Beijing Dongsi Mosque

As one of the oldest mosque in Beijing, Beijing Dongsi Mosque is the headquarter of the Islamic Association of Beijing. Located at No.13, the Dongsi South Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing city, Dongsi Mosque was first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). But there are some controversies about the actual construction date of the mosque. Because some people believe it was built in the Ming Dynasty. 

The main buildings of Dongsi Mosque include two gates, a minaret, a prayer hall and a library. Originally, there was a minaret inside the second gate. The prayer hall has been restored and renovated many times. With Koran carved on the arches in the hall, it can hold up to 500 people. There is also a separated area in the main hall for women.

Five wing halls and three wing rooms are respectively on the southern and northern parts of the courtyard. The architectural style of Dongsi Mosque has a feature of Ming Dynasty. There are many precious cultural relics preserved in the mosque. Located in the south of wing hall, the library has various versions of the Koran. The oldest and most sacred Koran is a handwritten copy dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It has been the station of  the Islamic Association in Beijing. As one of the most four famous mosques in Beijing, it is greatly attractive.