Xishiku Church

西什库教堂

Xishiku Church, commonly known as Beitang, was once the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing and is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing.
The North Hall is a typical Gothic building. The lobby is in the shape of a cross. On the left and right sides are Chinese-style pavilions with yellow glazed tile roofs and four pointed corners. Inside the pavilions are stone tablets inscribed by Emperor Qianlong himself.
The statues of saints on both sides of the main entrance are unique among all the churches in Beijing; the golden dome supported by 300 giant pillars and 80 stained glass windows in the church always remind people of Notre Dame de Paris.

Attractions Location: No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Tickets: Free

Opening hours:
06:30-11:00, 14:00-17:00 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st to December 31st)

Contact Details: 010-66175198

Transportation:
Take Bus No. 14, 55, 68, 128 or 612 and get off at Beijing No. 39 Middle School Station; take Bus No. 101, 103 or 109 and get off at Xi'anmen Station.

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Xishiku Church tours

1-day tour: Xishiku Church Cultural Tour

  • Morning: Xishiku Church (Metro Line 4, Xisi Station, Exit D, 10 minutes walk)
  • Afternoon: Beihai Park (Bus No. 103, about 15 minutes)

Feel the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western Gothic church architecture and royal gardens

Accommodation: Courtyard B&B near Xisi
Food: "Shaguoju" time-honored casserole dishes


2-day tour: Church + Forbidden City

  • Day 1: Xishiku Church → Beihai Park
  • Day 2: Forbidden City (Bus No. 101, about 20 minutes)

A cultural collision journey from Western churches to Eastern palaces

Accommodation: Wangfujing Boutique Hotel
Food: Day 2 lunch "Si Ji Min Fu" Roast Duck Restaurant


3-day tour: Church + Hutong culture

  • Day 1-2 is the same as 2-day tour
  • Day 3: Shichahai (15 minutes walk) → Nanluoguxiang (10 minutes walk)

The perfect combination of church culture and old Beijing Hutong

Accommodation: Shichahai Boutique Hotel
Food: Day 3 Lunch "Barbecue Season" Old Beijing Barbecue


4-day tour: Church + 798 Art

  • Day 1-3 is the same as the 3-day tour
  • Day 4: 798 Art District (Metro Line 6 to Line 14, about 50 minutes)

Creative dialogue between classical churches and modern art

Accommodation: Designer Hotel in 798 Art District
Food: Day 4 lunch "UCCA Restaurant"


5-day tour: Church + Summer Palace

  • Day 1-4 is the same as 4-day tour
  • Day 5: Summer Palace (Metro Line 4, about 1 hour)

Artistic Appreciation of Western Religious Architecture and Eastern Royal Gardens

Accommodation: Hotel near the Summer Palace
Food: Day 5 lunch "Tingli Pavilion" imperial cuisine


6-day tour: Church + Great Wall

  • Day 1-5 is the same as the 5-day tour
  • Day 6: Badaling Great Wall (Metro Line 2 to S2 Line, about 2 hours)

Cultural panorama from religious architecture to military defense

Accommodation: Commune at the Foot of the Great Wall
Food: Day 6 lunch at the Great Wall Restaurant, farm-style cuisine


7-Day Tour: Beijing Panoramic Tour

  • Day 1-6 is the same as the 6-day tour
  • Day 7: Temple of Heaven (Metro Line 2 to Line 5, about 40 minutes)

A complete experience from Western churches to Eastern altars

Accommodation: Qianmen Street Boutique Hotel
Food: Day 7 lunch "Hongyuan Nanmen Shabu-shabu" copper pot


User Reviews

By Chu Yunfei QQ |

Xishiku Church is located near Xi'an Gate in Xicheng District, Beijing. The church architecture is very distinctive. The main part is Gothic, but there is a pavilion on each side of the church. It is a double-eaved hip roof structure with yellow glazed tiles. Inside each pavilion is a stele written by Emperor Qianlong. Inside the pavilion are four Chinese stone lions. From the perspective of architectural art and visual effects, the exquisiteness of this building should be ranked among the best in Beijing.

By China-TravelNote users |

Very good place to worship, also the home of the Holy Spirit

By Choir |

There aren't many people in the place, but I don't know if it's good to take pictures.

By Runhan Travels Around the World 77 |

As a theist who does not believe in any religion, I wanted to visit it, but I caught up with Taizé to pray. May God be with us.

