How about a journey back over 1,300 years? We’re standing before the Huaisheng Mosque. It is one of China’s oldest mosques.
This mosque is also known as the Lighthouse Mosque. Its history stretches back to the early Tang Dynasty around 627 A.D. That’s when Islam first came to China. The Huaisheng Mosque was named to honor Prophet Muhammad. He was the founder of Islam.
Guangzhou was a busy trade center back then. Islam arrived via the Marine Silk Road. Prophet Muhammad sent four disciples to China to spread Islam. Abi Waqqaas once managed the Huaisheng Mosque. This gives the mosque special importance to Muslims worldwide.
Look up at the unique white minaret. It stands tall within the Huaisheng Mosque. The minaret has become a symbol for Guangzhou’s Muslims. It reaches 35.46 meters high.
Notice that the minaret is tilted. The difference in the rock’s distance causes this. It is three meters from east to west at its footing. The inclination is now 1.06 meters. Yet, the structure remains steady. Its base uses 3.6-meter long stone stripes. The body mixes soil, glutinous rice, brown sugar and lime. This withstands years of weather.
Imagine merchant ships approaching Guangzhou Port. Before other buildings obscured the view, the minaret was visible from afar. Experts believe the Huaisheng Mosque’s minaret is one of the oldest Islamic calling towers.
There once was a golden chicken trade wind meter on top. It would spin to show wind direction. Hurricanes destroyed it during the early Ming Dynasty. The Huaisheng Mosque is one of China’s earliest Islamic buildings. It is also one of the most distinctive.
Interestingly, the Huaisheng Mosque was the first mosque built in China. Its 36-meter tower was a major Guangzhou landmark until the late 19th century.
Consider this: China now has 35,000 mosques. It also has 57,000 imams. There are 720 Islamic organizations and 10 Islamic institutes. The Huaisheng Mosque stands as a reminder of Islam’s long history in China. Remember its story as you explore Guangzhou. It is a story of faith. It is also a story of cultural exchange.