Dongzhimen Mosque in Beijing
Beijing Dongzhimenwai Mosque was originally located on No. 68, Beixiaguan, Dongzhimenwai Street. And it was originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). but the present building was reconstructed in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
English Name: Dongzhimen Mosque in Beijing
Chinese Name: 北京东直门清真寺
Other Names: Beijing Dongzhimenwai Mosque
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 or 2 hours
Location: No.6, Chaci, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京东城区东直门外察慈6号)
Dongzhimen Mosque
Beijing Dongzhimenwai Mosque was originally located on No. 68, Beixiaguan, Dongzhimenwai Street. And it was originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). but the present building was reconstructed in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Why is Dongzhimen Mosque So Special
Semu people followed the Mongolian army back to China and many of them settled down in Beijing. Their religion was Islam. but the present building was reconstructed in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now, the mosque is laid out in the shape of a traditional quadrangle courtyard of Chinese characteristics.the mosque is laid out the shape of a traditional quadrangle courtyard of Chinese characteristics.The mosque includes such buildings as the prayer hall, and other houses and the wing-room and other facilities.
Introduction of Dongzhimen Mosque
Architecture
Now, the temple is in the form of a quadrangle courtyard. The main structures are the prayer hall, Baoxia House, the kiln hall, Erdian House, the wing-room and other facilities. The prayer hall, located in the west, has Baoxia House at its front and the kiln hall to its rear. On both the south side and the north side of the hall are two Erdian Houses. North of the prayer hall sits the imam room, the water room, and the office. The mosque remains in active use and is a place for Muslims to prayer.
How to get to Dongzhimen Mosque from Beijing
- Taxi from Beijing to Dongcheng District 5 min
One-Way from: ¥28 – ¥35 - Subway from Dongdan Station to Zhangzizhonglu Station 6 min
¥2 – ¥4 Line 5 subway - Line 1 subway, line 5 subway 11 min includes 2 min transfer
¥3 – ¥4 (Tian’anmen East Station → Dongdan Station → Zhangzizhonglu Station
Accommodation around Dongzhimen Mosque
Useful Travel Tips for Visiting Dongzhimen 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.
