Huaisheng Mosque (Remember the Sage Mosque)

The Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, also named the Light Tower Mosque or the Lighthouse Mosque, is located at No. 56, Guangta Road. With an area of 2,966 square meters (3,547 square yards), it is the oldest mosque existing in China, confirming its remarkable position among the four oldest mosques in the coastal areas, with the other three being Quanzhou Kylin Mosque, Yangzhou Crane Mosque, and Hangzhou Phoenix Mosque. Huaisheng Mosque was first built in 627, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when Islam was introduced to China for the first time. It was invested and constructed by some Arabs and named as Huaisheng Mosque, meaning 'remembering the sage', in honor of Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Generally speaking, Huaisheng Mosque maintains its original Arab architecture style. Walking into a narrow entrance, a screen wall can be seen, which prevents visitors from seeing the inner courtyard. But passing through the screen wall, the quaint buildings come into view.
 

Moon Tower

Walking through three doors, tourists come to the Moon Tower, which is a square gate tower with a red sandstone base built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and a double-eave roof renovated in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The tower is used to observe the moon to decide the time for the Fast and Ramadan.
 

Prayer Hall

Going forward, a larger courtyard appears. At the two sides of it, Covered Corridor can be seen, where some Islamic texts are posted. Right in front of the courtyard locates the Prayer Hall, which is the center of Huaisheng Mosque. When worshiping, followers face the direction of Mecca. The color and decoration in the hall is based on the west Asian style. Non- Muslims are not allowed to enter into the Prayer Hall, but just appreciate the architecture from the outside.
 

Lighthouse

The most outstanding building inside the mosque is the Lighthouse (minaret). It cannot be sure that when the tower was built, but it is believed to be the oldest existing Islamic architecture in China. Lying at the southwest of the mosque, the round Light Tower with a pointed tip is about 36 meters (118 feet) tall. It is from the tower that the mosque itself gets another name - Light Tower Mosque. The tower features the typical characteristics of Arab architecture style with pointed tip on the top. A muezzin would climb up to the tower to call out to followers at prayer times. It is said that the minaret was used as a beacon to lead directions for ships passing through the river. Besides, sailors often climb up to the tower to observe the weather conditions.

Huaisheng Mosque also houses other scenic spots, such as the Exhibition Hall, the Ancient Well and flourishing trees. Walking in the mosque, tourists can see many historical relics and tablets with inscriptions, too.
 

How to get to Huaisheng Mosque

1. Take Metro Line 1 to Ximenkou Station. Get out from Exit B and then walk about 550 yards (500 meters) to reach it.
2. Take bus 58, 74, 85, 88, 102, 104, 107, 193, 233, 250, 527, Peak Express Line 8, Peak Express Line 39, or Peak Express Line 52 to Zhongshan Liulu.
Guangzhou Bus / Metro Search
 
Entrance Fee Free, but only open to the Muslims and tour groups
Opening Hours 08:30 - 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit Half an hour

 Nearby Attractions:
Guangxiao Temple (Bright Filial Piety Temple): one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Guangzhou; having an important position in Buddhist history.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou; the symbolic building in the temple is the Six Banyan Pagoda (Flowery Pagoda) where Buddhist relics are placed.
 
- Last updated on Oct. 11, 2019 -
Questions & Answers on Huaisheng Mosque (Remember the Sage Mosque)
Asked by Abas Khan from HONG KONG | Oct. 08, 2019 21:35Reply
Hong Kong to Huaisheng Mosque
Dear all,

I would like to know what's the best and easiest way to travel to Huaisheng mosque from Hong Kong as I will be staying at a hotel nearby. Plus, is there any amazing photography places near or a bit further than the mosque?

Kindly please reply!
Answers (1)
Answered by Brody from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 11, 2019 20:40
00Reply


If so, you can take a coach from HKIA to Zhengjia Square. Then take subway line 1 to Ximenkou Station, Exit B. After that, walk southeast around 550 meters to find the mosque. You can take some photos outside the mosque.
Asked by nordin from MALAYSIA | Mar. 20, 2016 03:57Reply
Hotel near Huaisheng Mosque, Guangzhou
I have visited the city before and used to stay at one of the hotel infront of the mosque but I had forgotten the name of the hotel. can you list me the names of the hotel closeby?
Answers (1)
Answered by Chia from ITALY | Mar. 21, 2016 03:21
00Reply


The hotels near the mosque include Jia Mei Hotel, Bo Luo Hotel, Jin Hui Hotel, etc. These hotels are quite near (about 30-50 yards away). :)
Asked by Lisa from BORNEO | Feb. 13, 2016 20:16Reply
need help please for visiting Guangzhou
I plan to visit this attractions by walking from 1 place to the other. Start from Canton Orchid Garden, Yuexiu Park, Zhenhai Tower, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Six Banyan Trees, Huaisheng Mosque and Chen Clan Academy.Is it walking distance if i start from Canton Orchid Garden end by Chen Clan Academy?

Any suggestion please.

Thanks for your help.
Answers (3)
Answered by Lisa from BORNEO | Feb. 13, 2016 20:42
00Reply


And also Mausoleum of The Nanyue King
Answered by Molly from FINLAND | Feb. 14, 2016 03:02
00Reply


Yes, you can just walk from one place to the other ended by Chen Clan Academy.
1. Canton Orchid Garden to Yuexiu Park: walk southeast around 680 yards (620m)
2. Yuexiu Park to Zhenhai Tower: walk south around 700 yards (640m)
3. Zhenhai Tower to Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King: walk west around 770 yards (700m)
4. Museum to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall: walk southeast 880 yards (800m)
5. Memorial Hall to Six Banyan Trees: walk southwest around 0.7 miles (1.2km)
6. Six Banyan Trees to Huaisheng Temple: walk southwest around 850 yards (770m)
7. Huaisheng Temple to Chen Clan Academy: walk northwest along Zhongshan 7th Road around one mile (1.8km)
Do ask the locals about the directions and good trip!
Answered by Lisa from BORNEO | Feb. 14, 2016 04:11
01Reply


Thank you so much for your detail info. I'm sure it will makes my trip easier and more fun. Thanks once again Molly.
Asked by shams from UAE | Feb. 12, 2015 21:49Reply
I stay in nansha district, where is the nearby mosque?
Answers (1)
Answered by Kate from MALAYSIA | Feb. 13, 2015 00:25
12Reply


As I know, in Nansha District, there is no such mosque available. Maybe you can go to Yuexiy District. I know three mosques there.
Haopanjie Mosque: No.378 of Hoapan Street, Yuexiu District.
Xiaodongying Mosque:No. 1 of Xiaodongying, Yuexiu District.
Xianxian Mosque:No.204-1 of West Huanshi Road, Yuexiu District.
Asked by momen from CHINA | Jun. 04, 2014 10:48Reply
visit to huaisheng mosque from shenzhen
Dear brother
We want to visit sadbin waqqas shrine. We will start from shenzhen city. Would u pls tell me route shenzhen to guangzhou mosque location
Regards
Syed momen
Answers (1)
Answered by Harry from NETHERLANDS | Jun. 04, 2014 22:52
22Reply


You can take a high speed train from Shenzhen Train Station (Luohu) to Guangzhou East. Then at Guangzhou East Train Station metro station, take local subway line 1 to get off at Gongyuanqian. Then get out from exit A to walk to the mosque.
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