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88 Niujie St., Xuanwu District, Beijing, China
The most ancient and famous mosque in Beijing
Niujie Mosque is located in Niujie at Beijing Guang'anmen. It is the largest and the most long history mosque in Beijing; and it is one of the world famous mosques. It is the important place for the reception of international Muslim friends, and the international friendly exchanges; it gradually enjoys the fame all around the world.
This mosque sits east west, covering an area of more than 6000 square meters; construction area is more than 3000 square meters. The building in this mosque used the China traditional forms - timber structure, but in the main building detail adornment, it is Islamic architecture Arab adornment style. Inside the mosque, in addition to building, there are a lot of important cultural relics, such as: iron censer from Qing Jiaqing Three Year, big copper pan from A.D. 1039, manuscript of Koran , wood carving and the Ming and Qing dynasties incense burner, etc...
The prayer hall, with its courtyard to the east, includes five main parts. The three central places, running lengthwise, tend to be separated into 5 bays, a number of narrow with coffered ceilings, and several broad with high-beam ceilings. The 2 side wings have plain ceilings with beams laid lengthwise. At the entrance of the hall, the ceiling features the Arabic names of observed imams all over the world. Farther in, Chinese blossom and cloud paintings mix with Arabic inscriptions and designs on the coffered ceilings, and the chandeliers are a bit similar to Venetian glass. It has an arch between each set of pillars, sparkling with gold designs.
The minaret (calling tower), a two-storey obelisk in the middle of the courtyard, was initially constructed as a script depository. After imams used it as a calling tower. When prayer period arrived, they ascended the tower and recited the Koran, and Muslims residing in the location reached listen. On the ground floor is a huge copper cauldron, that was utilized to get ready for public meals.
To the southeast of the tower lie the tombs of two Muslims who originated from the Middle East and preached in the Mosque. The tomb for Ahmad Burdani had been built in 1320, along with the one for Ali in 1283. Both originated from historic Persia. The tomb stones bear Arabic inscriptions and have been set into a nearby wall.
Niujie Mosque was first built in the second year of Zhi Dao during the Northern Song Dynasty (996 AD) by an Arab scholar named Nasr al-Din. It is one of the oldest existing mosques in Beijing. During the Ming Dynasty, the mosque was renovated and expanded in the second year of Xuande (1427), and additional halls were built in the seventh year of Zhengtong (1442). In the tenth year of Chenghua (1474), the mosque was granted the official name “Libaisi” (Mosque for Worship).
In later centuries, it underwent several major restorations, including during the 15th year (1676) and 34th year (1695) of Emperor Kangxi’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, and again in 1921 during the Republic of China period, forming the grand scale we see today.
Fusion of Chinese and Islamic Styles: The mosque perfectly blends Chinese palace-style architecture with traditional Arabic Islamic art, making it a masterpiece of Chinese Islamic architecture. The grand prayer hall features a unique “four-top three-side” structure with five bays from north to south and seven sections from east to west, totaling 42 rooms and covering 600 square meters. It can accommodate over a thousand worshippers.
Twenty wooden pillars form 21 arches decorated with elegant peony and vine motifs, reflecting Chinese artistic craftsmanship, while the carved Arabic wooden windows and painted inscriptions highlight distinctive Islamic aesthetics.
Song Dynasty Architectural Relics: The kiln hall within the mosque is a rare surviving structure from the Song Dynasty, built with a brick-and-wood framework on a stone base. Its six-sided spire roof with steep slopes and hexagonal dome ceiling displays classic Song-era architectural techniques. The red and gold floral ceiling paintings and Arabic inscriptions add unique cultural value. The hall also houses a wooden scripture pavilion and beam carvings from the Song and Liao periods, serving as valuable evidence for studying ancient Chinese architectural art.
Wangyue Tower (Moon-Viewing Tower):
Located at the mosque’s entrance, this hexagonal pavilion is roofed with yellow and green glazed tiles. A blue plaque inscribed with “Niujie Mosque” hangs above the gate. This tower serves a special Islamic function — observing the new moon to determine key Islamic dates such as Ramadan and Eid festivals.
Prayer Hall:
The central structure of the mosque faces east, symbolizing devotion toward Mecca. Above its gate hangs a plaque reading “Qingzhen Gujiao” (“Ancient Religion of Purity and Truth”). Inside the hall, the mihrab (prayer niche) indicates the qibla direction. The gilded Arabic calligraphy on the mihrab walls is both sacred and artistically refined.
Bangke Tower:
Situated east of the main hall, the Bangke Tower was first constructed during the Song Dynasty (1068–1077) and rebuilt in 1496 during the Ming Hongzhi period. This double-eaved pavilion, with its intricate brick carvings, is used for the call to prayer (adhan). The imam climbs the tower five times daily to summon the faithful to worship.
Stele Pavilions (North and South):
In front of the main hall stand two Ming Dynasty pavilions, each housing a stone stele. The southern stele bears an inscription in both Chinese and Arabic titled “Imperial Bestowment to Libaisi,” while the northern one records the mosque’s renovation history in Chinese. These inscriptions provide key historical data about the mosque’s development.
Ablution Facilities:
Located south of the main hall, this section is used for ritual purification before prayer. Separate washing rooms are provided for men and women, embodying Islamic traditions of cleanliness and respect.
Religious Importance: Niujie Mosque serves as a vital religious center for Beijing’s Muslim community. It hosts daily prayers, Friday congregations, and religious education, representing both spiritual life and the long integration of Islam into Chinese culture.
Historical Significance: The mosque stands as living evidence of Islamic influence in northern China and reflects centuries of cultural exchange between Chinese and Arab civilizations. Its steles, inscriptions, and architectural evolution offer rich material for studying religion, architecture, and ethnic relations in Chinese history.
Artistic Value: The mosque’s exquisite wood carvings, murals, and architectural decorations combine Chinese decorative arts with Islamic geometry and calligraphy, resulting in a harmonious aesthetic of East and West.
1. Proper dress is required. No admittance if you are wearing shorts or a skirt.
2. Admittance to the Prayer Hall is limited to Muslims only.
3. Some areas in the mosque are not open to the public. Please refer to the information on the ticket.
4. How to Get There: It is recommended to take Subway Line 7 or Line 19 to Niujie Station, then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the mosque.
From on request
From $ 277
From on request
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