Located in Xuanwu District, the Niu Jie Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing and enjoys a great reputation among Muslims. The mosque's Imam, Yin Guofang, says the architecture combines both Arabic style and Chinese elements.
"In 996, two Arabic elders started the construction of Niu Jie Mosque. It adopted the style of ancient Chinese palaces and also applied Arabic architectural principles, such as rounded arches. The construction of the Mosque was not completed quickly. It took a thousand years for it to finally appear as it does today. The mosque received a lot of government money for its renovation since 1949."
This is the Imam praying at the mosque. When you enter the building, the symmetrical design and the atmosphere are sure to impress. The mosque covers an area of 600 square meters and has the space for more than 1,000 Muslims to pray at the same time. Imam Yin Guofang says that foreign visitors can use their foreign language services and handicapped guests the obstacle-free facilities.
"We have a foreign affairs office, offering both prayer and sightseeing services to foreign tourists. We will continue to create a welcoming environment and offer better services."
Arabian calligraphy has a long history and is prestigious for its diversified characters. After Islam was introduced to China, this ancient art also borrowed elements from Chinese calligraphy. Beijing's Dongsi Mosque is a good place to appreciate Arabic calligraphy with Chinese influences. Manager of the mosque, Man Heng explains.
"The Dongsi Mosque is a renowned ancient mosque in China. It was built in 1447 during the Ming Dynasty and is also known as the "Imperial Mosque" after a tablet given by the emperor of the time. "
The mosque's "De Fu Library" has many valuable treasures. Man Heng, proudly introduces one of them.
"The "De Fu Library" houses many Islamic masterpieces and cultural relics. Among them, a handwritten copy of the Koran by Muhammad is considered one of China's most significant cultural relics".
The Koran carved on black marble by Imam Chen Guangyuan is also regarded as one of the Mosque's most precious cultural relics.
Muslims from China and abroad come here for prayers. Ahson, from the United States, speaks fluent Chinese.
"My name is Ahson. I am American. I have been in Beijing for three years and I am a student at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. I'm very busy with my studies but I still come here for prayers every Friday"
Ahson says he enjoys visiting the Mosques in Beijing and gives credit to the dedicated staff.
"The mosques in Beijing are very tidy and clean.The air-conditioners work well in summer. Besides, the staff are very polite and helpful. The architectural style of the mosques is quite unique. In general, the roof of a mosque is supposed to be round but you can also see flat ones here in China."
Ahson also recommends another mosque - the Haidian Mosque in western Beijing.
"The Haidian Mosque near Suzhou Qiao is also a great one to visit. Many foreigners conduct prayers there and the Imams there speak good Arabic."
If you plan to visit a Mosque, please remember some simple dos and don'ts.
Firstly, smoking is not allowed. Secondly, men should not wear short pants and women should dress modestly.
In terms of architecture, history and splendor, the mosques in Beijing are certainly worth visiting. So regardless of whether you are a Muslim or not, it's well worth a look. There is definitely much to appreciate in China's Islamic culture.
