Dating back to the 10th century and lively with worshippers on Fridays (it’s closed to non-Muslims at prayer times), Běijīng’s largest mosque is the centre of the community for the 10,000 or so Huí Chinese Muslims who live nearby. Look out for the Building for Observing the Moon (望月楼; Wàngyuèlóu), from where the lunar calendar was calculated.
The mosque blends traditional Chinese temple design with Middle Eastern flourishes – note the spirit wall on Nui Jie that guards the entrance, a feature of all Chinese temples regardless of denomination. The main prayer hall is out of bounds for non-Muslims. Remember to dress appropriately for a mosque (no shorts or short skirts).
