Changying Mosque in Beijing
Changying Mosque has become a must-visit place when Muslims come to visit Beijing. Known as the largest mosque in the suburb area of Beijing, Changying Mosque is also one of the only remaining seven mosques in Chaoyang District.
English Name: Changying Mosque in Beijing
Chinese Name: 北京常营清真寺
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 or 2 hours
Location: Changying Minzu Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Changying Mosque
Changying Mosque is named after the same name village where the mosque is located. Changying Mosques was originally constructed in the Zhenge period in Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and was largely reconstructed in the Jiaqing period in Qing Dynasty (1644 -1911). It was the largest mosque in the suburbs of Beijing. Today it is still an important religious site for nearby muslims to pray. In the years of in 1983, 1993 and 1998, the Changying Mosque was renovated and repaired for several times. Built on an axis from east to west, Changying Mosque faces the east and it is a three-hall courtyard with Chinese characteristics of black bricks and green tiles.
Why is Changying Mosque So Special
Changying Mosque has become a must-visit place when Muslims come to visit Beijing. Known as the largest mosque in the suburb area of Beijing, Changying Mosque is also one of the only remaining seven mosques in Chaoyang District.
Introduction of Changying Mosque
Architecture
The mosque is a two-entrance courtyard. The major structures are the main hall, Chuihua Gate, the veranda, and other facilities. Flowers and trees are planted all around the yard. The main hall holds 200 to 300 Muslim people for prayer, and a newly built female hall is exclusive for women to use for prayer. Nowadays, with a total area of 8,459 square meters and a constructed area of 4,578 square meters. The temple preserves 30 manuscripts of the “Koran,” two “Wei Ga Leaves,” one “Erga Leaf Generation,” and four “the Most Ga,” which can be important historical materials to help people study Changqing Mosque.
How to get to Changying Mosque from Beijing
- Line 2 subway, line 6 subway 24 min includes 2 min transfer
¥3 – ¥6 (Dongzhimen Station Chaoyangmen Station Dalianpo) - Taxi from Dongzhimen to Changyingxiang 16 min
One-Way from: ¥55 – ¥70 - Drive from Dongzhimen to Changyingxiang 16 min
Approximate fuel cost: ¥10 – ¥16
Accommodation around Changying Mosque
- Beijing CBD Apple Community
Boasting a restaurant, free bikes, a bar and a shared lounge, Beijing CBD Apple Community is situated in the Chaoyang district of Beijing, only 9 km from Wangfujing Street. The air-conditioned accommodation is 9 km from Tiananmen Square, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site. - The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
Centrally located in the Chaoyang Commercial District, The Great Wall Hotel Beijing offers accommodation just 300 m from Agricultural Exhibition Center Metro Station. It boasts 4 dining options and an indoor pool.
Useful Travel Tips for Visiting Changying 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.
