Baba Mosque
巴巴寺
A Sufi Islamic shrine dating to the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, combining a garden-style layout, Chinese brick-and-timber architecture and exquisite brick carvings. A nationally protected heritage site.
Baba Mosque sits at the foot of Panlong Mountain, northeast of Langzhong Ancient Town. It is the tomb and shrine (gongbei) of Huazhe Abudonglaxi, an Arab Sufi missionary who came to China in the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty. ‘Baba’ is an honorific for him. It is an important pilgrimage site for the Gadiriyya (Qadiriyya) Sufi order of Chinese Islam, and it is listed as a key nationally protected cultural relic. The complex follows traditional Chinese garden and hall forms. It sits among pine, cypress and bamboo, and its gateways, archways, tomb pavilions and prayer hall are all built of brick and timber. The walls and gateways are covered with elaborate brick and wood carvings depicting flowers, landscapes and Arabic script, reflecting the fusion of Islamic culture with Han architectural art. The setting is peaceful and few tourists visit, making it suitable for travelers interested in architecture and religious culture. Admission follows on-site pricing. Getting there: about 10 minutes by taxi from the old town. Note: dress modestly, keep quiet and follow the temple's rules. Some areas are closed to non-Muslims.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30