Huaisheng Mosque
Guangdong Sheng
Huaisheng Mosque, also known as the Lighthouse Mosque or Great Mosque of Canton, is the principal mosque in Guangzhou, located in the Yuexiu District of Guangdong Province, China. The mosque is renowned for its distinctive 36-meter-high minaret called the Guangta or Kwangtah, which historically functioned as a lighthouse, wind vane, and control tower. While traditional accounts credit its founding to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas in 627 CE, modern scholarship places its origin in the Tang or Song dynasties, making it one of China's earliest mosques. The mosque has been rebuilt multiple times, notably after a fire in 1695. It holds significant cultural value as a major heritage site and symbolizes the long-standing presence of Islam in southern China. The mosque's architecture is characterized by its minimalist minaret, which stands out as a unique feature in Chinese Islamic architecture. Today, the mosque remains an active place of worship and a notable historical monument accessible to visitors.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the mosque's architecture and the minaret's height. The mosque is accessible on foot from Ximenkou Station of the Guangzhou Metro. Purchasing tickets in advance is generally not required as the mosque is primarily a place of worship, but checking local schedules for prayer times is recommended. Modest dress is advised when visiting. Discounts or special access information is not commonly applicable.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque's 36-meter minaret was the tallest building in Guangzhou until the early 20th century.
- •The minaret served as a lighthouse, wind vane, and control tower in medieval times.
- •The mosque is attributed to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, though this is debated by modern scholars.
- •In 1349, Ramadan ibn Alauddin, the first named Korean Muslim, was buried in the mosque cemetery.
- •The mosque is one of the oldest Islamic sites in China, reflecting early Muslim presence during the Tang dynasty.
History
Old Chinese Muslim manuscripts claim the mosque was founded in 627 CE by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, though modern historians dispute this specific origin.
It likely dates back to the Tang or Song dynasties, reflecting the arrival of Islam in China during the 7th century.
The mosque's minaret, the Guangta, was historically the tallest structure in Guangzhou until the 20th century and served multiple practical functions including as a lighthouse.
The mosque underwent significant reconstructions, notably in 1350 and after a destructive fire in 1695.
It has remained a key Islamic cultural site in Guangzhou for centuries.
Place Guide
Guangta MinaretTang or Song dynasty period
The mosque's iconic 36-meter-high minaret, known as Guangta, is notable for its minimalist design and historical multifunctional use as a lighthouse and control tower.
Main Prayer HallRebuilt multiple times, latest major reconstruction in 1695
The main prayer hall serves as the central worship area for the Muslim community and features traditional Islamic architectural elements adapted to Chinese styles.
Mosque Cemetery1349
The cemetery holds historical significance as the burial place of Ramadan ibn Alauddin, the first named Korean Muslim, dating back to 1349.
Contact
Phone: 020 8333 3593
