The Cheng Ho Mosque in Palembang is probably one of the most beautiful and unique Chinese-Muslim-designed buildings I have encountered in my travels.

While visiting Palembang, this is probably one of the structures that impacted my memory simply because of its mixed-culture architecture and the fact that it could be achieved harmoniously.

Cheng Ho Mosque in Palembang

When I arrived, I assumed I was visiting a Chinese Temple. However, looking carefully at the architecture, I saw the Islamic influence in the building’s dome and minarets. The Cheng Ho Mosque is also located in Palembang’s Jakabaring Sport City area. This stunning Chinese-Muslim Mosque is undoubtedly an eye-opener for anyone who loves interesting architecture.

So, how did the mosque get a Chinese name? Since Palembang is home to several Chinese-Indonesians, it was named after the famous Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He) from the 15th Century.

This beautiful and unique mosque also has an official name, the Al Islam Muhammad Cheng Hoo Sriwijaya Palembang Mosque. Still, everyone calls it the Cheng Ho Mosque in short. The bright, striking red colours make the mosque stand out while keeping the gold and green colours minimal.

Even the minarets are typical Chinese Pagoda style, topped with standard Muslim round roofs and Indonesian architectural elements. The Cheng Ho Mosque was also completed after three years of construction and opened in 2006 at 150 Million Rupiah.

Photos of Cheng Ho Mosque

The unique and beautiful Pagoda-Minaret of the mosque.

The outdoor section of the mosque.

The main mosque building structure with a learning centre inside.

Another one of the names for the Chinese-Muslim mosque.

The very interesting Pagoda Minaret of the mosque.

Location of the Cheng Ho Mosque in Jakabaring, Palembang.

Where is the Cheng Ho Mosque in Palembang? 

You need to head to the Jakabaring Sport City area, and the Cheng Ho Mosque is near the main sports complex. It is roughly less than 500 meters from the sports complex and is located in a residential area on the main Jalan Cheng Ho road.

Depending on the traffic, it will take about 20 minutes to drive here one way from Palembang’s central city area. Click on the Google Map below for the exact location.

Conclusion

The next time you visit Palembang in South Sumatra, take some time to visit this unique and beautiful mosque, as it truly is one-of-a-kind. Please try some of the must-eat foods in Palembang, as they are truly different. If you are a Muslim traveller, visiting and performing your prayers at the Cheng Ho Mosque in Palembang would be unique.