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Visit the Wuhu Catholic Church to admire its beautiful neo-gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Attend a mass or simply explore the serene surroundings. Take time to photograph the intricate stained glass windows and the church’s stunning interior.
Wuhu Catholic Church ( Wuhu St. Joseph's Cathedral ), located at 28 Jihe Street , Xinwu District, Wuhu City , stands on a hillside facing the Yangtze River. It has stood there for over a century. During this period, Western culture was introduced to Wuhu, and various functional buildings were constructed in the area.
The Wuhu Catholic Church is in the shape of a Latin " cross " and has a Romanesque architectural style. The two bell towers on the left and right of the front are about 18 meters high. Between the bell towers is the top of the church, on which stands the statue of Jesus. His upright body and outstretched arms cross into a " cross " about 5 meters high , symbolizing salvation. The whole body is white, symbolizing holiness.
After the Opium War , in 1847 , the Jesuits returned to China and chose Xujiahui as the headquarters of the Catholic Jiangnan Mission. They subsequently built buildings there, including the Bishop's Palace . The Anhui Provincial Bishop's Palace is now located in the Wuhu Catholic Church. The Wuhu Catholic Church, second only to the Xujiahui Catholic Church in Shanghai in East China, commanded the entire Jiangnan Diocese at the time.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
free
Open on weekends
Wuhu Catholic Church, built in the 19th century, is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Anhui Province. It stands as a testament to the early presence of Christianity in the region and continues to serve as a place of worship and community for locals and visitors alike.
The church is located in the center of Wuhu city, Anhui. You can reach it by taxi or bus. It is also accessible by walking if you are staying in the city center, as it is a well-known landmark.
The church is open for visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, when it is less crowded, and the lighting is ideal for photography.
There is no entrance fee to visit Wuhu Catholic Church, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are welcome. There are no online ticketing services, and visitors can simply walk in during visiting hours.
No advance booking is required for visiting the church. Visitors can simply show up during the operating hours.
A visit to the church typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If you plan to attend mass or spend extra time in reflection, you may want to allocate more time.
Must-see highlights include the stunning stained glass windows, the altar, and the high vaulted ceilings of the church. The peaceful ambiance and intricate architectural details make it a unique experience for visitors.
Guided tours are not typically available at the church, but local volunteers or staff may offer informal explanations. The primary language spoken is Mandarin, but English speakers can usually find someone to assist them with basic information.
The best photography spots are inside the church, particularly around the altar, where the light streaming through the stained glass creates beautiful effects. The exterior of the church is also a great spot for photos, with its gothic design against the city backdrop.
Start by exploring the exterior of the church and taking photographs. Then, enter the church and admire the interior architecture, focusing on the altar and stained glass windows. If attending mass, take a seat and enjoy the service.
Night visits are not generally available, and there are no light shows or special tours offered at this location. However, the church is beautifully lit at night, and a visit to the church after dark offers a serene experience.
The church can be relatively peaceful during weekdays, particularly in the morning. It gets more crowded during religious services on Sundays and holidays, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for a quieter experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available near the church. However, there are no food or drink options inside the church. You may find local shops or restaurants nearby in the city center.
The church is accessible for elderly visitors and children, although the interior may have limited facilities for those with mobility challenges. The building is not specifically designed to be wheelchair-friendly, but access to the main areas is possible.
Cash donations are accepted at the church, and mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay or Alipay are often used in nearby stores, but credit cards may not be widely accepted inside the church.
There are several local restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Wuhu Catholic Church. You can enjoy local Anhui cuisine or simple snacks in the nearby area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local restaurants, though halal food is more difficult to find in Wuhu. For a wider selection, consider traveling to a larger city nearby.
There are several hotels near the Wuhu Catholic Church, including budget and mid-range options. For example, the Wuhu International Hotel is a short distance away and offers a comfortable stay.
Nearby attractions include the Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge, Wuhu Fantawild Adventure Theme Park, and the Wuhu Museum. These landmarks are within a short distance and can easily be combined in a day trip.
There are small shops nearby where you can buy local souvenirs such as Anhui handicrafts, tea, and traditional Chinese decorations.
After visiting Wuhu Catholic Church, you can take a taxi or bus to continue your trip. The city center is well-connected, and you can access other attractions via public transport or taxi.
