Guangzhou in Guangdong province in the People’s Republic of China is a destination boasting amazing religious diversity amidst immense scenic beauty. The third largest city in the country, its culture and attractions are well rooted in history. One imposing landmark standing as proof of its impressive religious diversity is the Great Mosque of Guangzhou also known as Huaisheng Mosque.
As famous as Hangzhou City’s Phoenix Mosque, Quanzhou City’s Qingjing Mosque and Yangzhou City’s Crane Mosque, the mosque is believed to have been built over 1,300 years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest mosques. Having several other names such as Ying Tong Mosque, Hwai Sun Su Mosque, Guangta Si Mosque and Great Mosque of Canton, the landmark has a 36 feet tall calling tower.
Among the still existing buildings of the mosque are the reception room, the water house, the ambulatory, the Stele Pavilion, the Wangyue Pavilion, the Main Hall and the Pagoda of Light which is the mosque’s most prominent building. The top of the pagoda can be accessed by ascending a helical staircase.
With its name ‘Huaisheng’ translating to “remember the sage”, the mosque is said to have been built to commemorate Prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam. Constructed back in 627 AD when the land was under the rule of Tang Dynasty, the original structure of the mosque had consisted of six parts including the Storehouse of Islamic Scriptures, the Imam Hall and the Wagyue Attic, the Light Tower and the Covered Corridor.
Whilst the majority of the mosque showcases the influence of the Tang Dynasty’s architectural style, the Light Tower displays a distinctive blend of local and Arabic architectural styles. As a matter of fact, the tower has made a mark by being the first construction to merge these two architectural styles. The tower is believed to have functioned as a beacon helping the ships and boats along Zhujiang River to navigate properly at night.
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