Niujie Mosque

This mosque, established in 966, is the oldest in Beijing; and with an area of around 6,000 square meters, also the largest. Due to restrictions placed on its construction in the Liao dynasty, the mosque is Chinese in architectural style, with Islamic interior decoration. Covered with carved and painted murals, the interior of the prayer hall is spectacular, and features script from the Koran and ancient muslim poetry. Laid out in the customary format facing Mecca, the mosque is made up of a number of different halls and buildings, all constructed in using traditional Chinese timber techniques. As well as many features of architectural interest, the mosque also houses cultural relics, including stone stele with inscriptions in both Chinese and Arabic.

Following its near total destruction in 1215 by Genghis Khan's troops, the mosque was fully restored and extended in 1442. In 1696 the Qing dynasty Emperor Kangxi had the mosque fully refurbished, conforming closely to the original design. Since then, the area has had a strong muslim presence, with halal markets and muslin stores, as well as arabic script on many of the street signs, and today is the largest muslim area in Beijing.