Women's Mosque

Women's Mosque

The Women's Mosque is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Women's Mosque, abbreviated as the "Nüsi" (女寺), is a place of worship exclusively for female Muslims. The Women's Mosque is located at No. 39 Shouliu Hutong, Xuanwu District. Due to the fact that many Muslim residents in Niujie were small traders living in cramped homes, while men had access to mosques for ritual washing and prayer, ordinary women faced difficulties in performing ablutions. Initiated by Hei Deren and with a plot of land and a well donated by Ma Zhiqing from Shouliu Hutong, materials were purchased and construction carried out, completing the mosque in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). It is a key cultural relic protected by Xicheng District (formerly Xuanwu District).

Since mosques where male Muslims pray generally do not allow women to enter, the 20th century saw the emergence of mosques in China specifically designed to provide a place of worship for women. This is a type of religious architecture unique to China. Such mosques may stand alone or be annexes to larger mosques. The management is typically handled by women, often the wives of imams from the main mosque or other individuals, who are usually respectfully referred to as "Shiniang" (师娘).

In terms of architectural layout, the Women's Mosque requires strict gender segregation.

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development