Beijing's Niujie Mosque: A 1000-Year-Old Blend of Cultures

People Told Me Islam Was Banned In China? (Inside Beijing Muslim Area) 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
People Told Me Islam Was Banned In China? (Inside Beijing Muslim Area) 🇨🇳
On Tour With Dridgers #OTWD2024-06-0916 min

People Told Us Islam was banned in china but we found the cities muslim area and the TRUTH was revealed! its Chinese name is "+/f" (niú jie), which directly translates to "cattle street." In fact, it's very close to the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City, so there are no actual cows here. The mosque was built in 996 AD, making it over 1000 years old, and it's a mix of Chinese and Arabic architectural styles. It covers about 6000 square meters and used to be a political, cultural, and commercial center during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many Muslim merchants and believers settled here. During the Cultural Revolution in 1996, the Cow Street Mosque was closed and damaged, repurposed for uses like storage. It wasn't until 1978, after efforts from the government and the community, that the mosque was restored and protected. It gradually regained its status and influence within the Muslim community. Today, Cow Street is a very famous Hui ethnic food street. It's where we explored. Yes, we tried the wonderful Halal muslim food of beijing china!

--- On Tour With Dridgers #OTWD
June 9, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction in Beijing
  2. 0:12Islam in China
  3. 1:15Niu Jie Mosque
  4. 2:50Muslims banned in China
  5. 3:50Halal food exploration
  6. 9:24Muslim supermarket
  7. 11:31Sweet desserts
  8. 14:20Community park visit
  9. 15:05Bike rental adventure

OTWD explores Beijing's Muslim Quarter, discovering a thriving community and delicious Halal food, defying initial assumptions about religious freedom in China.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Utilize budget-friendly transportation options like the metro to explore cities efficiently and save money during your travels. This method also allows for unexpected interactions with locals. (0:45)
  2. Tip 2Embrace the local culinary scene! Don't be afraid to try new foods and interact with street vendors. You might discover hidden gems and make new friends along the way. (3:50)
  3. Tip 3China's ubiquitous QR code payment system is incredibly convenient. It eliminates the need to carry cash or multiple payment cards, making transactions quick and easy. (4:01)
  4. Tip 4Navigating busy streets in China can be challenging. Be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared for a mix of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Patience is key! (8:30)
  5. Tip 5Venture into local supermarkets to experience the unique flavors and products available. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and find affordable snacks. (9:49)
  6. Tip 6Don't be afraid to join long queues at popular food stalls. The wait is often worth it, as it indicates high-quality food and a chance to observe local customs. (11:49)
  7. Tip 7Consider renting bikes to explore a city at your own pace. It's a fun and active way to see the sights, but be sure to assess your biking skills and the terrain beforehand. (15:05)

On Tour With Dridgers explores Beijing's Muslim Quarter, challenging misconceptions about Islam in China. They visit the Niu Jie area, home to a 1000-year-old mosque and vibrant Halal food scene. Discover surprising discoveries, local interactions, and authentic experiences with Dridgers as they navigate the bustling streets and sample delicious local cuisine.

More about the current video:( 5 / 64 )

People Told Me Islam Was Banned In China? (Inside Beijing Muslim Area) 🇨🇳

On Tour With Dridgers, a British travel couple, embarked on an adventure to Beijing's Muslim Quarter, Niu Jie, to uncover the truth behind claims of Islam being banned in China. Their journey began with a metro ride, where they befriended a local content creator, Alice.

Arriving at Niu Jie, they first visited the Niu Jie Mosque, a thousand-year-old structure blending Chinese and Arabic architecture. Despite initial concerns about access, they found the mosque surprisingly open and peaceful, though sparsely populated during their visit. This sparked a discussion about the accuracy of media reports regarding religious restrictions in China.

Their exploration continued with a culinary adventure through Niu Jie's Halal food scene. They sampled local delicacies like beef dumplings and sesame seed rolls, interacting with friendly vendors and overcoming language barriers with the help of their new friend Alice. The experience highlighted the rich culinary heritage of the community.

Beyond food, Dridgers explored the bustling streets, observing the everyday life of the community, and visited a local supermarket, showcasing the affordability of everyday goods in China. They also enjoyed a relaxing stroll through a local park, observing families and community activities. The video concludes with a preview of their next adventure, exploring Beijing's nightlife.

Throughout their journey, Dridgers shared personal insights and emotional moments, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Their experience challenges preconceived notions, offering a nuanced perspective on the realities of life for Muslims in Beijing. The video is a testament to their ability to connect with local cultures and uncover authentic experiences, providing viewers with a unique and engaging glimpse into a vibrant corner of China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the Niu Jie area like?
A: It's the main Muslim area in Beijing, with lots of Halal food and a really old mosque!
Q: Were there any surprises?
A: Yeah, the mosque was much more open than I expected, and lots of people spoke English!
Q: What was the food like?
A: Amazing! We tried beef dumplings, sesame rolls, and so many other tasty things. It was all really affordable too!
Q: What about the supermarket?
A: It was wild! So many different snacks and drinks, some with really unusual flavors!

Beijing's Niujie Mosque: A 1000-Year-Old Blend of Cultures

Beijing's Niujie Mosque: Exploring a 1000-year-old blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures, delicious Halal food, and a surprising story of resilience.

Beijing's Muslim Quarter: Exploring Niu Jie Mosque & Halal Food

On Tour With Dridgers explores the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, challenging the misconception of Islam being banned in China. This over 1000-year-old mosque, a blend of Chinese and Arabic architecture, reveals a rich history. Initially a political, cultural, and commercial hub, it faced challenges during the Cultural Revolution but was later restored. Today, it's a vibrant center of the Muslim community and home to a bustling Halal food street, where the travelers indulged in delicious local cuisine. Their journey unveils the fascinating coexistence of Islam and Chinese culture.

Attractions in this video: Niu Jie Mosque