Located in No.141 West Street in Qianmen, the Xuanwumen Church is the oldest Catholic Church in Beijing. Matteo Ricci, Italian missionary, came to China during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty and built the first church in 1650. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1657 during the reign of Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty. The cathedral was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1775 and 1900.

The Southern Church was later rebuilt in 1904, and today it is of Baroco-style with a semi-circular arch. There are three courtyards in the church. The gate was the Chinese-style building in the first courtyard, and the following eastern courtyard was the main building and the eastern one was living room. During the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, it was used as a toy processing factory. Finally in 1978, it re-opened to the public and resumed its original function as a regular venue for religious service. Today, it is the seat of Beijing’s dioceses and Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

Ticket: Free

Address: No. 141, Qianmen West Street

Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 and Line 4 to Xuanwumen Station