The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also called Xuanwumen Church or South Church, is Beijing’s oldest Catholic church. Built in 1605 during the Ming dynasty, it is linked to the Jesuit Matteo Ricci, who lived and died here. Inside, look for the icon of Our Lady of China and the painting of the Immaculate Conception behind the pulpit. Sunday Mass is accompanied by choir and organ; an English service is reported at 10:30 am, though service language information differs. Access outside services can be limited, so plan around a Mass if you want to enter.
A church dating to 1605
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is also known as Xuanwumen Church and South Church, or Nantang. It was built in 1605 during the Ming dynasty and is considered the oldest Catholic church in Beijing.
When the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci arrived in Beijing, the Wanli Emperor permitted him to build a small chapel beside his residence near the Xuanwumen city gate. Ricci lived and died at the site associated with the church. The cathedral remains a significant place of worship for Beijing’s Catholic community.
Inside the cathedral
A large painting of the Immaculate Conception hangs behind the pulpit, giving the cathedral its name. The interior also includes an icon of Our Lady of China. A small gift shop sells souvenirs, and small trinkets may also be available near the front entrance.
The church is a place of worship as well as a historic site. Visitors attending Mass can expect a reverent service, with choir and organ music reported during Sunday worship.
Planning a visit
The cathedral may not be accessible outside service times, so check the service schedule before setting out if seeing the interior is your priority. Sunday English Mass is reported at 10:30 am, although accounts differ on whether English is offered. Mass has been reported to last just over an hour and 20 minutes.
Xuanwumen station provides access from Exit B2 on lines 2 or 4; Exit F is beside the park. The church entrance can be difficult to see from outside. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom are listed.
Preguntas frecuentes
When is Sunday English Mass?
An English Mass is reported at 10:30 am on Sundays. Information about the service language differs, so check before your visit.
Can you visit the cathedral outside Mass?
Access may be limited outside service times. Plan around a Mass if you want to see the interior.
How long does Mass take?
One account puts the service at just over an hour and 20 minutes.
How do you get to the cathedral?
Use Xuanwumen station’s Exit B2 on lines 2 or 4, or Exit F beside the park. The entrance can be difficult to spot.
