Changping Mosque in Beijing
Changping mosque is the only mosque in China that pillars and beams of the prayer hall are gold phoebe, the most precious wood in China which were only used for the construction of imperial palaces and tombs. Another feature of Changping mosque is its unique design of minaret. Changping Mosque is now the only Jahriyya Mosque in Beijing.
English Name: Changping Mosque in Beijing
Chinese Name: 北京昌平清真寺
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 0r 2 hours
Location: Wujie in Changping district of Beijing
Changping Mosque
Changping Mosque is located at Wujie in Changping district of Beijing, covering 3000 square meters. It is recorded that Changping mosque was first built during Yongle’s reign of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424) by the famous Hui Muslim general Chang Yuchun.
Why is Changping Mosque So Special
The construction materials such as stones and gold phoebe (gold phoebe is a rare wood found in China only. In ancient times, it only went for imperial use. Its rarity uplifts its value, which explains why it boasts far greater value than ordinary wood) came from the Ming Tomb (part of the construction materials for the Changling Tomb were used to build Changping Mosque). Changping mosque was renovated in the 44th year of Wangli period in the Ming Dynasty (1616). The latest renovation of Changping mosque took place in 1995.
Changping mosque is the only mosque in China that pillars and beams of the prayer hall are gold phoebe, the most precious wood in China which were only used for the construction of imperial palaces and tombs. Another feature of Changping mosque is its unique design of minaret. Changping Mosque is now the only Jahriyya Mosque in Beijing.
How to get to Changping Mosque from Beijing
- Take line 13 subway, 1h 22m includes 2 min transfer
¥12 – ¥15 ( Dongzhimen Station → Xierqi Station → Changping) - Take line 3 bus, 2h 12m includes 30 min transfer
¥60(Dongzhimen → Bcia T2 → Shuiguan Xincun North) - Taxi from Dongzhimen to Changping 27 min
One-Way from: ¥110 – ¥140 - Drive from Dongzhimen to Changping 27 min
Approximate fuel cost: ¥25 – ¥40
Accommodation around Changping Mosque
- Eaself Hotel Beijing
Eaself Hotel Beijing is a home away from home located in Changping district, offering cozy guestrooms with a homelike dining area. Tiantongyuan South Station (Line 5) lays 7 minutes’ drive away. - Beijing Marriott Hotel
Set in Changping, Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping features a fitness centre. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also boasts a restaurant and a terrace. Guests can make use of a garden. - Wyndham Beijing North
Offering free Wi-Fi and parking, Wyndham Beijing North is located in Hotspring Changping District. It features an indoor swimming pool and 10 dining options. - Jackstraw Slow Life Resort
Jackstraw Slow Life Resort features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Changping. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a children’s playground
Useful Travel Tips for Visiting Changping Mosque
- Clothing
Clothing should be modest, covering your arms and legs with no messages or slogans displayed. Shoes, hats and sunglasses should be removed before entering, with some mosques offering disposable covers for your feet. - Timing
Tourists should generally avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time, which happens five times a day according to the position of the sun. Fridays usually have group prayer from morning to late afternoon, so try to plan your visit after sundown. - Entering
Visitors should enter the building with their right foot first and exit with their left. “Assalam Allaikum” is the typical greeting, translating to “peace be upon you.” Visitors can reply with “Wa alaikum-as-salam,” meaning “peace be upon you too.” - Seeing
Photography is allowed but you should refrain from taking pictures of worshippers or during prayer time. Keep the flash off and avoid walking in front of people in prayer. - Holidays
Mosques during Muslim holidays like Ramadan are generally still open to the public, though visitors should pay extra attention to religious etiquette during these holy days.
