Where Are Beijing's Mosques?

Glimpse into China's Islamic past and present in Beijing. Scattered around town from Dongcheng to Xuanwu District are mosques that offer places for worship, as well as, a look into history and architecture that is unique in its blending of Chinese and Arabic features. While some only offer foreigners a glimpse from the outside, the popular Ox Street Mosque is an impressing structure for everyone to check out.

Niujie Mosque 牛街清真寺
Located in the Xuanwu District of Beijing, Niujie Mosque (Ox Street Mosque) is the city’s largest and most famous. It was first constructed in 996 A.D. during the Liao dynasty and has since gone through numerous restoration and conservation efforts. The mosque was rebuilt and expanded after it was destroyed by Genghis Khan and his armies, and today the mosque is over 6000 sq meters with over 42 rooms and a Prayer Halls that can fit thousands of worshippers. The Niujie Mosque was built pointing towards Mecca, the Muslim holy land, and boasts a mix of both Chinese and Arabic architecture. The mosque’s structure is simple and compact and was constructed based on the traditional Chinese wooden palace design. However, the decorations are distinctly Islamic. There are no images or statues depicting humans or animals as is customary to Islamic beliefs, and the still intact Watching Moon Tower was used by Imams to determine fasting times for holidays like Ramadan. Niujie Mosque is also home to many artifacts that are very important to Islam. Several ancient Islamic texts, stone tablets, and porcelain relics that came to Beijing via the ancient Silk Road are housed in this mosque. Outside of the prayer hall, there is a garden where the son of the founding Imam is buried, along with a few other sheikhs. Their gravestones are still intact and the epigraphs visible.

Conservative dress is also required in all areas of Niujie and certain areas of Niujie Mosque are off limits to tourists and non-believers. These areas include Watching Moon Tower and the main Prayer Hall. Niujie’s worship services have been known to draw hundreds of people each day and the Muslim community surrounding the mosque remains strong. Local grocery stores carry halal meats and bilingual signs. Visiting the Niujie Mosque is a beautiful opportunity to see the influence of Islam in China’s culture and history and see the ancient Silk Road’s endeavors brought to life. RMB 2 for Chinese citizens, RMB 10 for foreigners. Daily 8am to 6pm. 18 Niu Jie, Xuanwu District (6353 2564) 宣武区牛街18号
Bus Route: Take bus no. 10, 48, 213, 626 or 717 and get off at Niujie or Niujie Mosque Station. Take bus no. 6, 57, 201, 613 or 687 and get off at Niujie Crossing East Station. Take bus no. 5, 38, 57, 109, 201 or 381 and get off at Niujie Crossing West Station.

Dongsi Mosque 东四清真寺
The Dongsi Mosque is the city’s second largest and is also the headquarters of the Beijing Islamic Association. It was originally constructed in the 14th century, was rebuilt in 1920 and restored in the 1970s. The mosque has three resident Imams and the worship hall can host up to 500 people. Like many of Beijing’s mosques, the architecture of Dongsi has both Chinese and Arabic influences. This mosque is also home to many cultural relics and a library that included a book presented by the emperor of Egypt and other priceless Islamic manuscripts. In addition to the Friday Djuma service, the resident Imams lead prayers five times per day. Imams are available for special religious ceremonies including weddings, births and funerals. Dongsi Mosque welcomes foreign Muslims living in or traveling to Beijing. The entry cost is free, but it is reserved only for Muslims. Dongsi Mosque is located one block from the number 5 Dongsi subway stop. 13 Dongsi Nanda Jie, Dongcheng District (6525 7824) 北 京市东城区东四南大街13号

Nan Douya Mosque 南豆芽清真寺
Nan Douya Mosque was originally built during the Qing Dynasty in the early 1800s but was recently reconstructed a block away from its first location. This mosque primarily serves the Hui community that lives in the area, but is visited by thousands of foreigners each year. Many travel agencies have included Nan Douya Mosque as a stop for Muslim visitors in their tours of Beijing. The three resident Imams host services five times daily but entry into the mosque is reserved for believers. The Nan Douya Mosque has no entrance fee but encourages donations from visitors. It is located right near the Chaoyangmen subway station. 4 Douban Hutong, Dongcheng District (8406 8225) 东城区豆瓣胡同4号