By Runhan Travels Around the World 77 |

As a theist who does not believe in any religion, I originally wanted to visit and then participate in the Taizé prayer. May God be with us 🙏🏻

By The falling little crab |

This place is nice and worth a visit. 👍👍👍

By Serenity leads to success |

This church is quite interesting. There are two yellow-roofed glazed tile pavilions on both sides of the Gothic building. It can be said to be a combination of Chinese and Western styles, which is really eye-opening.

By jkmeil |

A well-known Catholic church in Beijing, the stained glass inside is very beautiful.

By Lin Zhushao |

There are two Chinese-style pavilions next to the church. They are very beautiful and many people take photos.

By A strong cat |

It doesn't have any special features, it's just a church, very ordinary, but famous. It can't be said to be luxurious or magnificent.

By Liu Zhudian |

I went there on Christmas Eve, and the atmosphere was full of Christmas. Many young people were coming in and out. Someone was giving a lecture in the church, and the audience gathered in the front, while most of the people in the back were visitors. But the whole atmosphere was solemn and dignified. The most peculiar thing is that there are two Chinese-style pavilions on both sides of the church.

By Martha |

The church building is very distinctive, with exquisite interior decoration. Visitors come in groups of two or three, making it a good place for quiet appreciation.



All the doors of the church are closed, and there is no indication of which one to enter. There is a small door on the left side facing the church for entry and exit.

By Da Zeng |

The renovated Xishiku Church has been opened to the public. This magnificent church attracts many people's footsteps and attention.

By wangxyv |

We arrived in the afternoon when the sun was about to set. The church was half illuminated by light and shadow. The majestic Gothic church, the Chinese pavilions on both sides, the traditional Chinese platform, white marble railings, and four stone lions formed a beautiful picture. It is undoubtedly the largest, oldest and most splendid church in Beijing.

By MFWR |

Such a beautiful church, I had been attracted by it for a long time. When I went there, unfortunately, I was not allowed to enter and was asked to go again at 2 pm. I missed it so perfectly💔💔💔

By Man |

After restoration and renovation, the ancient charm has been given new life, religious activities continue as usual and it is very popular. It is difficult to find a scene without people in the camera, so I had to raise my hand and shoot from above.

By Stockholm Bear |

Very beautiful. Since I haven't been to many churches, this is a relatively large church and it is free to visit.

By ykf1973 |

I came here to attend my nephew's wedding and visited it. It's very unique.

By Stewed ginseng to make a fortune |

It has never been opened and has been under repair. It has not been repaired for almost two years.

By Martian User |

haoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

By Gong Xiaochu |

Xishiku Church, originally named the Church of the Savior, is commonly known as the North Church. It opened in 1703 and has long served as the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing. It has been under renovation since last year and is finally open this year. Xiaochu was happy to visit it before returning to Wuhan. As soon as you enter from the inconspicuous little door, a straight avenue leads the church into your sight. The church can be brought closer instantly with a medium-to-long focal length, which is magnificent. The appearance of the church is still very distinctive, and it can be said to be a combination of Chinese and Western. There are actually two Chinese pavilions on both sides of the Western-style church, and the contrast between Chinese and Western art is very strong. It was quite shocking to walk into the church. Such a church is very beautiful in China, and such a clean top is also very distinctive and relatively rare.

By Lubao's Summer |

Built in the early Qing Dynasty, it combines Chinese and Western styles and has a long history. It not only has the appearance of Gothic architecture, which is solemn and beautiful, but also has a rich and long history. It is worthy of being the oldest and most splendid Catholic church in Beijing.



When I arrived, there was a mass in the church, so I couldn't listen to the volunteers' explanations, let alone take a closer look inside.



But the best experience today was: I encountered a particularly good mass. When it rained, I stood at the side door, listening to the sound of rain outside the church, watching the rain water moistening the roses in the flower beds, listening to the sweet voices of the choir in the church, and the beautiful prayers of the believers...



It is impossible to take pictures inside the church. The building outside is so long and deep that I couldn’t take a picture of it. The real building is very majestic and beautiful.



If I have the chance, I would like to go back during a time different from the mass to take a closer look at the spires, vaults and rose windows.

By Miss Raindrop |

Under renovation... I haven't seen it so blue before...

