St. Paul's Cathedral, Nanjing

Introducing St. Paul's Cathedral, Nanjing

St. Paul's Church in Nanjing, located at No. 396 Taiping South Road, Nanjing , was completed in 1923. It is the St. Paul's Church of the Anglican Church of China in Nanjing and the first official Christian chapel in Nanjing, with a history of over 80 years.

St. Paul's Church, designed in the then-popular Western style of retro antiquity, is a small, typical Western European village church. Elegant and refined, its exterior is a relatively authentic Gothic architectural form, while its interior structure utilizes traditional Chinese structures, replacing Gothic pointed arches.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for St. Paul's Cathedral, Nanjing

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

St. Paul's Cathedral in Nanjing is a historical landmark with rich colonial and architectural significance. Built during the early 20th century by the British, it symbolizes the fusion of Western and Chinese architectural styles and has been a center for religious and cultural activities in the region.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The cathedral is located in the city center of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Visitors can reach the cathedral by taking a taxi or bus from the Nanjing Railway Station, or by walking from nearby popular attractions like the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The cathedral is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee to visit St. Paul's Cathedral. However, donations are welcomed. Visitors can simply walk in during the opening hours.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No booking is required for general visits. However, if you plan to attend special services or events, it is advisable to check for any registration requirements ahead of time.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to fully explore the cathedral, including some time for reflection and photography.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The main altar area with its elaborate design and stained glass windows.
• The bell tower offering a great view of the surrounding city.
• The peaceful prayer areas and chapels that are perfect for quiet reflection.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and occasionally in English. Audio guides in both languages can also be rented at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The main entrance and bell tower are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots of the cathedral's Gothic architecture.
• The interior, especially the stained glass windows and the altar, provides beautiful photographic opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by entering through the main doors, visit the altar area, and then explore the side chapels. Finish by walking around the interior to admire the stained glass windows and taking a few photos from the bell tower.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not offered at the cathedral. However, special services and events are sometimes held in the evenings, particularly on religious holidays and Sundays.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The cathedral can get busy during weekends and religious holidays. The least crowded times are early morning and weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The cathedral has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no food or beverage shops inside, but there are cafes and restaurants nearby.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The cathedral is accessible for elderly and children, with paved pathways and ramps for easy movement. However, the bell tower may not be accessible for visitors with limited mobility due to stairs.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted, and credit cards may also be used for donations or nearby purchases. Cash is still accepted for smaller transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are several local eateries offering traditional Nanjing dishes like salted duck and dumplings near the cathedral.
• Cafés around the area offer snacks and drinks, perfect for a break after exploring the cathedral.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, and halal food can be found at establishments catering to Muslim visitors.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Nearby hotels like the InterContinental Nanjing and Nanjing Grand Hotel offer luxury accommodations close to the cathedral.
• There are also budget-friendly options like guesthouses and hostels in the area.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the Nanjing Museum are nearby and can be combined with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral for a full day of sightseeing.
• Also worth visiting are the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops around the cathedral offer religious artifacts, postcards, and small trinkets related to the church's architecture and history.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the cathedral, you can take a taxi or bus to nearby attractions, or use the Nanjing Metro for easy access to other parts of the city.