Niujie Mosque

Introducing Niujie Mosque
Niujie Mosque is the oldest and largest mosque in Beijing. Niujie Mosque, founded in 996 AD during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125 AD) by an Arab Shaykh named Nazaruddin, stands as a testament to the early integration of Islam into Chinese society. Tragically, the mosque was destroyed by Mongol forces in 1215. However, it was rebuilt in 1443 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and later expanded in 1696 under the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

Today, the Niujie Mosque continues to serve the local Muslim community, hosting Friday prayers and religious observances such as Ramadan celebrations and Eid prayers. It remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, welcoming visitors who come to admire its unique beauty and learn about its enduring legacy.

Niujie Mosque Fast Facts
• AKA: Niujie Masjid, Oxen Street Mosque
• Chinese Name: Niú Jiē Qīng Zhēn Sì 牛街清真寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Muslim Culture, Architecture
• Opening Hours: Daily, Fajr to Isha (Muslims); 9:00 – 18:00 (general public)
• Entrance Fee: CNY5
• Address: 18 Niujie Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

What to Expect at Niujie Mosque
Niujie Mosque beautifully blends Chinese and Islamic architectural traditions. From the street, its sweeping roofs and ornate details resemble a Buddhist temple or Taoist sanctuary. However, a closer look reveals the subtle integration of Islamic artistry: Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns interwoven with traditional Chinese motifs. This captivating fusion continues inside, where the westward-facing prayer hall, a key element of Islamic design, resides within a Chinese palace-style complex, further exemplified by the presence of a moon-watching tower, minaret, and stele pavilions.

The Screen Wall
The Screen Wall, a 32-meter (105 ft) long and 4.4-meter (14.4 ft) high structure, stands as a testament to architectural craftsmanship with its grey brick construction on a white marble base, topped with a tiled roof and a distinctive ridge line. The intricate dado carved into the façade of large, square bricks further enhances its beauty. A particularly noteworthy feature is the “Four Without” carving located in the central right section. This carving depicts a bell hanging from a tree, a chessboard beneath it, and a nearby incense burner, all without any human presence.

This depiction has been interpreted in various ways, often connected to symbolic representations within Islamic culture. One interpretation suggests the empty chessboard alludes to the importance of focusing on duties and spiritual practices, rather than idle pursuits. The bell without a ringer can be seen as a reference to the use of the human voice (the Adhan) for the call to prayer in mosques, a practice that developed historically and distinguishes Islamic worship. The absence of a wearer for the jade pendant may be linked to some interpretations of Islamic theology regarding predestination and reliance on God rather than charms or talismans. Finally, the burner without incense could be interpreted as a reflection of the rejection of idol worship within Islam.

The Prayer Hall
Step into a sanctuary layered with the architectural fingerprints of three dynasties. At its heart lies the Kiln Hall (窑殿), a hexagonal pavilion dating back to the Liao Dynasty in 996. A rectangular Ming Dynasty hall, built in 1496, encloses the Kiln Hall, creating a unified space for worship. In 1696, the Qing Dynasty added another layer, constructing an even grander hall around the Ming structure. A graceful, semi-circular screen wall connects the outer and inner halls, symbolizing continuity of devotion.

Inside, eighteen pillars rise to support the soaring ceiling, their surfaces adorned with gilded lotus blossoms against a vibrant red backdrop. Twenty-one pointed arches, their curves descending to the floor, create a sense of elegant enclosure. The ceiling and beams are painted with antiques and floral patterns. Chandeliers of glass beads and colorful shades hang above. The interplay of gold and vibrant colors imbues the hall with sanctity.

The Minaret
Located east of the main prayer hall, the minaret, also known as the Bangke Tower, serves as the platform for the call to prayer. Originally built during the reign of Emperor Song Xizong (1068-1077), it stands as a testament to the historical presence of Islam in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Rebuilt in 1496 during the Ming Dynasty, the minaret’s reconstruction signifies its continued importance to the local Muslim community.

The Moon Watching Tower
The Moon Watching Tower (the Hilal Tower), a landmark of the Niujie Mosque, was originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Every year, at the beginning of Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the imam and community elders would ascend the tower to observe the new moon, thus determining the start and end of the holy month. This practice gave the tower its name.

The two-story tower features a hexagonal, pavilion-style upper level, approximately 10 meters (32.8 ft) tall. It boasts a double-eaved roof covered with glazed tiles – yellow on top and green underneath. The sloping ridges of the six-sided, pointed roof are green, topped with a golden, glazed ceramic finial. A plaque bearing the name “Niujie Mosque” in gold characters on a blue background hangs above.

Tombs of the Traveling Shaykhs
Beneath the cypresses in Niujie Mosque’s tranquil courtyard, two tombs of polished marble stand as silent witnesses to history. They are the resting places of shaykhs who traveled great distances to share their knowledge in China during the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th-14th century). Their headstones, etched with clear inscriptions, are valuable historical artifacts.

How to Get to Niujie Mosque
• By Bus: Take bus 10, 48, 88 to Niujie Qingzhensi (Niujie Mosque) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 7 to Guang’an men (Guang’an Gate) Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Niujie Mosque
• Admittance to the Prayer Hall is limited to Muslims only.
• Some areas in it are not open to the public. Please refer to the information on the ticket.
• Please respect the Muslim traditions and customs in the Mosque.
• Please dress appropriately. Men and women should wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants. Don’t wear shorts.