By Travel without boundaries |

There is a church complex, so it can be considered a church review, very good 😊

By -Phenolphthalein Red- |

It is very spectacular and beautiful, with a great visual impact. It is worthy of being one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing. It is worth a visit!

By Mi Rabbit 🐰 |

The North Church and Xishiku Catholic Church, two of the four major Catholic churches in Beijing, were under renovation when I visited them.

Friends who go to Beitang should pay attention to whether it is under renovation.

By Bai Xubo |

A church with great historical significance, whether it is the earliest origin with Emperor Kangxi or the story of the Boxer Rebellion. I especially like the two paintings in it that use the shapes of queens and princes from China and Korea (not sure if it is Korean or Chinese Ming Dynasty style) to reflect the Virgin Mary and Child.

By Fruits and vegetables |

It has been under renovation for more than a year and is not open yet. I don't recommend going there.

By Misty Ranger |

Xishiku Church, also known as Beitang, is located at No. 33 Xishiku Street. It was built in the early Qing Dynasty and was called "Savior Church". Beitang is a typical Gothic building. Its four tall spires, three pointed arch entrances and the round rose window in the middle of the main span create a dignified and beautiful facade, which looks even whiter and taller surrounded by green pines and cypresses. The lobby is in the shape of a cross, with a construction area of ​​about 2,200 square meters, a height of 16.5 meters, and a bell tower spire of about 31 meters. There is a Chinese-style pavilion with a yellow glazed tile roof on each side of the hall. Inside the pavilion is a stone tablet inscribed by Emperor Qianlong himself. One west and one middle, one high and one low, cleverly matched, it is amazing. The statues of saints on both sides of the main entrance are unique among all churches in Beijing. In 1985, the church was renovated and became more dazzling, becoming the most gorgeous church in Beijing. The church closes at 17:00 in the afternoon, so friends who want to visit should go early.

By Sleeping by the window listening to the rain 🎭 |

I went there late and only saw the exterior. I can't give any valuable comments.

By Caveman48 |

The church is very big and beautiful. Opposite is SOGO, and to the north is Xidan Commercial Street. You can take a look while shopping.

By Ozawa Circle |

The North Church is one of the four major Catholic churches in Beijing. Due to construction, I only saw the facade of the church from a distance. The church is smaller than I expected, but if you look closely, you can still see the typical Gothic pointed arches and rose windows. I hope I can go inside and appreciate it carefully next time. By the way, there is a store that seems to be a cafe at the intersection. It has a beautiful Baroque facade. I stared at it for a long time when I rode by.

By Old saying |

Xishiku Church, located in Xicheng District, Beijing, is a Catholic church.

By scorpion |

Xishiku Church is a church that combines Chinese and Western styles. The main body of the church is a Gothic building, and there are two Beijing-style pavilions in front of the church.

By Ingot |

I really love this place~

If conditions permit, I want to go every week~

By Angelica Bo |

Christmas has just passed, the decorations have not been taken down yet, there are children doing activities inside, the building is also very special

By rubbishbear |

Stone buildings feel solid and should last for many more years.

By lilei_catcher |

A quiet place hidden in the bustling city. Religion is a force, and so is architecture.

By 🌸。Eva 。💕🐳 |

There is no travel diary to write about my trip, hahaha. With a full heart of ❤️, I took a taxi, turned left and right until I almost fainted, and then I saw these big words written on it: "Maintenance period, no visitors". At this time, there were ten thousand horses in my heart. So friends who want to go recently must call to ask whether it is open before going.

By Purple swallow |

I just want to remind everyone that the place is under renovation and you can’t get in. Travelers can re-plan their trip.

By Strolling in the sun |

Xishiku Church is located at No. 33 West of the South Entrance of Xishiku Street. It is the largest church in Beijing and is also known as the North Church.

In 1888, Xishiku Church was built and became the main church of the Catholic Church in North China. In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, more than 10,000 Boxers surrounded and attacked the North Church, causing serious damage to the church. In the subsequent restoration, the church was raised by one floor and became what it is today. [If you eat noodles without vinegar, you will be bombarded in Xishiku; if you eat noodles without sauce, you will be bombarded in Jiaominxiang].

