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Visit Christ Church to appreciate its beautiful architecture, attend a service if available, and explore the surrounding area for local culture and natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for reflection and photography.
Nujiang Laomudeng Christian Church, nestled along the Nujiang Gorge, boasts a simple, unadorned facade of dark brick walls, red-painted wooden windows, and a tin roof. From the outside, the church isn't particularly impressive, lacking the usual stained glass windows, domes, or iconic Gothic spires. Instead, it features benches and red-painted wooden windows, a testament to the purity and devotion of its people.
Every Sunday (and Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.), Christians from the surrounding villages gather here for worship, devoutly chanting hymns. Although the canyon is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Nu, Lisu, Bai, Han, and Tibetan, the vast majority share a common faith in Christianity. For these simple people, whose scents of sun and earth are mingled with the earth, God dwells in their hearts, and they sing these songs with reverence and tranquility, as naturally and peacefully as they breathe. The villagers sing hymns in the Lisu language, a language whose written language originated from a translation of the Bible and is also shared by the Nu.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
free
All day
Christ Church in Laomuden is an important historical and religious site in Yunnan. Built by missionaries in the late 19th century, it serves as a symbol of the region's historical connection to Christianity and the spread of Western influences in China during that period.
Christ Church is located in Laomuden, a village in Yunnan Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Dali city, which is around 1 hour away. Walking from the village center is an option, as it is located within a short distance from local attractions.
The church is open year-round, with regular services held on Sundays. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon for peaceful visits and photography, avoiding the midday crowds.
There is no entrance fee to visit Christ Church. Donations are welcome, and they can be made directly at the church. No tickets are required for regular visits.
No advance booking is needed to visit Christ Church. However, if you plan to attend a special event or service, it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
A visit to Christ Church typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you wish to attend a service or explore the surroundings, you may want to allow 1-2 hours.
The most notable highlight is the church's architecture, which blends Western Christian and Chinese elements. The stained-glass windows and the wooden pews are also impressive. The surrounding area provides a peaceful setting for reflection.
Guided tours are not generally available, but local volunteers may offer informal guidance in Chinese. English-speaking guides can be arranged by prior request, especially for group visits.
The best photography spots are inside the church, particularly during sunlight when the stained-glass windows create colorful effects. The surrounding village and natural landscape offer beautiful views as well.
Start by entering the church and admiring the interior, particularly the stained-glass windows and the altar area. Then, take a stroll around the church grounds to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and surrounding scenery.
There are no light shows or special tours at night. However, the church has a tranquil atmosphere, which might be particularly appealing in the evening or during the evening service.
Christ Church is typically not crowded, especially on weekdays. The least crowded times are early mornings or late afternoons, avoiding the Sunday services and peak tourist hours.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available nearby. There are no food or water vendors at the church, so it’s recommended to bring your own if needed. Rest areas are available around the church grounds.
The church is accessible to most visitors, but due to its traditional architecture, the interior may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users. Elderly and children can easily visit the church and its surroundings.
Cash is recommended for donations. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay may also be accepted. Credit cards are not typically accepted at the church.
There are small local eateries and tea shops around Laomuden Village. For a wider selection, head to Dali city, where you can find a variety of restaurants offering both local and international cuisines.
Local restaurants typically offer vegetarian options, especially in Yunnan cuisine. Vegan and halal food may be found in Dali city, but options in the village itself are limited.
There are small guesthouses and boutique hotels in Laomuden Village. For more luxury or larger options, you can stay in Dali, which is around 1 hour away by taxi or bus.
Nearby attractions include the Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas in Dali, and the Cangshan Mountain. These can be easily visited in a day trip from Christ Church in Laomuden.
Local souvenir shops sell traditional Yunnanese handicrafts such as woven textiles, ethnic jewelry, and tea. Some shops near the church also offer religious and spiritual souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by taking a taxi or bus back to Dali city. From there, you can access more transportation options to nearby towns or continue your journey to other destinations in Yunnan.
