Moxi Catholic Church

磨西天主教堂

Moxi Catholic Church, a landmark European-style building, was once home to Mao Zedong during his Long March, and has become a unique landmark in Moxi Town. Against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, towering snow-capped mountains blend with the beautiful countryside, rich ethnic customs, quaint streets, French-style church architecture, Tibetan-style guesthouses, and Sichuan-style wooden dwellings, forming the landscape of Moxi Town.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Moxi Town, Luding County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China (四川省甘孜藏族自治州泸定县磨西镇)

  • History: Moxi Catholic Church was established in the early 20th century by French Catholic missionaries. It served as a religious center for the local Tibetan and Han Chinese population. The church has survived multiple natural disasters and political changes, symbolizing the resilience of local Catholic communities.
  • Architecture: The church combines European Gothic architectural elements with local Chinese building techniques. Features include a pointed arch entrance, stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, a bell tower, and red brick walls. The interior is modest but retains original wooden pews and religious artifacts.
  • Cultural Value: The church is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Moxi, reflecting the integration of Western religion with Tibetan and Han Chinese cultures. It is a popular site for religious visitors, photographers, and history enthusiasts.
  • Other Information: The church is located near the Dadu River and surrounded by picturesque mountains, making it a scenic stop for travelers along the historic Luding-Moxi route.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM

  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Best Photo Spots:
    - Front facade and bell tower
    - Stained-glass windows from inside
    - Surrounding mountain backdrop
    - Dadu River view from church terrace
  • Time Reference: Best visited in morning or late afternoon for soft lighting; spring and autumn offer the most scenic natural surroundings.
  • Other Info: Modest dress is recommended due to religious site status. Photography inside is allowed but avoid disturbing worshippers.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    - Moxi Hotel (磨西宾馆) – Comfortable rooms, mountain views, 10-minute walk to church
  • Mid-range:
    - Dadu River Lodge (大渡河旅馆) – Cozy stay, riverside location
    - Moxi Inn (磨西客栈) – Traditional Sichuan-style rooms, central location
  • Budget & Boutique:
    - Bamboo Homestay (竹林民宿) – Affordable, homely, close to main street
    - Little Tibet Guesthouse (小西藏客栈) – Rustic charm, great for backpackers

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    - Tibetan Barley Beer (青稞酒)
    - Yak Meat Stew (牦牛肉炖菜)
    - Local Momos (藏式饺子)
    - Sichuan-style Noodles (四川面)
  • Famous Spots:
    - Moxi Riverside Restaurant (磨西河边餐厅) – Known for yak meat dishes
    - Dadu Café (大渡咖啡) – Light meals, coffee, scenic river view
    - Family Kitchen (家庭小厨) – Homemade Sichuan cuisine

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • - Tibetan handicrafts (唐卡, prayer beads)
  • - Local tea (藏茶)
  • - Barley wine or local liquor (青稞酒)
  • - Small religious artifacts or replicas (crosses, rosaries)

Transportation

  • - From Chengdu: Take a bus or drive via G318 highway (~6–7 hours)
  • - From Luding County Seat: Taxi or local bus (~40 minutes)
  • - Walking: Church is walkable from central Moxi Town (~10–15 minutes)
  • - Bicycle or electric scooter rentals are common in Moxi

Nearby Attractions

  • - Dadu River Bridge (大渡河桥) – 1.5 km, walkable or bike, scenic river crossing
  • - Luding Bridge Historical Site (泸定桥) – 10 km, taxi or bus, historic Iron Chain Bridge from Long March
  • - Moxi Old Town (磨西老街) – 0.5 km, walkable, local shops and teahouses
  • - Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟) – 1.8 km, short taxi ride, nature walk

Tips for Visitors

  • Respect religious practices; avoid loud talking inside the church.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Moxi Town and nearby river paths.
  • Check weather before visiting; the area is prone to sudden rain and fog.
  • Cash is more widely accepted than cards in Moxi Town.
  • Bring sunscreen and hats if visiting in summer; the sun can be strong at altitude.
  • Local language: Mandarin is common; a few locals speak Tibetan dialects.

