Niujie Mosque

　　Niujie Mosque is located on Niujie Street inside Guang’anmen. It is the largest and oldest mosque in Beijing, established in the 13th year of Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty (966), and was renovated in the 1st year of Emperor ZhiDao of the Song Dynasty (995) and the 7th year of Emperor Zhengtong of the Ming Dynasty (1442). It underwent a large-scale restoration following the original design in the 35th year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1696). Major structures include the prayer hall, the minaret, the moon-viewing tower, and the stele pavilion. The main buildings currently standing were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties and serve as a typical example of a mosque built using traditional Han Chinese architectural forms.

　　According to the "Records of the Niujie Mosque on Gangshang in Beijing," the Niujie Mosque was established in 966 AD (the 13th year of Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty and the 2nd year of Emperor ZhiDao of the Northern Song Dynasty) by Nasr al-Din, an Arab scholar who served in the Liao court. It was expanded in 1427 AD (the 2nd year of Emperor Xuande of the Ming Dynasty) and renovated in 1442 AD (the 7th year of Emperor Zhengtong of the Ming Dynasty). In 1474 AD (the 10th year of Emperor Chenghua of the Ming Dynasty), Commander Zhan Sheng petitioned for an official name, and the mosque was granted the title “Prayer Mosque” by imperial decree, hence also known as the “Ming Mosque.” In 1696 AD (the 35th year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty), it was extensively restored to its original design, undergoing 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. Muslims from both China and abroad frequently visit for religious activities and sightseeing. The Islamic Association of Xuanwu District in Beijing and the Beijing Muslim Niujie Construction Foundation are both located within the mosque. It was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988.

Niujie Mosque is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

　　Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development