Huaisheng Mosque Mosque

The Huaisheng Mosque is a historic mosque in Guangzhou, Guangdong, traditionally dated to 627 CE and regarded as one of the oldest mosques in China. It is notable for its distinctive brick minaret, which gives the mosque its alternate name, the Lighthouse Mosque.

The complex includes a courtyard, prayer halls and the circular brick minaret known as the Guangta, which rises to roughly 36 metres and has long been a local landmark. The mosque combines Islamic religious spaces with Chinese architectural details and is an active place of worship for Guangzhou’s Muslim community.

Local tradition attributes the mosque’s foundation to the early 7th century and to a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, but the buildings visible today are the result of multiple rebuildings and repairs over many centuries, including major work during later imperial periods. The minaret and mosque have been repaired and altered repeatedly while remaining a continuous religious site.

Situated in Guangzhou’s older urban area (Liwan/old city sector) near the Pearl River, the mosque lies within the city’s built-up core and is easily reached from central Guangzhou. Public transport and short taxi rides connect it to central Guangzhou and major transport hubs.

• Visitor etiquette: The site is an active mosque so visitors should dress modestly and avoid entering during main Friday prayers.
• Best time to visit: Best views of the minaret and central courtyard are in the morning and late afternoon when light highlights the brickwork and courtyard layout.

What to See#

• Guangta (Minaret): A circular brick minaret standing beside the mosque complex, traditionally called the Guangta or “Light Tower,” about 36 metres tall and visible from surrounding streets.
• Prayer halls and courtyards: The mosque’s prayer halls and inner courtyards form the active worship complex used by Guangzhou’s Muslim community; the main prayer hall reflects multiple rebuilding phases and retains traditional Chinese mosque architectural elements.

• The Huaisheng (Guangzhou) Mosque is an active place of worship-visit outside Friday midday prayers and other main prayer times if you want to view the interior as a visitor.
• Ask permission before photographing inside and be prepared to dress modestly; staff or mosque volunteers can often provide short guided explanations of the mosque's history when available.
• Combine a visit with a walk through the old Liwan/Guangzhou riverside neighborhoods to place the mosque in its historic urban context, but check local opening hours in advance since visitor access can be limited.