Xishiku Church Beijing: Gothic Architecture, Catholic Heritage, and a Historic Landmark

1.1 Historical Evolution: From a Temporary Chapel to the “North Cathedral” Landmark

Built in 1703 during the Kangxi Emperor’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was originally a temporary chapel constructed by French missionaries inside Xianmen Gate. Because of its northern location in Beijing, it was nicknamed the “North Cathedral.” Destroyed during the war in 1860, it was relocated to its current site on Xishiku Street in 1887 and rebuilt in Gothic style. Damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, it was restored in 1904. Reopened in 1985, today it stands as the largest and best-preserved Gothic church in Beijing and is listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

1.2 Religious Affiliation and Importance: The Core of Catholicism in North China

The church belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Beijing and is the largest among the city’s “Four Major Churches” (East, West, South, and North). It serves as a spiritual center for Catholics in Beijing and nearby regions. As one of China’s major windows for international Catholic exchanges, it frequently receives religious delegations from abroad, holding a benchmark role in Northern China’s Catholic community and contributing to the spread of Catholic culture.

1.3 Local Cultural Role: A Symbol of East–West Fusion in Xicheng

Located at the intersection of Xishiku Street and Xianmen Street, the church is surrounded by traditional hutongs (like Liulansu Hutong), modern residential areas, and Beihai Park. Its twin spires contrast beautifully with gray-tiled Chinese roofs and Beihai’s White Dagoba, creating a unique cityscape. For locals, it’s not only a religious site but also a cultural spot for strolling and photography. Many visitors combine it with a visit to Beihai Park to enjoy the charm of “Chinese gardens meeting Western churches.”

2. Architecture and Interior Art: The Sacred Expression of Gothic Style

2.1 Architectural Style and Symbolism: Localized Gothic Elements

The church is designed in a classic Gothic style with Chinese details:

• Twin Towers: Two 31-meter-high spires with copper bells that ring daily at 9:00, 12:00, and 18:00, symbolizing “the call of faith.”
• Rose Window: A 5-meter-wide stained-glass window above the entrance depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, casting colorful light beams that symbolize “divine light.”
• Pointed Arches and Flying Buttresses: Gothic arches and buttresses provide both stability and a sense of upward spiritual aspiration.
• Chinese Details: Two Qing Dynasty stone lions guard the entrance, a unique symbol of “East–West cultural fusion.”

2.2 Interior Space and Light: Majestic Yet Warm Atmosphere

The interior covers about 2,200 square meters, making it the largest Catholic church space in Beijing:

• Layout: A 15m-wide, 60m-long nave supported by 8 stone columns. The vaulted ceiling painted with a starry sky and crystal chandeliers creates a sense of divine vastness.
• Lighting: From 10:00 to 14:00, sunlight through stained glass creates shifting red and blue patterns. By evening, warm golden lights enhance the tranquil mood.

2.3 Functional Areas: Spaces Defined by Ritual

• Altar Area: With a marble altar, crucifix, Bible, and candlesticks, used for Mass and sacraments (restricted to clergy use).
• Confessionals: Four wooden booths along the nave for confession, requiring visitor discretion.
• Choir Seats: Tiered benches beside the altar, active during Sunday Mass.
• Congregation Seating: Hundreds of wooden pews with free Bibles in Chinese and English, available for reading but not for removal.

2.4 Statues, Sculptures, and Murals: Faith Meets Art

• Main Crucifix: A 6-meter wooden sculpture of Jesus on the cross, imported from France in 1904.
• Saint Statues: Fourteen ceramic statues of saints like St. Peter and St. Paul, each with bilingual life stories.
• Murals: Twenty small egg-tempera murals of biblical stories, crafted by both Chinese and Western artists.

3. Religious Activities and Etiquette: Experiencing with Respect

3.1 Schedule of Services

• Regular Mass: Sundays at 7:00, 8:30, 10:30 (English Mass), and 18:30; weekdays with morning prayers, Mass, and evening prayers.
• Special Events:
  • Christmas: December 24th evening Mass with choir, and Christmas Day High Mass at 9:00.
  • Easter: Morning Mass at 10:30 with the Holy Water blessing ceremony.

3.2 Dress Code and Visitor Notes

Wear modest clothing: covered shoulders, knee-length bottoms, and flat shoes for walking. Hats must be removed. Backpacks can be stored at the entrance. Photography is only allowed outside service hours.

3.3 Behavior Guidelines

Keep quiet, avoid touching religious objects, and do not disturb confessions. No eating, smoking, or running inside.

3.4 How Visitors Can Participate

• Casual Visitors: Suggested 40-minute route from the main entrance through the nave and side aisles, ending at the back door.
• Active Participation: Arrive 10 minutes early for Mass, receive a bilingual missal, and simply observe in silence. Donations are voluntary.

4. Practical Visitor Guide: Easy Trip Planning

4.1 Visiting Tips and Suggested Routes

A complete visit takes about 1.5 hours, or 2.5 hours if attending English Mass. Combine with Beihai Park (10 minutes’ walk) or Liulansu Hutong (try Beijing street foods like Beijing Zhajiangmian, Beijing Baodu Tripe, Donkey Rolling Dessert Beijing, and Aiwowo Sticky Rice Ball Beijing).

4.2 Opening Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 6:00–11:30, 14:00–18:30
• Sunday: 6:30–19:00
  Special closures occur twice a year for maintenance, while Christmas and Easter extend to 21:00.

4.3 Guided Tours and Services

Free Chinese tours are available daily by volunteers. Bilingual brochures (Chinese and English) are provided at the entrance.

4.4 Location and Transportation

Address: No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (navigate “Xishiku Church”).

• Metro: Ping’anli Station (Line 4/6), exit C, 8-minute walk.
• Bus: Several lines stop at Xishiku Street.
• Driving: Parking is limited; best to park at Beihai Park East Gate parking lot.

4.5 Tickets and Reservation Rules

Admission is free, no reservation needed except during Christmas and Easter when pre-registration is advised. Groups of 10+ should book three days in advance by phone.