Recommended Itineraries

  • One-Day Route:
    D1: Moxi Catholic Church → Moxi Old Town → Dadu River Bridge
    Transportation: Walk between church and old town (~5 minutes), walk or bike to river (~15 minutes)
  • Two-Day Route:
    D1: Moxi Catholic Church → Moxi Old Town → Dadu River Bridge
    D2: Luding Bridge Historical Site → Shuangqiao Valley
    Transportation: Taxi from Moxi to Luding Bridge (~20 minutes), taxi to Shuangqiao Valley (~15 minutes)
  • Three-Day Route:
    D1: Moxi Catholic Church → Moxi Old Town
    D2: Dadu River Bridge → Shuangqiao Valley
    D3: Luding Bridge Historical Site → Scenic Drive along G318 to nearby villages
    Transportation: Mix of walking, local buses, and taxis between attractions

User Reviews

By pufferfish |

A Secret Tibetan Experience: A Blend of East and West: Moxi Catholic Church is a breathtaking sight on any trip to western Sichuan! Its Gothic spire blends seamlessly with Tibetan wooden buildings, while its red walls and stained glass windows stand out against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. The 1935 Moxi Conference, held here during the Red Army's Long March, is a site where the monument in front of the church speaks volumes about history. Inside, the church retains its century-old altar and stained glass windows, creating a scene of divine light as sunlight filters through. The surrounding ancient streets are lined with shops, and the aroma of yak beef soup permeates the air. Free admission is recommended for pairing with a trip to Hailuogou. This unique cultural landscape, where Tibetan and Han cultures collide, is highly photographable!

By Jin Ge Iron Horse |

Moxi Catholic Church, located in Moxi Town, Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, was built by French missionaries in 1918. Its architectural style blends Eastern and Western influences, symbolizing the glorious history of Western Catholicism in Moxi. In 1935, the Red Army passed through the area during the Long March and convened the "Moxi Conference" in the church's rectory.

By Rest assured, little thief |

The Red Army held the Moshi Conference here during the Long March and decided that the next stage of the goal would be to capture the Luding Bridge. Now a small square and memorial hall have been built here.

By Wenjun |

In fact, you can enter the Catholic Church in Moxi Ancient Town. The main door is not open, but you can enter through the iron door next to it. You can also enter the church through the side door.

By Zhang cN |

It's just an ordinary old town with ordinary shops, nothing special.

By Watchmen |

Located in the ancient town of Moshi, it is a Catholic church that mixes local architectural styles and is very distinctive.

By Fuzzy |

It is a relatively famous local attraction with a relatively large reputation.

By South India |

I went to the gate to have a look at it at night. I am not interested in religion, so it’s just okay.

By Big Hae Walking |

It is said that the plan to capture Luding Bridge was formulated here.

By 93502661 |

It's a beautiful place. There is no ticket. It's a good time to visit the ancient street.

By Ding Qimiao |

One of the ancient buildings in the town, next to it are the remains of the Red Army residence.

By Happy Fish |

Moxi Church is located next to Moxi Old Street. It was the site of the "Moxi Conference" held by the Red Army during the Long March.

By Meimei |

The French-built Catholic church is a unique blend of Chinese and Western styles, but the surrounding scenery is just average.

By Traveling with an Ant |

The church under the snow is very Swiss.

By Photographing the Donkey Wind Flute |

The Catholic Church in Moxi Town is amazing!!

By ^_- Langlang eats one |

It's a very comfortable place. The terrain is not obvious at first glance. It's very comfortable to walk quietly and look at the mountains. The big yard makes you want to slow down and feel it.

By 27Tattoos |

A small church, as a major characteristic building of Moxi, you can still go and see it, but there is nothing to see in itself... Personally, I think

By 💓💗💜💛 |

The exterior is quite old. If it is sunny, it is still good to take pictures. It was quite late at night and it was about to close, so the pictures were just average. It is worth going to understand.

By Xiao Kan |

It's just okay, nothing to see, just look outside

By Orange Chen |

Generally speaking, it just adds more fun in Moxi Town. But middle-aged people should like it.

