Guangta minaret
36 m tall.
斯巴鲁美乐斯 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yumeto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chintunglee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yotam Gingold — CC BY 2.0 · Rc1959 — CC0 · Chintunglee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Unknown — CC BY 4.0 · 関野貞 — Public domain
One of China's oldest and most storied mosques, in the heart of old Guangzhou, also known as the Lighthouse Mosque; it is the main mosque of the city that medieval Arab geographers called «Khanfu», China's best-known port for Arab and Persian traders. Old Chinese Muslim manuscripts say the mosque was built in 627 by the Companion Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, while modern historians date its foundation to the Tang or Song dynasty; it has been rebuilt several times, including in 1350 and again in 1695 after a fire destroyed it. Its standout feature is the 36 m Guangta minaret, two storeys of smooth, unadorned walls, which stayed the tallest building in the city until the early twentieth century and in the Middle Ages served as a lighthouse for ships and a wind vane, hence the name Lighthouse Mosque. Entry is free. Visitor guides say non-Muslims may visit the courtyard outside prayer times, though not the prayer hall, but entry is sometimes limited to Muslims, so ask at the gate. It's a working place of worship, so dress modestly and keep your voice down; the nearest metro station is Ximenkou.
36 m tall.
Centuries old.
Arab traders' port.
Guangta Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Sun Yat-sen Memorial HallA grand octagonal hall in central Guangzhou, built from 1929 to 1931 with donati17 minutes walk
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian StreetGuangzhou's first pedestrian shopping street, opened in September 1995 in the he17 minutes walk4.2
Chen Clan Ancestral HallA masterpiece of traditional Cantonese architecture, a complex built in 1894 und18 minutes walk4.4Old Chinese Muslim manuscripts credit the Companion Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas in 627, while modern historians date it to the Tang or Song dynasty.