Beijing is packed with must-see spots, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City. But if you’re looking to dive a little deeper into the city’s history, religious scene, or architecture, the 10 best churches in Beijing are perfect places to explore in 2025. These churches are not just places to attend Mass; they’re also some of the most beautiful, historic spots in the city.
Whether you’re here for a spiritual journey, a photo op, or just curious about Beijing’s Christian history, these top churches should be on your list. Let’s check out the 10 best churches in Beijing you absolutely need to visit!
Catholic Churches
1. Housangyu Catholic Church (Sacred Heart Church)
Housangyu Catholic Church 后桑峪天主教堂（耶稣圣心堂) is the oldest church in the Beijing area. It is located in Housangyu Village, Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, Beijing. Foreign missionaries were already practicing medicine and spreading the gospel here during the Yuan Dynasty. At that time, the mission was just a small house. In 1334, two churches were built. The Yuan emperor Kublai Khan even attended Mass here.
In 1531, during the Ming Dynasty, the church was expanded into a large cathedral, measuring 16.6 meters long and 10 meters wide. In 1895, the church was extended to the east, adding nine bays with a width of 30 meters and a depth of 10 meters, allowing it to hold over 400 people.
The church was damaged by Japanese forces in 1939 and was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. In 1989, it was repaired. In 1993, Father Shi Huiwen led the restoration of Sacred Mountain. In 1997, the church was rebuilt, including a 21-meter-high bell tower. In 1999, the restoration was completed, with a newly added altar.
Address: Housangyu Village, Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, Beijing
北京门头沟区斋堂镇后桑峪村
Mass Services
Currently, the Sunday Mass at Housangyu Catholic Church is held at 6:00 AM, and the weekday Mass is also at 6:00 AM. The church is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How to Get There
To get to Housangyu Village Catholic Church, take bus 892, M22, or M11 to Sangyu Station (桑峪站) and walk from there.
Surrounding Area
Behind the church, you’ll find Sacred Mountain. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Surrounded by lush trees and mountains, it offers a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. Additionally, Housangyu Village itself is a charming historic village. The old houses and street buildings give it a scholarly, traditional feel.
2. Nantang (Xuanwumen Catholic Church )
Nantang, also known as Xuanwumen Catholic Church 南堂（宣武门天主堂), is the oldest Catholic church in city proper of Beijing. It was founded in 1605 during the Ming Dynasty by the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci. Initially, it was a small chapel. Later, in 1650, the German Jesuit missionary Adam Schall expanded the church, turning it into the first large cathedral in Beijing.
The church’s architecture is unique. The main building is brick, facing south. The façade features three grand Baroque-style arches. The design is both luxurious and solemn. Inside, the church has a dome with colorful rose windows on either side, creating a majestic atmosphere. The church’s entrance follows Chinese architectural style, while the building itself showcases the Baroque European design.
Address: 141 Qianmen West Street, Xuanwumen, Beijing 北京市宣武门前门西大街141号
Mass Service
Monday to Saturday: 7:30 AM (Chinese Mass), 7:30 PM (English Mass)
Sunday Mass: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM
How to Get There
Nantang is easy to reach. The closest metro stations are Xuanwumen Station (Line 2, Exit B) or Line 4 (Exit E).
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Nantang is open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. No reservation is needed, and admission is free.
Nearby Facilities and Activities:
Cultural Shop: On the west side of the entrance, you’ll find a cultural shop selling souvenirs and creative products.
Café: There’s a café in the west courtyard. It has affordable prices and a lovely environment, perfect for a rest or photos.
Christmas Activities: During Christmas, Nantang hosts several Mass services between 4:30 PM and 11:00 PM. Some events require tickets.
3. Dongtang (Wangfujing Catholic Church / St. Joseph’s Church)
Dongtang, also known as Wangfujing Catholic Church or St. Joseph’s Church 东堂（王府井天主堂/圣若瑟堂）, is a must-see landmark in Beijing. It was built in 1655 during the Qing Dynasty and originally belonged to the Portuguese Jesuit mission. It’s the second church built by the Jesuits in Beijing, following Nantang, and is one of the four major Catholic churches in the city.
The church covers about 1.18 hectares and has a beautiful Romanesque style. It also blends in some traditional Chinese architectural elements. The building faces west, with a rectangular layout and a façade that rises three stories, and sometimes four in some sections.
The exterior is made of brick and stone, with clean gray brick walls and a bluestone foundation. At the top, three crosses stand tall, while inside, 18 round brick columns support the roof, each with a diameter of 0.65 meters. Along the interior walls, you’ll find several oil paintings depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, highlighting the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
Address: 74 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mass Service
- Monday to Saturday: 7:15 AM and 10:00 AM (Chinese Mass), 6:30 PM (English Mass)
- Sunday Mass: 6:15 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Weekend: Masses and other events. Check on-site for specific times.