By countercurrent |

The Catholic Church was closed when I went there. I don't know if it is open during normal times, so I can't make any comments.

By Ni Daye |

I prefer the persimmon tree next to it...

By Stanlie29 |

I went a couple of days before National Day, and the church wasn't open. A few local kids were playing at the entrance, and they told me the church is only open when it snows. So, it's for Christmas?

By Sister Guaner loves egg tarts |

Actually, I didn't go in, I just looked at the iron door at the door because it was closed.

By Mr x |

A base for patriotic education, it contains many weapons, daily necessities and materials used by the Red Army during the Long March!

A base for patriotic education, it contains many weapons, daily necessities and materials used by the Red Army during the Long March!

By Yesterday's World |

After dinner, we strolled around the small town of Moshi, which was once the site of the Red Army’s garrison.

By Sister Nightingale |

I'd read about this long ago and knew it was a memorable place. The Red Army held the famous Moxi Conference here, leaving behind precious historical traces. Interested in modern Chinese history, it's worth taking the time to revisit that period in person. My visit in 2016 was generally pleasant, but the church had been renovated, and it felt less old-fashioned and more commercial.

By adrill |

The church is beautiful, but I didn't see any attendees there when I went there late. Next to it is a memorial hall, which also requires a 5 yuan entrance fee. It just has some old furniture. There's even a hotel inside. However, this is a memorial hall left over from the war, so I still have to pay my respects.

By Winnie Jiang |

A small church, only viewable from the outside, nothing special

By Kobemu |

I didn't go in to see it, just took a look at the outside.

By Tingniu0913 |

It was okay. I didn't really go shopping because it was night.

By GILI |

We visited this church in the evening. It's located in the center of the pedestrian street, easily visible from a stroll. There's no entrance fee, and many shops line the street, selling local specialties and souvenirs. Because it was the Qingming Festival holiday, the area was crowded and a bit noisy. The church is quite small, but of course, a building of this size is quite unusual in this small town. Because the Red Army held a meeting here during the Long March, it's also a popular tourist destination. Anshunchang downstream and Luding Bridge upstream reflect the harsh environment of the time.

If you visit during the day, you can go inside and see the church, stained glass windows, and icons. I only looked at the front door and took a few photos. Next time I go, I'll take the time to see the shield.

By Idlers |

A Catholic church, the door is closed and not open to the public, so you can only look at it from the outside.

By 蘰豘议 |

The church is located in the ancient town of Moxi. It is not a very large church, but it has a strong sense of history. You can visit it at any time. It is a good place.

By Ben |

The small church is quiet and peaceful. How many tourists’ moods has it witnessed?

By Wenhui-Ann |

I went there on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, the church was closed and I couldn't go in to visit. It had been renovated and was very modern.

By Hot Blood |

It is recommended here because the church is built in Moshi Town. The scenic spot is free to visit and is suitable for a stroll after lunch or before dinner. You can feel the patriotic sentiment in your spare time.

By leliawl |

Moxi Town is not big, it is quite unique and worth a visit. It is close to Moxi Ancient Street.

By Toothless |

It's super small, and you need a ticket to enter. Isn't there no ticket for the Red Base?

By 【Wood﹏Wood】 |

The church is very small, and maybe it was late, so the inside of the church was not open, so the view was average.

By September |

The overall feeling is average, I just took some photos at the door.

By Baby elephant rabbit |

The ticket is 10 yuan. I didn't expect there is a church in Moxi. It feels different in the ancient town.

By south |

I like the local red wine very much, but don't buy too much, it will go bad easily

By Light and shadow follow |

The Moses Catholic Church is a Gothic church built by French missionaries in 1892. There are still more than 300 believers who hold services every Saturday.

By Nicole |

We went to Hailuogou and stayed at Mosi. We arrived at Hailuogou at about 13:00. The place where we stayed was 5 minutes away from the entrance of the scenic area. The entry time was before 14:00. Maybe the innkeeper remembered the time wrongly and told me that we could not enter after 12:00. So we wasted an afternoon and just wandered around Mosi. I heard that there was a Catholic church there. Anyway, I was free anyway, so it would be nice to go and wander around and take some photos. However, it was not open, so I could only wander around outside.

