This CCC walk will explore Niujie (Ox Street), a largely Muslim community in Beijing's Xuanwu District. You will get a feel for the unique Muslim quarter with old Beijing hutong atmosphere.

In the company of Mr. Yang, Imam from Beijing Muslim Association and CCC interpreter, you will visit an ancient mosque over 1,000 years old, including two graves of foreign imams and a library (usually only open to foreign visiting officials) of important Islamic artifacts and gifts from emperors and Islamic country leaders. The Chinese Muslims (Hui people)'s life and related China's policy will be narrated. We will meet local Muslim elders and chat with them about their daily services and visiting pilgrims.

Then we will take a walk in the Muslim inhabited hutongs (alleys), we see food stands, and a college for training imams. After the tour, you can take a look at a Muslim supermarket or try some Muslim food and snack.

Please note that dress properly to comply with the Muslim custom, e.g. shorts and sleeveless are not recommended.

>> The tour is guided by expert who is Hui Muslim and has lived in this Muslim neighborhood for over 20 years.

>> Some anecdotes and insider stories can only be learnt from the expert.

>> We may visit the VIP guest room where is only open to special Muslim leaders, and view the exhibited artifacts.

>> Walk into the old hutongs and meet and chat with locals in the neighborhood.

>> Try some Muslim snack at the food stands in the hutongs.



Where:

Meet in front of the Mosque, CCC staff will be waiting by the entrance.  Address:  Niujie Mosque, Xicheng District, southwest of Beijing.

Or pick you up at your place if you book a private tour with transportation.



How to get there:

If you take subway Line 2, get off (loop line) at Chang Chun Jie Station Exit C2  and head straight south about 25 minutes (pass two blocks / two traffic lights) till you see Chinese temple style mosque along the street. Or tell the driver: Niu Jie Qing Zhen Si 牛街礼拜寺

Sunway Line 4, get off at Cai shi kou Station Exit D, then head west and turn south at the first intersection.



About the CCC "Backstreet Beijing" Walking Tour Series

This is a cultural tour series designed to rediscover some of Beijing's old districts and lanes .We will walk through areas which used to be bustling with interesting popular shops, theaters, shrines and temples and residences of important people. Over 20 walking routes have been carefully designed by CCC since 2004, covering almost all areas of old Beijing within the second ring road or beyong. CCC guides will take you back in time to rediscover the history of the lanes and get a glimpse of the authentic atmosphere of old Beijing. Along the way you'll meet some unplanned surprises, some long-time, elderly residents and interesting characters, including descendants of famous people. You'll hear their stories of the streets and neighborhoods and of China in the past century. Of course, architecture, design, the artwork of the courtyards, and other cultural aspects will be discussed as well.

Note: This series is for lovers of Beijing lore and history and those who like to walk . The talks and discussions will be detailed and the walking/tour time will be 3-4 hours or more. Each tour will be limited to 20 people.