Huaisheng Mosque

Huaisheng Mosque

Huaisheng Mosque is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

Situated on Guangta Road, Huaisheng Mosque is the earliest mosque constructed after Islam was introduced to China. It is also referred to as Guangta Mosque or Huaisheng Guangta Mosque. More than 40 stone tablets and plaques in Chinese and Arabic from the Yuan Dynasty to the Republic of China period are preserved here. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, the mosque was destroyed by fire in the third year of the Zhi Zheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1343) and rebuilt seven years later. In the 34th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1695), it was reconstructed again, covering an area of 2,966 square meters. At the southwestern corner of the mosque’s entrance stands the Guangta (Light Tower), which has a total height of 36.3 meters. The main structure features a Moon-Watching Pavilion with double eaves that seem ready to take flight, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural style. Behind the pavilion is a moon terrace, ablution facilities, and east-west corridors, followed by the prayer hall. The prayer hall faces east and is solemn and dignified in design, with proportions, colors, and decorations reflecting a distinct West Asian style. The overall layout of the mosque follows a symmetrical Chinese axial arrangement, leading visitors deeper layer by layer. Huaisheng Mosque stands as a historical testament to the friendly exchanges between the people of China and Islamic nations. It is also an important site for studying China’s maritime history and the history of Islam. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, three major renovation projects were carried out, largely preserving the original architectural style. The mosque can now accommodate over 1,000 worshippers simultaneously and serves as one of the key venues for Muslims from both China and abroad to conduct religious activities. It is designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, Guangzhou has been a major port for China’s overseas trade. At that time, the city was home to a large number of wealthy Arab merchants who, with support from the local government, constructed a grand mosque — today’s Huaisheng Mosque. The name of the mosque expresses the reverence and remembrance of both Chinese and foreign Muslims for the Prophet Muhammad. The main prayer hall is positioned at the front of the courtyard. It is a classical-style building featuring three bays with surrounding corridors, a hip-and-gable roof with double eaves covered in green glazed tiles, and bracket sets (dougong). Majestically standing on a large platform adorned with carved stone railings, the hall exudes nobility and dignity. The stone railings are intricately carved with various designs, including gourds, fans, umbrellas, flowers, lions, and fish, all rendered in a lively and vivid style. The interior of the prayer hall is bright and pristine, with wooden flooring and three sliding doors. Though minimally decorated, the space is neat and elegant. Inscribed under the beams of the hall are the following: “Constructed in the first year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (Year of the Pig, 627), and thirdly rebuilt on the 21st day of the third month in the Year of the Pig, 1935 (Republic of China calendar).” “Reconstructed again on the 17th day of the 12th month in the Year of the Pig, 1695 (Year of the Horse, Qing Dynasty).” In addition to the main prayer hall, the mosque complex also includes the Moon-Watching Pavilion, east-west corridors, scripture depository, stele pavilion, and the Guangta (minaret). The entire mosque covers an area of 4.5 mu (approximately 0.3 hectares), with a total built-up area of 1,553 square meters, of which the prayer hall alone occupies 400 square meters. The Guangta of Huaisheng Mosque is renowned both in China and abroad and is an immensely valuable ancient architectural structure. The tower is entirely constructed from brick and stone, primarily using brick walls with internal and external plastering. Its plan is circular. There are two entrances, front and back, each with a stairway. The two stairways spiral upwards in opposite directions and converge at the exit on the open-air platform at the top of the first level. At the center of the platform stands a small circular tower, the top of which was originally adorned with a golden rooster facing a phoenix in flight — motifs commonly used in classical Chinese architecture. By the Ming Dynasty, the golden rooster had been repeatedly blown off by typhoons. After being restored, it was once again blown away by a typhoon in the eighth year of the Kangxi reign (1669), after which it was replaced with a gourd-shaped finial, and more recently with an olive-shaped one. The visible portion of the tower above ground has a total height of 35.7 meters. According to expert assessments, there may be several additional meters buried underground. Ancient records suggest the tower once stood 16.5 zhang tall (approx. 54 meters). Due to its age, the tower has gradually become tilted, and in the event of an earthquake, the upper section could collapse. This type of ancient circular brick tower, equipped with spiraling brick stairways, is quite unique among traditional Chinese architecture. The earliest brick pagodas in China, such as those from the Tang Dynasty, were typically square or cylindrical, with wooden stairs and floors. It wasn’t until the Song Dynasty that octagonal towers and brick stairways became more common, but their construction was relatively simple compared to the sophisticated dual-stairway circular design of the Guangta. Experts believe that the stairway technique used in Islamic minarets like this one influenced and advanced the architectural methods of Chinese brick pagodas — a significant milestone in the history of Chinese engineering. As for the construction date of the Guangta, experts have determined it was built during the Tang Dynasty. Existing evidence within the mosque includes the Yuangzhen Stele of 1350 (from the Zhi Zheng era of the Yuan Dynasty), Guo Jiacong’s "Reconstruction of Huaisheng Mosque Stele", as well as references in Nanlai Fang Xinru’s "Hundred Poems on the South Sea" and Nanlai Yue Ke’s "Chronicles of Events", all pointing to a Tang Dynasty origin. There are three theories about the origin of the name “Guangta”: First, the tower was originally called the Huaisheng Tower (Tower of the Sacred Sage), and because it was used for the call to prayer, it was also known as the “Call to Prayer Tower.” In Persian, it was referred to as “Bang Ta,” where “Bang” and “Guang” sound similar, hence the name “Guangta.” Second, the surface of the tower is smooth, which led to its common name “Guangta” (literally “Bright Tower”). Third, in ancient times the Guangta also functioned as a lighthouse. A lamp was often hung atop the tower throughout the night. At that time, the Pearl River flowed not far from the mosque. During the day, flags were flown from the tower, and at night, lights were lit, effectively serving as a navigational aid for ships. Merchant vessels traveling along the Maritime Silk Road and those returning from overseas would recognize the tower and know they had reached Guangzhou. Thus, Huaisheng Mosque and its Guangta stand not only as a historical testament to the friendship between the people of China and Islamic nations, but also as a vital relic for the study of China’s maritime history and Islamic religious heritage.

Transportation: Take bus routes 56, 58, or 74 and get off at Guangta Road Station.

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