According to local legends, the mosque was built during the Liao dynasty when Beijing was one of the secondary capitals of the Liao. However, records suggest that the mosque was constructed in 1346 during the Yuan dynasty. The mosque underwent expansion and renovation in 1447 and again in 1486.[1] The earlier repairs were financed by Chen Yuyuan, a prominent officer during the Ming dynasty.[2] The mosque survived a fire in the late 19th century but suffered damage. Comprehensive repairs were done to the mosque throughout the 20th century.[1]