Of the many architectural and historic attractions in Beijing, the city's Christian churches may not be on the regular tourist agenda, but they are well worth a tour.
Christianity was first introduced into China the 7th century. The first Protestant missionaries came in 1807. The efforts of Western missionaries to spread Christianity in China reached a peak at the dawn of the 20th Century and were concurrent with incursions by the imperialist powers which semi-colonized parts of the country. Many Christian institutions established beachheads throughout China, building churches, schools and other institutions. Most Beijing churches were built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and have been refurbished many times.
The following are the seven major churches in Beijing:
(1)Xishiku Catholic Church
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Address: No 33, Xishiku Street, Xicheng district, Beijing
Being one of the largest and oldest cathedrals in Beijing, Church of the Saviour, also known as North Church or Xishiku Church lies at No. 33, Xishiku Avenue, Xicheng District. The historic church was originally established in 1703, having served as the main cathedral for Beijing Catholic parishes for long. After being restored for several times, it is now the most glorious church in Beijing, too.
The main architecture of the church is a three-storey Gothic building. Covering an area of 2,600 square yards (2,200 square meters), it can accommodate 1,000 people at one time. If looking down, it resembles a cross. Below the Gothic architecture is the conventional Chinese stylobate, which is surrounded by white-marble guardrails. The guardrail and the patterns on it are also in traditional Chinese style. Two Chinese-style pavilions with yellow glazed tile roofs stand systematically on both sides of the Gothic building. Inside the pavilions, four Chinese stone lions and stone tablets can be found. The characters on the tablets were written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Looking at a distance, you will marvel at the ingenious combination of Chinese and Western architecture styles.
The favorite church for the city's youngsters would probably be Xishiku Catholic Church.
Xishiku Catholical Church is the biggest Catholic Church in Beijing. Its architecture is a blend of western Gothic style and traditional Chinese imperial garden style.
Xishiku, the most historical Catholic Church in Beijing
Xishiku, The Most Historical Catholic Church in Beijing, China.
Inside the Xishiku Cathedral, 36 pillars with a height of 52 feet (15 meters) are used to prop up the golden roof. The top of the pillar is in the shape of cabbage leaves. Around the hall, spread 80 glass windows. The golden roof and the windows with colorful-inlaid glasses make you immerse in the solemn religious atmosphere. The painting of the "Virgin and Child" in different clothes can be seen here. The main altar and matching altar are located in the main hall. Behind the front door of the main hall is the Choir. To the north of the main altar lies the Suffering Hall. The replica of the "Last Supper" is hung in shadow of the entrance. When going out, it comes into view. The names of twelve followers are labeled in the painting.
Xishiku Catholic Church of Beijing. Inside of the Church.
Mass (All in Chinese)
|
Monday to Saturday
|
06:00, 07:00
|
|
Sunday
|
06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 18:00
|
Transportation:
1. Take subway line 4 to Xisi Station. Get out from exit D and walk about 1,000 yards (914 meters) to Xishiku Church.
2. Take bus no. 14, 38, 55, 101, 103, 109, 124, or 685 to Xi'anmen Station. And then walk 200 yards (180 meters) northward to the church.
(All Photo Credit: China Christian Daily)
Of the many architectural and historic attractions in Beijing, the city's Christian churches may not be on the regular tourist agenda, but they are well worth a tour.
Christianity was first introduced into China the 7th century. The first Protestant missionaries came in 1807. The efforts of Western missionaries to spread Christianity in China reached a peak at the dawn of the 20th Century and were concurrent with incursions by the imperialist powers which semi-colonized parts of the country. Many Christian institutions established beachheads throughout China, building churches, schools and other institutions. Most Beijing churches were built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and have been refurbished many times.
The following are the seven major churches in Beijing:
(1)Xishiku Catholic Church
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Xishiku Catholic Church , 305 years old, the favorite church for the city's youngsters. Wang Jing
Address: No 33, Xishiku Street, Xicheng district, Beijing
Being one of the largest and oldest cathedrals in Beijing, Church of the Saviour, also known as North Church or Xishiku Church lies at No. 33, Xishiku Avenue, Xicheng District. The historic church was originally established in 1703, having served as the main cathedral for Beijing Catholic parishes for long. After being restored for several times, it is now the most glorious church in Beijing, too.
The main architecture of the church is a three-storey Gothic building. Covering an area of 2,600 square yards (2,200 square meters), it can accommodate 1,000 people at one time. If looking down, it resembles a cross. Below the Gothic architecture is the conventional Chinese stylobate, which is surrounded by white-marble guardrails. The guardrail and the patterns on it are also in traditional Chinese style. Two Chinese-style pavilions with yellow glazed tile roofs stand systematically on both sides of the Gothic building. Inside the pavilions, four Chinese stone lions and stone tablets can be found. The characters on the tablets were written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Looking at a distance, you will marvel at the ingenious combination of Chinese and Western architecture styles.
The favorite church for the city's youngsters would probably be Xishiku Catholic Church.
Xishiku Catholical Church is the biggest Catholic Church in Beijing. Its architecture is a blend of western Gothic style and traditional Chinese imperial garden style.
Xishiku, the most historical Catholic Church in Beijing
Xishiku, The Most Historical Catholic Church in Beijing, China.
Inside the Xishiku Cathedral, 36 pillars with a height of 52 feet (15 meters) are used to prop up the golden roof. The top of the pillar is in the shape of cabbage leaves. Around the hall, spread 80 glass windows. The golden roof and the windows with colorful-inlaid glasses make you immerse in the solemn religious atmosphere. The painting of the "Virgin and Child" in different clothes can be seen here. The main altar and matching altar are located in the main hall. Behind the front door of the main hall is the Choir. To the north of the main altar lies the Suffering Hall. The replica of the "Last Supper" is hung in shadow of the entrance. When going out, it comes into view. The names of twelve followers are labeled in the painting.
Xishiku Catholic Church of Beijing. Inside of the Church.
Mass (All in Chinese)
|
Monday to Saturday
|
06:00, 07:00
|
|
Sunday
|
06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 18:00
|
Transportation:
1. Take subway line 4 to Xisi Station. Get out from exit D and walk about 1,000 yards (914 meters) to Xishiku Church.
2. Take bus no. 14, 38, 55, 101, 103, 109, 124, or 685 to Xi'anmen Station. And then walk 200 yards (180 meters) northward to the church.
(All Photo Credit: China Christian Daily)
