MY TRAVEL INFO: MOSQUES IN GUILIN & GUANGZHOU, CHINA

CHONGSHAN MOSQUE, GUILIN

Chongshan Mosque (崇善路清真寺) in Guilin, China, the largest and best-preserved in Guilin but also a significant landmark for the local Hui Muslim community. 

The mosque was first established in 1735 during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor in the Qing Dynasty. It has since undergone several expansions and renovations, particularly in the mid-19th century.

It is a classic example of Sino-Islamic architecture. From the outside (as seen in your top-left photo), it resembles a traditional Chinese temple or official building with grey brick and tiled roofs. Inside, however, the prayer halls feature Arabic calligraphy and an octagonal dome.

The mosque covers an area of 2000 square meters, as the best preserved mosque with the largest scale in Guilin.

The main prayer hall is supported by 24 red pillars, which you can see in your bottom-left photo. These pillars symbolize the 24 hours of the day and create a sense of height and solemnity.

In 1982, the President of Pakistan visited the mosque and planted trees at the entrance to symbolize the friendship between China and Pakistan.

The Entrance (Top Left): The plaque above the archway identifies the building. The intricate brickwork is typical of the Qing Dynasty style.

The Main Hall (Bottom Left): The interior features striking red columns and large plaques with gold Arabic calligraphy (the Shahada) alongside Chinese inscriptions.

The Courtyard (Bottom Right): This view shows the "garden-style" layout of the mosque, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets of Guilin.

MASJID ABI WAQQAS, GUANGZHOU

The Saad bin Abi Waqqas Mosque (also known as the Xianxian Mosque) in Guangzhou is one of the most historic Islamic sites in China. 

Located in Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, this mosque complex is renowned as the resting place of Saad bin Abi Waqqas, a maternal uncle and prominent companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad. He is traditionally credited with bringing Islam to China during the Tang Dynasty (circa 651 AD). The site dates back over 1,300 years, though the buildings have been reconstructed multiple times.

The "Islamic Sage" Tomb in the mosque is a major pilgrimage site for Muslims from all over the world. It is situated within a serene, lush garden known as the Mausoleum of Ancient Islamic Sages.

The mosque features a unique blend of traditional Chinese Lingnan style and classic Arabic design. A large, modern hall rebuilt around 2010 for the Asian Games. It can accommodate several thousand worshippers, making it the largest mosque in Guangzhou. Within the grounds lies a Tang Dynasty well (the sacred Well) that is still functional today, considered a symbol of the site's enduring legacy.

The Garden Cemetery located beyond the main tomb, includes a cemetery for "40 Sages"—missionaries who are said to have accompanied Waqqas.

"Shabi Well"- a sacred, ancient well over 1,300 years old, is revered for its pure water and is a major pilgrimage spot, symbolising Islam's deep roots in the city. 

The complex spans approximately 25,000 square meters and is famous for its towering ancient trees and peaceful atmosphere, offering a quiet escape from Guangzhou's urban center.

It is easily reached via the Guangzhou Metro Line 2 (Yuexiu Park Station). Typically free for worshippers and visitors, though the inner tomb area is sometimes reserved for those of the Muslim faith.

HUAISHENG MOSQUE, GUANGZHOU

Huaisheng Mosque located at Guangta Road, Yuexiu District Guangzhou, the oldest mosque in China and one of the oldest in the world. Its name, Huaisheng, translates to "Remembering the Sage," a tribute to the Prophet Muhammad.

The mosque was built in 627 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of the Prophet. While secular historians debate the exact date, it is widely accepted as the "cradle of Islam" in China.

The most striking feature is the 36-meter-tall minaret, the Light Tower (Guangta). It is unique for its smooth, cylindrical shape, which contrasts with traditional Chinese pagodas.

For centuries, it served as a lighthouse for merchant ships navigating the Pearl River. Sailors used it as a landmark to signify they had reached the start of the "Maritime Silk Road."

The mosque is a fascinating example of "Sino-Islamic" architecture.The stark, unadorned white minaret and the orientation of the prayer hall toward Mecca.

Compiled by :

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

18/12/2025: 12.54 p.m