By Bangkok Second Miss |

The Red Army was once stationed here. What I admire even more is that the missionaries went so deep into the

By yujieming7 |

A church built by the French is at the end of the old street in Moxi Ancient Town. I heard that you have to pay to enter the church, so I took a photo outside.

By Quiet |

Yes, the church is not big, but it is very unique.

By Su Mo |

Actually, we just passed by there and wandered around Moxi Ancient Town. From the outside, we didn’t want to go in, but the locals said we could go in and take a look. If we can go to Hailuogou again, we must go there.

By LC |

Standing on the Moxi Platform in Moxi Ancient Town, it is a landmark building in European style. It has also experienced the vicissitudes of history and now quietly tells the story of the years.

By Flying Beasts🦄️ |

It feels average, relatively old, you can go shopping~~~

By Snow |

The Moxi Catholic Church, standing on the Moxi Terrace in Moxi Ancient Town, is a landmark building in European style, symbolizing the glorious history of Western Catholicism in Moxi.

By Hey, Bazaar Hey! |

Moshi Catholic Church is definitely a place worth seeing. The Red Army's footsteps are left here. The meeting on the eve of the Red Army's capture of Luding Bridge in 1935 was held in this small church.

By Danish Blueberry |

The places where the Red Army passed by can also be regarded as red scenic spots.

By Longing for Jasmine |

I stopped by to take a look when I went there, but there wasn't much to see. It's in Moshi Town.

By Dreams are more than just dreams |

It is a place of faith and a revolutionary memorial site. If you come here, you should visit it.

By Silent Mountain |

The landmark building of Moshi Ancient Town is located in the center of the town.

By Heavy rain causes flooding |

There are many memorials to the Red Army in it, which are worth seeing.

By Shell Girl |

Entering the church...it turned out to be a red memorial education for the Anti-Japanese War, haha

By michyko |

It's okay. For such a remote place, this church is quite exquisite.

By The rest of my life |

A small white church in the ancient town of Moshi.

By Xiaopang |

The Catholic Church in Moshi Town is located in the town. The place is not particularly large, but the church is very old and the outer walls are very mottled. The believers in the town will hold worship services in it regularly, and there are not many tourists.

By Henry™ |

On the left is the church, and on the right is a museum of the Red Army. There are many items and materials of the Red Army in it, as well as some photos. When I entered the Catholic church, it was under restoration. The light was very dim, and I had to adjust the iOS to see it clearly when I took the photo.

By as close as ever |

Few people know the significance of the Moxi Conference for the Red Army's Long March. I've forgotten it myself. The Moxi Catholic Church is small now, but the courtyard is quite large. The entrance is fenced in and there's an entrance fee. Just admire it from a distance. There's no need to go inside.

By cynthia |

The characteristic buildings in Moses Town have historical value. I went there at night but the door was closed and I didn't go in.

By Majiaping |

He became famous because of a meeting during the Long March, and due to special reasons, it was preserved relatively intact.

By Chin and Lee's journey |

You have to pay an entrance fee to enter through the main gate, but you can sneak in through the back door, but you cannot enter the church.

By Born to travel |

It feels very unique, and I was surprised that there was a Catholic church there.

By Chubby |

It's an old church, but it seems to charge a fee.

By CDof Zhang Xiaohuier~ |

It's not far from the entrance of Moxi Ancient Town. The ticket is 10 yuan per person. I didn't think it was interesting so I just took a look from a distance.

By The highest good is like water |

I was really looking forward to this place, but when I got there I saw that the church was very small and there was a fee to enter, so we just looked at it from a distance.

By ♩Light & Splendor♫ |

I didn’t get in. Damn, I still need a ticket.

By dream Catcher |

It was a bit late and the restaurant was closed, so we could only look at it from outside.

By Two Max |

I'm speechless that I have to buy tickets for a place like this.

By alliance |


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