A must-see in Christchurch! Hong Kong girl shocked by card church: The faith house made of paper contains exclusive dolls.

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To be honest, before I went to Christchurch, I was really shocked to hear the name "Church of Cards" - a church made of paper? Wouldn't it collapse with a blow? As a result, I walked to the door and found that this "temporary cathedral" is not the "card pile" as imagined, but a "spiritual haven" full of city warmth.

Card church is not "paper made"? Behind it lies the hurt and light of Christchurch

To talk about this church, we have to mention the “pain” of Christchurch – the 2011 earthquake that shook the city center “Christchurch Cathedral” (formerly stone cathedral) to severe damage and is still in a state of tatters and restoration. At that time, the city was hurt and panicked, in order to give everyone a place to pray and meet, the architect used paper pipes, wood and steel frame, took just 5 months to build this temporary church, because it looks like stacked cards, we call it "Cardboard Cathedral" (Cardboard Cathedral).

I felt shocked when I entered! The roof is held up by dozens of ultra-thick paper tubes, sunlight streaming through stained glass (many of which were restored by remnants of the original cathedral!), and the whole house is warm and not at all like “temporary construction”. The priest said that this is not only a place for prayers, but also weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. Many people have cried and laughed there. Although the paper tube is soft, it supports the "rebuilding confidence" of the whole city - after listening to this story, I suddenly feel that this church is more powerful than many stone buildings!

Card Church Characteristics: Simple yet poignant details

Although it is a temporary church, the details are full of thought:

• The “peace bell” at the entrance: cast from metal remnants of the original cathedral, when the bell rings, the surroundings are so quiet that you can hear your own heartbeat, and many will stand and listen quietly for a few minutes;

• The “cross light and shadow” of the roof: When the sun is strongest at noon, the sunlight passes through the seams of the roof and casts a cross light and shadow on the ground. Many people deliberately choose this time to check in, saying that they “feel surrounded by warmth”;

• “Wish cards” on the wall: Many tourists and locals will write their wishes for the city and stick them on the wall, with English, Chinese, Māori, densely packed words, and see with tears in your eyes – it turns out that everyone’s heart is the strongest “brick”!

OMG! No one told me that the dolls here are so good to buy! It's really heartbreaking not to buy it

Tips for Hong Kong girls are here! I just wanted to go in and visit, but when I saw a small shop in the corner, I couldn't leave! The dolls sold inside are all card church exclusives - there are mini paper tube church models (super fine workmanship, even stained glass!), a lamb doll in a priest's robe, a plush doll with a church pattern, everyone is round and cute, and only available here, you can't even find it outside Christchurch!

I hesitated, thinking "buy later", but after visiting out, the shop actually temporarily closed (it turns out the staff to go to the week!), in the end did not buy a little sheep doll, back to Hong Kong every day to see the photos are rubbing their hearts! If you go, don't make this mistake of mine, buy it when you see it like it, don't wait!

Hong Kong girls visit + transportation guide

• Address: 234 Hereford St, Christchurch Central City (very close to the arts center, 10 minutes walk)

• Access: Take buses 28, 135 to “Hereford St & Madras St” stop, get off and walk for 3 minutes;

• Visiting tips:

1. Free admission to the church, but it is recommended to donate $2-5 to support maintenance, staff will give a small card as a souvenir;

2. There is a Sunday morning service, do not enter to disturb, the best time to visit is Monday to Saturday 10:00-16:00;

3. The shop has the same opening hours as the church.

To be honest, this card church is not a "beautiful sight to take pictures", but a place that makes people "soften their hearts" - seeing the faith supported by paper tubes, seeing the persistence of the whole city, and the little surprises of exclusive dolls make me think: the cuteness of Christchurch is not the beautiful scenery, but this warmth born from the pain. Next time you go, remember to go in with a respectful heart, and buy the doll quickly, don't throw your heart out like me!