The North Church is a typical Gothic building, with mosaics and stained glass paintings inside and tall windows, which look brilliant and mysterious. The pointed arches with brisk lines, the small steeples with graceful shapes, the light and transparent flying buttresses, and the slender high columns or clusters of columns create a mysterious illusion of rising upwards and making people yearn for it. There are three pointed arch entrances on the south facade of the North Church. When you enter the church, huge columns support the golden vault high. There are 80 stained glass windows around. When the sun shines in, you will see a colorful and sparkling wonder. There is an oil painting of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms in the church, but the Virgin Mary and Jesus are wearing the clothes of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. If you don't look closely, you might think that the painting is of the Chinese Empress Dowager and the little emperor. This also shows the integration of the church with Chinese culture after it was introduced to China.

In addition, the five-color painted glass was produced in Paris and shipped to Beijing. There are statues of saints on the building.

By East |

Places with historical stories are worth visiting.

By Mount Kailash |

The largest Catholic church in Beijing, also the former cathedral, is a Gothic building that is well preserved.

By ALONG |

It's a relatively small attraction, but it's really beautiful.

By Bleeding Rose |

Xishiku Church, whose original name is the Church of the Savior, commonly known as Beitang, is located at No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. It is a Catholic church that opened in 1703. It once served as the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing for a long time. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing.



Xishiku Church was listed as a key cultural relic protection site in Beijing in 1984; in June 2006, it was listed as the sixth batch of key cultural relic protection sites in the country.

By Howl's Moving Castle |

Located at No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, it is a Catholic church. It was once the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing and is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing. You can take pictures at the entrance. There are not many people at ordinary times, but it is very lively during Christmas.

By Uaena Akatsuki |

The church under the blue sky and white clouds is so beautiful and peaceful... When the church bells echo for a long time in the blue sky and sunshine, I feel that believing in the existence of God is really a happy thing~

By China-TravelNote users |

It is very beautiful and can be said to be the most beautiful Catholic church in Beijing.

By Opening 1 Club |

It is called "North Church" among local believers. Compared with the "South Church" in Xuanwu District (now called Xicheng District), it is considered to be a relatively important and active Catholic church in Beijing.

The church is hidden in an alley, next to which is the dental hospital. If you are bored after seeing a dentist, you can come and take a walk.

The church is a Gothic building, not very large in size, and cannot be compared with famous churches abroad; there are two Chinese-style pavilions at the gate, and in the pavilions are the "Turtle Carrying the Stone Stele".

The courtyard is not very wide but very long, and there are often catechism classes recruiting students inside. When the church door is not open, go to the left and there is a side door to enter the church.

The church has a high dome, stained glass, pictures of biblical stories, and statues in small nests, just like a normal church.

There are always parishioners stationed in the church, mostly elderly people, who welcome you with a smile. At set times, there are also parishioners responsible for explaining the historical stories of Christ, which takes about an hour, and they are really good.

I was killing time in the church reading the Bible on the shelf. A church member saw how seriously I was reading and gave me a New Testament, saying that it would be easier to read first than the Old Testament.

There are often masses on weekends, and religious performances on holidays such as New Year and Christmas, with many children performing. The lighting and stage design are all available, so you can go and see them if you can.

There is no need for students who want to travel to go there specifically, as it is too local; if you walk from Beihai South Gate to Xisi, you can turn in and take a look; it's free anyway. Before you turn in, don't forget that there is a chestnut shop called Meilixiang at the entrance of the alley; you can try some, although it is very expensive and the quality is not as good as before.

By Small zinc |

Xishiku Church is the most splendid church in Beijing Diocese. The majestic Xishiku Church adopts pointed arches to make the building rise straight up, and its lobby is in the shape of a cross, which is a typical Gothic architectural style.

By Lovepeace |

This is my first time here. The combination of Chinese and Western styles is very interesting.

By My Little World |

Xishiku Church has a beautiful appearance, magnificent and solemn architecture, and you can feel the solemnity after entering the church. The scenery is good and it is a very quiet place. Originally named the Church of the Savior, commonly known as the North Church, it is located at No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. It is a Catholic church that opened in 1703. It has long been the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing and is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing.

Address: No. 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District

By Walking through Xiangshan |

The church is open to visitors.

By angel |

It's very ordinary. Maybe it's quite important to the Catholics in Beijing.

By z6.6 |

When I went there, I happened to catch a young couple's wedding. It was the first time I saw a wedding held in a church. It was very grand!

By Green |

There is mass from 6 to 7 pm on Sunday. The church is beautiful.

By fish |

The location is not easy to find, but it is a very distinctive Catholic church, which is also well preserved.

