Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque, located in Xuanwu District, is the biggest and oldest mosque in Beijing. It was built in 996 AD during the Liao Dynasty
(916-1125), rebuilt in 1442 in the Ming Dynasty and expanded in 1696 under the Qing Dynasty. _clip_image002.jpg)
The Niujie Mosque is a famous Islamic temple covering an area of approximately 6000
square meters. Built of timber, this mosque protects some important cultural relics and
tablets, such as the upright tablet of an emperor's decree proclaimed in 1694 during the
Qing Dynasty.
Niujie Mosque consists of an observation tower, prayer hall, and minaret with a pavilion
on each side. It is a mixture of Islamic and Chinese cultures. The outside shows the
Chinese influence while the inside decoration is rich in Islamic flavor.
The observation tower is just behind the entrance. It was built and originally used for
astronomical observations needed for drawing up the Islamic calendar.
The prayer hall, with its courtyard to the east, Altogether there are 42 rooms, of which the
main part is The Prayer Hall taking up more than 600 square meters. The Hall can permit more than 1000 persons to pray at the same time and
consists of three spacious enclosing corridors. There are also 18 posts forming 21 arches that support the Hall. Parts of Alcoran are carved on
two of the arches. In the middle of the Hall is a tablet of scriptures written in letters of gold.
The minaret (calling tower), a two-storey obelisk in the centre of the courtyard, was originally built as a script depository. Later imams used it as
a calling tower. When prayer time came, they ascended the tower and recited the Koran, and Muslims living in the vicinity came to listen. On the
ground floor is a large copper cauldron, which was used to prepare communal meals.
In addition, please attention that proper dress is required when you visit this mosque, no admittance if you are wearing shorts or a skirt. And
admittance to the Prayer Hall is limited to Muslims only.
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