How to Get There：Take Metro Line 5 to Dengshikou Station (Exit A) or Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Station (Exit B), then walk to the church.
This church blends history, architecture, and spiritual energy beautifully. If you’re wandering through Beijing, especially in the Wangfujing Street, make sure to stop by this historic gem!
4. Beitang (Xishiku Catholic Church / Church of the Savior)
Beitang or Xishiku Church, originally called the Church of the Savior (西什库教堂，原称救世主堂，又称北堂), is one of Beijing’s oldest and largest churches. Built in 1703 during the Qing Dynasty.
In 1887, the church moved to its current location in Xishiku, and it remained the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing for many years. The church was restored in 1985 and continues to be a prominent religious site today.
The church spans about 2200 square meters and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It features three floors with 11 pointed towers on top. The building itself is shaped like a cross, and at the entrance, you’ll see two traditional Chinese-style pavilions. Inside the pavilions, there are plaques marking the church’s relocation and its historical significance, beautifully blending Chinese and Western architectural elements.
Address: 33 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京市西城区西什库大街33号
Mass Service
- Monday to Saturday: 7:15 AM (Chinese Mass)
- Sunday Mass: 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (Chinese Mass), 11:00 AM (English Mass), 12:30 PM (Italian/Spanish Mass), 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM (Chinese Mass)
How to Get There
- Metro: Take Line 6 to Beihai North Station, or Line 4 to Xisi Station.
- Bus: Take Bus 101, 103, or 109 to Xianmen Station.
Xishiku Church is a beautiful blend of history and architecture. Whether you’re here to attend Mass, enjoy the unique design, or simply appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a spot you shouldn’t miss. The mix of Gothic style and Chinese features makes it a special part of Beijing’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
5. Xitang (Xizhimen Catholic Church)
Xitang, also known as Xizhimen Catholic Church 西堂（西直门天主堂), is one of the four major Catholic churches in Beijing. Built in 1723 during the Qing Dynasty, it was founded by Italian missionary Father De Rigo, who used his personal salary to buy land and build the church. Originally named “Our Lady of Sorrows,” it is the smallest and youngest of the four major churches in Beijing. It’s also the only one not built by the Jesuits, giving it a unique history and background.
Xitang Church is a classic example of Gothic architecture. It features three tall spires, with the main building made of gray bricks.
The church’s layout includes a south-facing altar, a bell tower to the north, and some smaller buildings on the east side. Inside, the church is decorated with grand Corinthian columns and pointed arch windows. Though the exterior is covered with ivy, the interior still appears grand and majestic.
Address: 130 Xizhimen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京西城区西直门内大街130号
Mass Service
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM (Chinese Mass), 7:30 PM (English Mass)
- Sunday Mass: 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM (Korean)
How to Get There
- Metro: Take Metro Line 4 to Xinjiekou Station (Exit D)
- Or, take Metro Line 2 or 13 to Xizhimen Station (Exit A), and walk 300 meters east or 50 meters west to reach the church.
Xitang Church is a beautiful spot in Beijing. Whether you’re here for Mass, a bit of history, or simply to enjoy the architecture, it’s definitely worth a visit. Don’t forget to check out the peaceful atmosphere around the church, and take a moment to admire the stunning details both inside and out.
6. Yongning Catholic Church (Sacred Heart Church)
Yongning Catholic Church, also known as Sacred Heart Church 永宁天主教堂（耶稣圣心堂）, is located in the Yanqing District of Beijing. It was originally built in 1873 during the Qing Dynasty. However, the church was burned down during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. It was rebuilt in 1902 with compensation from the Boxer Indemnity Fund. 7. During the Cultural Revolution, the church was turned into a grain warehouse and wasn’t restored to its original purpose until 1985.
Today, it is the only Catholic church in the Yanqing area and one of the most remote Catholic churches in Beijing.
The church is designed in Gothic architectural style. The layout is rectangular, running north to south, with the main building consisting of the front entrance, side doors, chapel, and auxiliary rooms. The church occupies about 416 square meters and has a total area of 750 square meters. It shares a similar design to Xishiku Church, which is why it is sometimes called the “Little Beitang” (Little North Church).
Address: 7 Huangjia Lane, Fumin Street, Yongning Town, Yanqing District, Beijing 北京市延庆区永宁镇阜民街黄甲巷7号
Sunday Mass: 10:00 AM
How to Get There: You can take buses 925, Y16, Y23, Y24, or Y31 to the Yongning Middle School Station and walk from there.
7. Dongjiao Minxiang Church (St. Michael’s Church)
St. Michael’s Church, also known as Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church 东交民巷教堂（圣米厄尔教堂）, is one of the smallest Catholic churches in Beijing. It was founded by French priest Father Gaulthier and completed in 1901 during the Qing Dynasty.
This church holds a special place as it was the last Catholic church built by Western missionaries in Beijing. Unlike many other churches in the city, St. Michael’s wasn’t completely destroyed or rebuilt over the years, making it quite unique.
