Niujie Mosque
牛街礼拜寺
Beijing's largest and oldest mosque. Its Chinese-style halls blend Islamic decoration, and the surrounding Niujie area is famous for halal snacks.
Niujie Mosque was first built in 996, during the Liao dynasty. It is Beijing's oldest and largest mosque. Its exterior is a traditional Chinese wooden hall, while the interior is decorated with Arabic calligraphy and Islamic geometric patterns. Highlights include the Wangyue Tower, the Prayer Hall, the Call-to-Prayer Tower, and two Yuan-dynasty tombs of Shaihai. Admission is about 10 yuan. Non-Muslims may not enter the Prayer Hall. Dress modestly, and women should avoid shorts and short skirts. Outside, Niujie Street is Beijing's halal food hub, where you can try bao dou (tripe), lamb spine hotpot, and halal pastries.
Opening hours
8:00 am–5:00 pm (some areas closed to visitors during prayer times)
Nearby sights
- Fayuan Temple
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Nantang)
- Liulichang Culture Street
- White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan)
- Capital Museum
- National Centre for the Performing Arts
- Lao She Teahouse
- Qianmen Street & Dashilar