Niujie Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing, founded in 996 during the Liao dynasty by a Persian Muslim scholar. It uniquely blends traditional Chinese palace architecture (gray brick walls, sloped tile roofs, painted wooden beams) with Islamic function — pointed minarets and Arabic calligraphy live alongside Chinese-style courtyards and pavilions. The mosque serves Beijing's Hui Muslim community (one of China's 56 ethnic groups), and the surrounding Niujie neighborhood is the city's main Hui district, famous for halal restaurants, hand-pulled noodles, and lamb skewers. The Prayer Hall (currently open to non-Muslims as visitors only outside prayer times) holds beautiful Qing-era tile work and silver-leaf calligraphy. Modest dress required (covered shoulders and knees). Free entry but you'll want to give a small donation. After visiting, walk along Niu Street for halal lunch — the lamb dumpling shops and Beijing-Hui crossover dishes are excellent.
Address
88 Niu St, Xicheng District, Beijing
西城区牛街88号
Highlights
- Sino-Islamic ArchitectureChinese palace style outside, Arabic calligraphy inside — unique blend
- Prayer Hall (大殿)Visitable outside prayer times; Qing-era silver-leaf wall art
- 996 AD FoundingBeijing's oldest mosque — predates the city's status as imperial capital
- Hui Muslim LunchNiu Street has the best halal Beijing food in the city
- Modest Dress RequiredShoulders and knees covered; small donation appreciated
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Late morning, then lunch in Niujie hui restaurants
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: metro direct
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What travelers say (5 reviews)
Yusuf A.·TripAdvisor·5/5
1000+ year old mosque in classic Chinese temple style with Islamic features. The Hui Muslim community here still gathers daily.
2026-03-26
Aaliyah N.·Google Maps·4/5
Dress conservatively. Women cover hair to enter prayer hall. Friendly community — they appreciate respectful visitors.
2026-02-11
牛街老北京·Xiaohongshu·5/5
牛街周围还有清真小吃一条街!羊肉串、烤鸭、聚宝源涮锅都很正宗。
2026-04-04
Tariq M.·TripAdvisor·5/5
10 RMB entrance. The decorative ceiling of the main prayer hall (built 996 CE) is original. Quiet during non-prayer times.
2026-01-17
InterFaithTraveler·YouTube·4/5
One of the oldest mosques in China, still actively used. Powerful experience walking through during evening prayers.
2026-03-22
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