The Wangfujing Catholic Church, also named the Catholic East Church, situated the east of central Wangfujing Street, regarded as one of the best-preserved religious sites in the heart of Beijing.

Wangfujing Catholic Church was originally called Saint Joseph's Church, and was built in the 12th year (1655) of Emperor Shunzhi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was the second Catholic church built in Beijing after Italian preacher Matteo Ricci built the "South Church" in southern Beijing at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The present building was rebuilt in 1904 on the ruins of the burned church. In the 1980s, large-scale repairs and maintenance were carried out by the government for the Wangfujing Catholic Church.

Occupying an area of 2,387 square metres, the Wangfujing Catholic Church underwent its latest renovation in May of this year. Beside the church is a front square of 1.2 hectares. Trees and grass were planted and various lighting facilities were installed to show off the gorgeous building at night.

The Wangfujing Catholic Church opened to Catholics in 1980. The building, a combination of ancient western and Chinese architectural styles, was damaged three times.

Address: 74 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Tel: +86 10 6524 0634

Opening hours: Daily 5 :00-11:00

How to Get There: Take Subway and get off at Wangfujing Station.