Hui Women's Mosque

　　The Hui Women's Mosque, commonly referred to as the Women's Mosque, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslim women. It 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, men had access to mosques for bathing and prayer, but women generally faced difficulties in doing so. Initiated by Men De-ren and with Ma Zhi-qing donating a vacant plot of land and a well in Shouliu Hutong, materials were purchased and construction completed in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). It is now a key cultural relic protected by Xicheng District (formerly Xuanwu District).

　　Since mosques where Muslim men pray generally do not allow women to enter, during the 20th century, mosques specifically designated for women’s worship began to appear in China. 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 larger mosques or other individuals, who are usually respectfully addressed as "Shiniang" (a term for female religious leaders or teachers).

　　In terms of architectural layout, the Hui Women's Mosque requires gender separation.

　　Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development