12/01/2026
🕌 Huaisheng Mosque: The First Mosque Built by Muslims in China
Detailed History
Huaisheng Mosque—also known as the Lighthouse Mosque or Guangta Mosque—is located in Guangzhou, in the Yuexiu District of China. It holds a uniquely important place in the history of Islam in China.
🔹 1. Foundation and Early Period (Tang Dynasty)
🔸 Time of Establishment:
According to traditional records and Muslim manuscripts, the mosque was originally built in the 7th century (627 CE) during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).
🔸 Founder:
Traditional accounts attribute the founding of the mosque to Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (RA), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his maternal uncle. It is said that he traveled to China in the 620s to spread Islam and received imperial permission to build the mosque during the reign of Emperor Gaozong.
🔸 Name Meaning:
The name “Huaisheng” means “Cherishing the Sage”, chosen as a mark of respect for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
🔹 2. The Lighthouse Minaret (Guangta)
🔸 Famous Minaret:
One of the mosque’s most distinctive features is its minaret, known as Guangta, meaning “Light Tower” or “Lighthouse.”
🔸 Height:
The minaret stands approximately 36 meters (118 feet) tall and remained the tallest structure in Guangzhou until the early 20th century.
🔸 Function as a Lighthouse:
Due to its unique cylindrical structure, the mosque earned the name “Lighthouse Mosque.” It is believed that the tower once served as a beacon for ships navigating the Pearl River (Zhujiang River).
🔹 3. Destruction and Reconstruction
Throughout its long history, Huaisheng Mosque has suffered damage from fires and other causes and has been rebuilt several times:
🔸 Early Damage:
The mosque was damaged by fires toward the end of the Tang and Song dynasties.
🔸 First Major Reconstruction (Yuan Dynasty):
In 1343 CE, the mosque was severely damaged. It was reconstructed in 1350 CE during the Yuan Dynasty, with support from Muslim officials and patrons. This phase introduced a fusion of Islamic architecture with traditional Chinese courtyard-style design.
🔸 Second Major Reconstruction (Qing Dynasty):
After another major fire in 1679 CE, the mosque was extensively rebuilt in 1695 CE under the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi.
🔸 Modern Renovation:
In 1935, structural renovations were carried out on the main prayer hall.
🔹 4. Historical and Cultural Significance
🔸 Cradle of Islam in China:
Guangzhou is often regarded as the birthplace of Islam in China, and Huaisheng Mosque stands as living evidence of those earliest contacts.
🔸 Maritime Silk Road:
The mosque served as a religious and social center for Arab and Persian Muslim merchants who arrived via the Maritime Silk Road.
🔸 Architectural Style:
Its architecture reflects a remarkable blend of local Chinese building traditions and imported Arab-Islamic styles.
🔹 5. Present Status
Today, Huaisheng Mosque is officially listed as a National Key Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of China. It remains an active place of worship for Guangzhou’s Muslim community and stands as a millennium-old symbol of Sino-Islamic cultural exchange.
Huaisheng Mosque is not only a treasure of China but also an invaluable witness to the global history of Islam.
