St. Joseph's Church
74 Wangfujing Ave., Dongcheng, Beijing, Northern China, 100006
St. Joseph's Church (sometimes referred to as the East Cathedral is one of four significant Catholic cathedrals in Beijing. Construction finished in 1655, making it the second oldest in the city after the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It’s predominantly Romanesque in style but with some Chinese architectural features.
The basics
Over the years, St. Joseph’s Church has become not only an important venue for Catholics, but also a significant cultural site and a popular attraction for visitors to Beijing. Despite its imposing size and long history, the church remains off the radar for most tourists and rarely features on group sightseeing tours. If you’d like to see the church with a guide who can tell you more about its history, consider booking a private walking tour of Beijing.
Things to know before you go
- St. Joseph’s Church is an interesting stop for architecture buffs and spiritual travelers.
- Learn more about the history of the church on a private guided tour of Beijing.
- Remember to dress respectfully and keep your voice down, as this is an active place of worship.
How to get there
St. Joseph’s Church is located at 74 Wangfujing Street. The nearest subway station is Wangfujing. Sightseeing Bus 2 also stops nearby.
When to get there
The church is open daily to visitors, though hours may vary by season. Masses are held daily in Chinese and in English on Sunday afternoons. The façade is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Top Beijing Religious Sites
Beijing is dotted with religious sites representing faiths from around the globe. Aside from St. Joseph’s Church, travelers won’t want to miss the Temple of Heaven, Confucian Temple, Beijing Lama Temple, and the Niujie Mosque.
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