Churches in Beijing
1-The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing (宣武门天主堂), also known as Nantang (南堂, the South Cathedral), is an historic Roman Catholic Church located in Beijing. It was built by Italian missionary Matteo Ricci in the early 17th century, as the oldest Catholic church in Beijing, it was damaged many times by earthquakes and fires, the present Baroque style dates from 1904.
2-The Xishiku Cathedral (西什库天主堂), commonly referred to as the Beitang (北堂, the North Cathedral) is one of the most ornate and magnificent church in Beijing. Established in 1703, the Xishkiku Cathedral is also where the Beijing Cardinal Bishop Office is located at and it is affiliated with the Patriotic Catholic Church of China.
The cathedral’s present cast iron Gothic architectural style and elaborate grey marble facade was built in 1890. The church stands in a spacious grounds surrounded by pine and oak tree and two Chinese pavilions.
3-The Wangfujing Cathedral (王府井天主堂), also named St. Joseph’s Wangfujing Cathedral or to the locals, Dongtang (东堂, the East Cathedral) is a historic Catholic cathedral located in the downtown Wangfujing shopping street. It was firstly established in 1655 by two foreign priests,and was rebuilt in 1904. After the restoration in 1980, the church reopened. It is a tourist attraction spot and many people like to take their wedding picture here.
4-The Xizhimen Church (西直门天主堂), or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (圣母圣衣堂) is a Roman Catholic Church located on the southern side of the Xizhimen Nei Street in Beijing. It is commonly referred to as Xitang (西堂, the West Church) to the locals. The Xizhimen Church is the youngest and the smallest church of the four grand Catholic churches in Beijing. The Western Church was first established in 1723 by the Italian missionary Teodorico Pedrini; destroyed in 1811, it was rebuilt in 1867; after a second destruction in 1900, it was built again in 1912 as we can see it today. Delicate Collins pillars and Gothic peaked arches inside the church create a grand, elegant and solemn impression upon visitors.
6-Nangangzi Christian Church (南岗子天主堂)， locates in Yongsheng alley, Xingfu Street, Chongwen. It started as a nunnery and a local hospital in 1910, was enlarged and restored into a Gothe style church in 1923. In 1952, it was closed and reopen in 1986.
7-Protestant Asbury Church at Chongwenmen (亚斯立堂), is the biggest Christian church in Beijing,and also was the first church constructed by the American Methodist Church in Northern China. In 1998, US president Klinton visited here. It holds the service in both Chinese and Korean.
8-Zhushikou Protestant Church (珠市口堂)，locates at the intersection between Zhoushikou Xidajie and Qianmen Dajie, it was established in 1904, closed during the Cultural Revolution in 1966, and re-opened in 1980. Some modern technology said to be used in this church.
9-Gangwashi Church (缸瓦市堂)
This is a very small church.
10-Kuanjie Church (宽街堂)
Another some church
11-Haidian Church (海淀堂)
This is just rebuilt, it is very big and new, locates just behind the Zhongguancun Dinghao Computer City.
12-Beijing Anglican Church (英利甘教堂、中华圣公会堂), is the first Anglican Church in Beijing. It was build in 1907. In 1990, the building was purchased by a Hongkong based information enterprise.
13-The St. Michael’s Church (圣弥厄尔教堂), in Dongjiaomin Alley was first built in 1901. The twin-spired, Gothic-style church served firstly as the place of Christian worship for the French community of Beijing before 1949, The church was closed in 1958 and did not reopen again until 1989. Its entrance is in the south, and the whole building follows typical Gothic style.The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows. Mass is held from 6.30am on weekdays and at 7am, 8am and 6pm on Sundays. English services are held on Fridays and Sundays.
Others more to be explored include:
The Dongguantou Church, is located at Dongguantou Village of Fengtai District in southeastern Beijing. The time when it was first built is not known. There used to be an ordinary one-storey house, which was torn down in 1991, and a new church was built at the same place. The style of the church reflects the architect’s inspiration, the fa?ade is proportional, and the two warped cornices resemble flying wings and show its individuation.
Longzhuang Church, is located in Tongzhou, suburb of Beijing. There used to be an old church. Local people said that it had been there for more than 100 years, but the exact time cannot be confirmed. In 1998, the Longzhuang Church was rebuilt in the west of the village. It is a red brick construction and faces south. The towering spire points to the blue sky, making the church spectacular.
Housangyu Village Church, is located in Mentougou, suburb of Beijing. It was the oldest Catholic church in Beijing. According to historical records, it was originally a small church built in 1334, with stone-carved poodles in front of it and carved with eight Chinese characters Zhen Zai Ji Li, Huai Lin De Yi (bringing good luck to the house and lofty moral to the world).
The Housangyu Village Church was expanded in 1896, and was rebuilt in 1988. With the grand view of mountains, the towering white spire looks striking and splendid. In line with the mountain shape, a winding road was constructed towards the Virgin Mary Hill at the mountainside, which presents a unique view. The church once made contribution to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Invasion.
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