📜 About & history
The Taipingfang Mosque grew from a 「Qingzhen charity school」 founded around 1924 by Muslims of the butchery and cart-and-horse trades outside Suzhou's Chang Gate, with fundraising led by Ahong Ma Mingde. From 1958 the premises were requisitioned for industrial and school use, and were only returned to the Muslim community in 1982 as an open place of worship. Government grants funded major rebuilds in 1995 and a full refurbishment before Suzhou's 2001 APEC finance meeting. It is the only Islamic activity center in central Suzhou and holds thirteen Ming-Qing stone steles, the earliest dated 1407.
🕌 Prayer & visiting
Five daily prayers are observed, with the Friday congregational (Jumu'ah) prayer at midday being the principal weekly gathering.
📍 Address
🇨🇳 Inside China use Baidu or Amap; Google Maps needs a VPN.
🚇 How to reach the mosque
Near the Shilu commercial area in Gusu District; use a map app to find the current nearest stop, as Suzhou reroutes buses frequently.
The go-to mosque for Muslim visitors in Suzhou; it is the city's only central Islamic center, so plan Friday prayers here.
In central Suzhou near the Shilu shopping district, west of the old moat; a short taxi ride from most old-town hotels.
Tucked in a narrow old lane; dress modestly and enter quietly during services. Taxi phrase: 请带我去苏州太平坊清真寺