📜 About & history
Huaisheng Mosque is traditionally regarded as the oldest mosque in China, said to have been founded around 627 AD in the Tang dynasty and associated with Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad who reached Guangzhou by the maritime Silk Road. Its name means 'Remembering the Sage,' honoring the Prophet. Its most famous feature is the Guangta ('Smooth Pagoda'), a 36-meter cylindrical minaret that once doubled as a lighthouse for ships on the Pearl River. Rebuilt in 1350 and again in 1695 after a fire, it is counted among the four great ancient mosques of China.
🕌 Prayer & visiting
An active place of worship open for the five daily prayers and the Friday Jumu'ah gathering; it has a prayer hall and ablution room. Note: the mosque is generally open only to Muslims for worship rather than as a general tourist attraction; visitors should dress modestly and check access at the gate.
📍 Address
🇨🇳 Inside China use Baidu or Amap; Google Maps needs a VPN.
🚇 How to reach the mosque
- Line 1 Ximenkou （西门口） Exit B
Buses 56 and 58 stop on Guangta Road, right by the mosque.
Guangzhou's main Middle Eastern / African trader area is around Xiaobei and Dengfeng (Yuexiu District). From Xiaobei take Metro Line 5 and transfer to Line 1 for Ximenkou (about 20-25 minutes total), or a taxi of roughly 15 minutes.
In the old city center of Yuexiu District. Take Metro Line 1 to Ximenkou Station (Exit B) and walk about 500 m southeast along Guangta Road.
Primarily a worship site for Muslims; access for non-Muslims may be limited. The Guangta minaret is a landmark. Dress modestly. Taxi phrase: 请带我去光塔路怀圣寺