By Forever CD |

A Catholic church with a long history. Don't go wrong. This church has been there since I can remember. As for how long it has been, I am already 35 years old. It is not particularly large, but it is medium-sized among the ones I have seen. After all, foreign denominations in our country cannot be like those in Europe. There are morning classes every day and you can listen to the choir. There are also activities during festivals. It is good to be influenced by it.

By Ling Shuang |

The church is located in a remote area and can be reached by walking from Shichahai, but the architecture of the church is beautiful and worth a visit.

By Jasmine |

A famous church with a long history in Beijing. A friend held a wedding here. It was very touching.

By Tting |

Free visit, bought veil and bouquet props to take beautiful photos, I like the architectural style

By ☆1 1=2√☆ |

Xishiku Church is located on the north side of Fuyou Street. The whole church is magnificent. Last year, Germany sent a piano, which was placed in the center of the church. It is very expensive and magnificent.

By Qiqiqi |

It has a combination of Chinese and Western styles, with pavilions and Gothic spires.

By Mouse walking the dog |

Remember to check the time. It closes at noon. We were turned away and could only peek in from the door. But it is really beautiful and worth going. Walk from Shenwu Gate to the back door of Zhongnanhai and then turn right into a small alley on the street.

By Water Sky |

Xishiku Church, also known as Beitang, is located at No. 33 Xishiku Street, Beijing. It is not a major traffic route and is relatively quiet. There are two Chinese-style pavilions outside the church, which are very distinctive. The church has four Gothic spires and huge stained glass windows. Walking into the church, it feels the same as the Hongjialou Church in Jinan. The huge pillars support the tall dome, and the sunlight penetrates through the stained glass windows, giving people a mysterious and tranquil feeling.

By Follow Yixing |

Xishiku Church is located at the east corner of Xuanwumen intersection. The church building is quite beautiful.

By Green papaya |

Xishiku Church, commonly known as Beitang, is located on Xishiku Street in Xicheng District, Beijing. It is a Catholic church with hundreds of years of history. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in Beijing. You can go and have a look. I recommend it.

By qingniaobaby |

Today, the Xishiku Church is peaceful, quiet and tranquil.

By Mole |

This is an unfulfilled wish in Beijing to find a hermit. I got off the train at Xi'an Gate and it was completely dark when I arrived here. This church is at the corner of the alley. The big iron gate was closed, leaving only an observation window open. Looking inside through the small window, the dark church showed an outline. The lights were not on, and the spire pointing to the sky in the night looked a little weird. The vines were all over the earl's tomb, and the witch in the castle was singing a spell. The night was too dark, and the Chinese pavilion next to it was completely invisible. It was a pity that I didn't see this wonderful design of a mix of Chinese and Western styles.

Speaking of the church architecture, the form is a little different from that of ordinary Catholic churches. The spires on both sides of the branch each have two small spires, which are taller than the central spires. This design is not as impressive as the Hongjialou Church, the No. 1 church in Jiangbei. Besides, it is not very tall and is located deep in the building complex. I am afraid that not many people know about it, let alone visit it. After staying for a while, I saw a Jaguar parked. The driver rolled down the window to take a photo. I guess he was also here to visit.

By Miss_Picasso |

I have been to Beijing many times. When I went there in autumn, my biggest wish was to see the ginkgo trees, and another was to go to the Xishiku Church.

It was quite surprising that such a church was hidden in a narrow path.

Especially on Christmas Eve, there is a choir in Xishiku Church.

By DONG |

It's still a place with historical charm, worth a visit

By Harley Quinn |

My colleague chose this place for his wedding. The church is not big and not particularly gorgeous. But as far as the wedding is concerned, the priest will not only follow the agreed process, but also give a sermon. A Catholic church with a more Chinese style

By Good boy mo |

Go early on weekends because you might run into a wedding. Also, when I went there, it was during a wedding and a mass. The atmosphere of the mass was very solemn. I was very touched to see an old lady in a wheelchair get out of the wheelchair and kneel down at the end of the mass with the help of her family.

By Tong Cheng |

Very beautiful! Few people! It's quite secluded and will be closed at noon

By Fifty Sleeping Gods |

It once saved the emperor and has a special status in Beijing's history. It is also the largest Catholic church in Beijing, right next to the Imperial City. It is not stunningly beautiful, but it is worth a visit.