Niujie Mosque (Niujie Prayer Hall)

Niujie Mosque (Niujie Prayer Hall)

Niujie Mosque (Niujie Prayer Hall) is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Niujie Mosque is situated on Niujie Street in Guang’anmennei. It is the largest and oldest mosque in Beijing, established in the 13th year of Emperor Shengzong of Liao (966), and renovated during the 1st year of Emperor ZhiDao of Song (995) and the 7th year of Emperor Zhengtong of Ming (1442). In the 35th year of Emperor Kangxi of Qing (1696), it was extensively restored to its original appearance. Major structures include the prayer hall, the minaret, the moon-viewing tower, and stele pavilions. The main buildings currently standing were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties and serve as a typical example of a mosque built in traditional Han Chinese architectural style.

According to the *Annals of Niujie Gangshang Prayer Hall in Beijing*, the mosque was founded in 966 AD (the 13th year of Emperor Shengzong of Liao and the 2nd year of Emperor ZhiDao of Northern Song) by Nasr al-Din, an Arab scholar who served in the Liao court. It was expanded in 1427 (the 2nd year of Emperor Xuande of Ming) and renovated in 1442 (the 7th year of Emperor Zhengtong of Ming). In 1474 (the 10th year of Emperor Chenghua of Ming), regional commander Zhan Sheng petitioned for an official name, and the mosque was bestowed the title “Prayer Hall” by imperial decree, hence also known as the “Ming Mosque.” In 1696 (the 35th year of Emperor Kangxi of Qing), it was again extensively restored to its original form, having undergone a total of eight renovations and expansions. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, two comprehensive restorations were funded in 1955 and 1979. The mosque is frequently visited by Muslims from China and abroad for religious activities and tours. The Islamic Association of Xuanwu District, Beijing, and the Beijing Muslim Niujie Construction Foundation are both headquartered here. It was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988.

Address: No. 18, Niujie Middle Road, Xicheng District, Beijing (near Guang’anmennei)

Type: Mosque / Historical Building

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 010-63532564

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 5.0 RMB

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing