Qinghe Mosque in Beijing

Qinghe Mosque北京清河清真寺 is located on the western side of the Jingzang Expressway, originally built at the southern end of the old Qinghe Bridge. Due to flooding and water accumulation in the south, it was relocated to the northern side of the bridge in 1881 (the 6th year of the Guangxu era). The original property and land holdings of the mosque are difficult to verify today, but according to a 1951 land and property ownership certificate issued by Beijing, the mosque owned 55 rooms and covered an area of 3.91 mu (approximately 2,607 square meters). Additionally, the mosque owned four parcels of land:

• Wubazi area: 14.2 mu (approximately 9,467 square meters)
• Anningzhuang Avenue: 4.22 mu (approximately 2,819 square meters)
• North of Qinghe River: 4.17 mu (approximately 2,780 square meters)
• Zhufang area: 10.07 mu (approximately 6,717 square meters).

Historical Background

Initial Construction

The Qinghe Mosque was initially built at the southern end of the old Qinghe Bridge.

Relocation and Reconstruction

In 1881, the mosque was relocated to the northern side of the bridge due to flooding issues at its original location. During the Cultural Revolution, the mosque was forced to close. It wasn’t until after the revolution that the mosque was reopened and partially restored. The restored mosque retained only part of its original properties.

Structure and Layout

The Qinghe Mosque is composed of three main sections:

• The mosque itself (located in the southeast)
• Rental houses (in the west)
• Warehouses (in the north)

It covers a total area of over 2,600 square meters.

Architectural Features

The architecture of the Qinghe Mosque is elegant and refreshing, with a well-organized layout. It offers a tranquil and solemn environment, featuring traditional Chinese palace-style architecture. The complex includes:

• Main entrance
• Secondary gate
• Main prayer hall
• Six-sided pavilion with double eaves, used for moon viewing
• Water house
• South and North lecture halls

Thanks to the dedicated maintenance efforts of previous generations, the mosque has preserved the traditional Beijing-style siheyuan (courtyard) layout.

Location and Transportation

The Qinghe Mosque is now located on the western side of the Jingzang Expressway, along Qinghe Second Street, on the northern bank of the Qinghe River.