The Xujiahui Catholic Church in Shanghai, witnessing the historical vicissitudes of modern China
The Xujiahui Catholic Church, this old building full of historical charm, is located in the bustling Xujiahui District of Shanghai. As the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Shanghai, its existence not only represents the power of faith, but also carries the vicissitudes of modern history in Shanghai and even China. What you may not know is that there is a distinction between the old and new churches. The old church, built in 1851, was established by Father Nangerlu after obtaining a piece of land from the descendants of Xu in Xujiahui. This church is named after Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, hence the name "St. Ignatius Church", which is what we call the "old church". The existing cathedral, or new church, officially started construction in 1906. The new church is a typical French Gothic double spire building, five stories high, with a brick and wood structure. Its construction is full of creativity and imagination, as if it brings the romantic style of France into the bustling city of Shanghai. At one time, this church was known as the largest church in the Far East, which shows its status and influence at the time. The Xujiahui Catholic Church has witnessed the changes in China's modern history. From the missionary activities in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, to the church reconstruction after the Opium War, and then to the prosperous development after the reform and opening up, it has always stood at the center of faith, providing spiritual sustenance for people. Today, this church has become a national key cultural relics protection unit, and is also one of the first batch of China's 20th century architectural heritage. Its historical value and artistic value have been widely recognized by the world. Standing in front of the new church, can you feel the historical atmosphere from 1906? Those past years seem to have been baptized under the spire of this church. Whether it is the old church or the new church, they both carry the faith and history of the Xujiahui area, and have become a cultural card of Shanghai and even China.
Xujiahui Catholic Church, the first cathedral in the Far East, is also the biggest highlight of Xuhuiyuan Scenic Area at present, which is really shocking! The large lawn outside is particularly beautiful against the blue sky and white clouds, and the pink purple of the pink grass is more girlish. The church's twin towers and several facades are very artistic, especially the sculptures on the front and dozens of lions on both sides are extremely delicate. The interior of the church, after several years of renovation, has been restored to a very elegant atmosphere, and the sky blue strips hanging on the two rows of columns are divided into colorful colors. There are multiple prayer rooms in the corridors on both sides, and the oil paintings and sculptures inside are boutiques. When I came last time, the appointment was full and I didn't have time to enter. Now I don't need to make an appointment. I visit for free. I also encountered a good weather. I was really happy!
Xujiahui Catholic Cathedral is now open for free, but everyone pay attention to the following points, otherwise you may not get in and run for nothing! [Time] Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00-16:00 (stopped at 15:30) . The first Friday morning of each month is closed, and the [Transportation] Metro Line 1, 9, 11 is off at Xujiahui Station. Exit 3 is coming out recently [Focus attention] Heads are not wearing hats, shoulders are not exposed, shoes are not exposed, Don't show your knees, so remember not to wear shorts, vests, sling skirts, short skirts, slippers. I saw several people at the door who were turned away. It is not merciless and a kind of respect. [Pay attention in the church] You can take pictures but mute, don't turn on the flash, speak quietly, In addition, the board in front of the seat is used for kneeling, do not rest your feet
Xujiahui Catholic Church European-style architecture has a long history is a neoclassical French Gothic revival building. According to the information, it was built on the ground in 1904 and the lobby was completed in September 1910. Previously, it was only open to the Quakers. For the use of the Quakers. Recently, it has also opened to the public for free. The visit time is Tuesday only from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturdays (stops at 15:30 each visit day). But the first Friday morning of each month is closed. Sunday is closed. National holidays are arranged separately. Religious Days are also closed.
Xujiahui Catholic Church is a famous Catholic Church in China. It is located at No. 158 West Xujiahui Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China. It is the Catholic Church of Shanghai Diocese. The official name is "St. Ignatius Church". When you walk into the church, you can see how it is the same as the German cathedral. The architectural style is the neoclassical period of the French Gothic revival.
Revisit the old place - Walk around Shanghai Xujiahui at dusk
Xujiahui Catholic Church can finally be visited for free. Unfortunately, there is still a small part of the door under maintenance, can not be completely photographed, but it is still beautiful. It is officially called "St. Ignatius Cathedral", and the architectural style is the neoclassical French Gothic revival. It can accommodate more than 3,000 churches, known as the "Vatican" in Shanghai, and has been hailed as the "first cathedral in the Far East".