Wangfujing Catholic Church

About

The East Church, or Wangfujing Catholic Church, located on the eastern side of central Wangfujing Street, is one of the best preserved religious sites and the second oldest Catholic Church in Beijing. Its gray Gothic structure has endured a torrid history. The present building was rebuilt in 1904 on the ruins of the burned church.

The East Church was originally called Saint Joseph's Church, and was built in the 12th year (1655) of Emperor Shunzhi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was the second Catholic Church built in Beijing after Italian preacher Matteo Ricci built the South Church in southern Beijing at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In the 1980s, large-scale repairs and maintenance were carried out by the government for East Church.

Occupying an area of 2,387 square meters, the church underwent its latest renovation in the last few years. Beside the church is a front square of 1.2 hectares. Trees and grass were planted there and various lighting facilities were installed to show off the gorgeous building at night.

To get there: Take the line one subway to Wangfujing Station. (below the Oriental plaza). The church is about 500 meters north of this station exit, north up Wangfujing Street or take the number 5 line to a stop about the same distance to the east of the church.

All Beijing churches will offer Christmas services for Christians in Beijing. So far, there are eight churches within Beijing. They include the Eastern Church (Wangfujing Catholic Church), Western Church (Xizhimen Church), Southern Church (Xuanwumen Catholic Church), Northern Church (Xishiku Catholic Church), St. Michael's Church, Nangangzi Church, Pingfang Church and Dongguantou Church. Nine other churches are located in Beijing's suburbs.