Introduction

Construction commenced in August 1913 and was completed in June 1916 by the French Jesuit missionaries using shipped bricks all the way from France creating a church that stood as the main cathedral in the diocese of Tianjin. It is located in Heping District at the southern end of of Binjiang Avenue covering an area of approximately 1891 square meters with a capacity of up to 1500 people.

The Red Guards attacked the area in 1966 and different historical events and even an earthquake have brought down the church down numerous times but it was rebuilt in the 1980s and it remains the most popular tourist destination up to date.

Major attractions and activities to do on a visit

A visit to the cathedral gives you a chance to attend a choice of bilingual masses and witnessing a unique façade constructed in the shape of a cross that is 60 meters long and 30 meters wide surrounded by flowers and candles in the midst of alternating bands of red and white bricks.

A longtime place of interest for Chinese who are curious to learn about Western religion, Xikai’s local visitors by far outnumber its foreign ones. On the inside there is an amazing collection in the form of art of bible stories displayed on the walls in the midst of paintings depicting the suffering of the Lord creating a rather solemn and serene scene. In addition to this there are very colourful statues Angels, Jesus and Mary.