The 231.8 yard-long bridge used to be a key artery into Beijing crossing Yongding River which was moody, powerful and furious but today has dried up. First constructed in 1189 and completed in 1192, the bridge has gone through the usual cycle of rebuilding and restoration, and it received a major makeover in 1444. Although it succumbed to flood in 1698, it was restored to its former glory after the PRC was founded.

If you have spent enough time in China, you may have contracted the fatigue of Chinese sentry lions at gates. But try to imagine a bridge lined with hundreds of small stone lions. At Lugou Bridge, you will find yourself falling into an awestruck, gleeful trance before those distinctively carved out beasts. Offering an orgasmic viewing experience, your lion fatigue will wither away. Try counting the lions, but it is not as easy as it sounds. For centuries, no one has had the temerity to claim that he or she has counted them up. It is easy to get the 288 lions sitting atop stone poles, but do not forget babies clinging to adults.

So many hullabaloos have been made about, and so much ink has been spilled over, Lugou Bridge that the 11-arch stone bridge seemingly has gobbled up almost all the hype among its ancient counterparts in Beijing. It proudly proclaims itself 'the oldest and the most magnificent stone bridge in Beijing'. With its unique design and amazing aesthetics, the bridge left so firm an impression upon Marco Polo 7 centuries ago that he rhapsodized over it in glowing terms in his travelogue widely read in western countries.

To the rear of the main hall is a group of small religious halls and stela pavilions designed in the Islamic style. Since the teaching of the Koran forbid the portrayal of human or animal forms, the designs and patterns in all of the decorations are composed of Arabic letters and geometrical patterns. In the center of this section is the minaret, from which the muezzin calls the faithful for prayers five times a day, beginning at dawn.

In the innermost courtyard of the compound are a number of auxiliary buildings, including classrooms for religious training. Especially, there is a very large bathhouse used for religious ablutions in the southern part of the compound.

The Niujie Mosque has undergone three renovations since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, respectively in 1955, 1979 and 1996.

Entrance Fee: CNY 10

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 16:00

Bus Routes:
A. Take Bus No. 10, 48, 626 or 717 and get off at Niujie Mosque Station.
B. Take Bus No. 5, 6, 38, 57, 109 and get off at Niujie crossing west.
C. Take Bus No. 10, 48, 626, 717 and get off at Niujie crossing south.