Guang (Light) Minaret had a different role from that of pagodas and was used to call Muslims to prayer.
The minaret had been called Bangke, which was changed to Guang because the Chinese pronunciation of bangke is very close to that of guang. Also, lights used to be put on top of the minaret to guide ships and the body of the minaret is upright and smooth.
Guang Minaret is in Huaisheng Mosque, one of the earliest mosques in China commemorating Mohammed, founder of Islam. It is said to have been built by an Arab priest who came to China a thousand years ago in the early Tang Dynasty.
The minaret is a cylindrical brick structure 36.3 meters high. A central pillar has a winding staircase leading to the top. On top is a platform with balustrades for calling Muslims to prayer. Rising from the platform is a column topped by a pavilion. The minaret's structure is different from that of other ancient towers.
