the beacon that calls the faithful to prayer, and the Phoenix…

In recent years, the Phoenix Mosque has undergone extensive renovation to ensure its survival for another 700 years. As we observe the ongoing work, it is important to understand the delicate balance required to preserve such a…

Our final stop within the complex is the community center and the adjacent streets that have historically served as the Muslim quarter of Hangzhou. Here, the 'history since the Yuan Dynasty' manifests in the daily lives of the…

As we conclude our audio guide of the Phoenix Mosque, I hope you carry with you a deeper understanding of the profound historical threads that connect Hangzhou to the wider world. We have traversed seven hundred years of history,…