The church follows classic Gothic architecture, covering 2,656.4 square meters. Its walls are made of clean, exposed brick, and the interior features a wood structure. There are three pointed bell towers, decorated with pointed arches, columns, rose windows, and niches. The main building has two floors and is oriented north to south. The entrance features a finely carved statue of St. Michael, the church’s patron saint. The statue stands out with clear and detailed craftsmanship.
Address: 13 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市东城区东交民巷甲13号
Mass Service
- Weekday Mass: 7:00 AM
- Sunday Mass: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 6:00 PM
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Chongwenmen Station, Exit A1 (Northwest exit). Walk west along Dongjiaominxiang Hutong for about 10 minutes, and you’ll reach St. Michael’s Church.
Dongjiaominxiang is a unique European-style street that houses embassies, churches, banks, and clubs. It has preserved eclectic architecture from the early 20th century, giving you a feel of old Beijing. It’s also a great spot for taking photos! This street is 1.6 kilometers long, stretching from East Tiananmen Square Road in the west to Chongwenmen Inner Street in the east. It’s one of the longest alleys in Beijing, packed with history and charm.
Protestant Churches
8. Gangwashi Church
Gangwashi Church, officially known as Beijing Christian Church Gangwashi 缸瓦市堂（北京基督教会缸瓦市堂）, is located at 574 Xisi South Street, Xicheng District. It’s one of the oldest surviving Christian buildings in Beijing. Established in 1863 by the London Missionary Society, this church is the city’s earliest Christian church still standing today.
The church features a unique blend of Western and Chinese architectural styles. The main building, with its sharp roof, is connected to the side chapel.
On the exterior, you’ll see bold golden characters spelling out “Beijing Christian Church Gangwashi” and a prominent cross atop the roof. The church is a simple gray brick bungalow, giving it a modest yet charming look.
Address: 574 Xisi South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京市西城区的西四南大街574号
Its Official Website: 缸瓦市堂 (in Chinese)
Protestant Sunday Service
- Morning Service: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Second Service: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Third Service: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening Service: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How to Get There： Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Xisi Station, then walk about 308 meters. Or, you can get off at Lingjing Hutong Station and walk about 596 meters.
Gangwashi Church has welcomed many important figures throughout history, including U.S. Presidents George Bush, and Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice. Additionally, the famous writer Lao She was baptized here and served the church. This connection has made the church a significant cultural and social landmark in Beijing.
9. Chongwenmen Church (Asbury Church)
Chongwenmen Church, originally called Asbury Church 崇文门堂（亚斯立堂), was built in 1870. It was the first Methodist chapel in Beijing and even in northern China. The church was initially small, but as the congregation grew, it was rebuilt on the same site in 1880.
Sadly, it was destroyed during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, but it was rebuilt in 1902 and has stood ever since, now known as Beijing Christian Church Chongwenmen.
The church covers an area of 8,246 square meters and is designed in the modern eclectic style. There are two main buildings: one for the church’s entrance and another for the actual worship hall. Inside, the main hall has over 400 seats, while the side hall has over 300. The two areas are separated by a movable partition, so they can be used separately or together.
Address: 2 Hougou Hutong, Chongwenmen Nei, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市东城区崇文门内后沟胡同丁2号
Sunday Worship: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How to Get There: Take Metro Lines 2 or 5 to Chongwenmen Station.
10. Zhushikou Church
Zhushikou Church 珠市口堂 was built in 1904. It was the first Methodist chapel established by the American Methodist Church in Beijing and even in northern China.
From the very beginning, it was led by Chinese pastors, which is quite unique in the history of Christianity in China. In 1921, the church was expanded, and it now has a three-story layout.
The church features a simple Gothic style, making it the only church with this design in southern Beijing. Its tall, slender towers and elegant, light-filled interior are a standout. Inside, you’ll find colorful stained glass windows and beautiful mosaics. The large windows, pointed arches, and small spires add to the charm.
Address: 129 Qianmen Street, Beijing 前门大街129号
Protestant Sunday Service
- First Service: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Second Service: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Third Service: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Service: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
How to Get There： Take Subway Line 7 to Zhushikou Station.
Nearby Food and Accommodation Recommendations
- Food: There are many restaurants and snack shops nearby where you can try traditional Beijing dishes like zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), chao gan (stir-fried liver), and douzhi (fermented mung bean drink).
- Accommodation: There are also several comfortable, reasonably-priced hotels in the area.
From the historic grandeur of Xuanwumen Church to the quiet beauty of Dongjiaominxiang Church, the 10 best churches in Beijing provide visitors with a unique way to experience the city’s religious and cultural history.
Whether you’re attending Mass, appreciating the stunning architecture, or simply exploring Beijing’s rich Christian heritage, these churches offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit these 10 best churches in Beijing and get a deeper understanding of Beijing’s multicultural history!
