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It was first built in the fourth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and is also known as Shenyang Xiaonan Catholic Church and Shenyang Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The church is divided into two courtyards, the east and the west. The east courtyard is at the north end and is a typical Gothic building with two square pyramidal spires on top, decorated with a cross, three arches in front, rows of small windows on both sides, and twenty-four stone pillars supporting it, inlaid with exquisite patterns.
There is a four-story building in the west courtyard, which was built in 1926 as the bishop's palace. Today, the church is where many newlyweds take wedding photos. The design is novel and the decoration is holy. The whole church is filled with a strong romantic atmosphere.
If you go there around 8:00 am on Sunday, you can see many devout believers attending mass and feel the religious atmosphere.
Attractions Location: Shenyang Catholic Church, Nanlejiao Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
09:00-16:00; Last admission: 15:00 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Transportation:
Take bus No. 157, 212, 224, or 227 to the Renao Road stop on Fengyutan Street. The area is within walking distance.
Time reference: 1-3 hours
This short itinerary introduces you to the historical charm of central Shenyang, starting with the Shenyang Catholic Church and nearby historical and cultural spots.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at Holiday Inn Shenyang Zhongjie (3-min walk). For food, try 老边饺子馆 (Lao Bian Dumplings), a century-old dumpling restaurant on Zhongjie Street.
Souvenirs: Local Catholic-themed crafts from the church gift shop, Manchurian warlord replica coins and books at Zhang residence, and Liaoning specialty snacks on Middle Street.
Spend two days immersing yourself in Shenyang’s imperial legacy and local culture, anchored around the church and surrounding museums.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Zhongjie. Try 柳氏老灶火锅 (Liu’s Traditional Hotpot) near Middle Street in the evening.
Souvenirs: Qing dynasty-style souvenirs from Mukden Palace, creative handmade crafts at 1905 Park.
This itinerary adds nature and local relaxation, with a day spent in Beiling Park and around.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Beiling Park for nature lovers. Try 东北人家 for classic Northeastern dishes like Guobaorou.
Souvenirs: Imperial-style trinkets and silk bookmarks from the park; replicas of Neolithic tools from the Xinle Museum.
Add a full day of art, creativity, and panoramic city views.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Qingniangong area. Dine at the rotating restaurant in Shenyang TV Tower for a night view.
Souvenirs: Provincial museum replicas of ancient ceramics, tower-themed keychains and snowglobes.
This extended stay explores the suburbs and Russian-influenced sites.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near the botanical garden or return to central Shenyang. Try Russian cuisine at Matryoshka Café on Russian Street.
Souvenirs: Matryoshka dolls, Russian chocolate, floral postcards from the garden.
Include a full day in a traditional market and temple setting to experience everyday life and spirituality.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in the Tiexi District near Wu Ai. Try Muslim-style grilled skewers (羊肉串) at nearby night markets.
Souvenirs: Buddhist prayer beads, cheap clothing, regional toys and snacks.
Wrap up the week with a leisure trip to Dongling Park, combining outdoor leisure with Qing dynasty grandeur.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near the eastern Dongling area. Dine at 东陵小院 (Dongling Courtyard) for local fusion cuisine.
Souvenirs: Qing-style mini scrolls, Expo Garden eco-themed merchandise.
Shenyang Catholic Church is located at No. 40, Nanlejiao Road, Xiaonan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang. The church was originally built in 1878 (the fourth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty) by French missionary Jean François. It was burned down by the Boxer Rebellion in 1990. The existing building was rebuilt on the original site in 1912 by Bishop Sauveur of the South Manchuria Diocese, using the Boxer Indemnity from the Boxer Protocol.
It was built in the fourth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and is also known as Shenyang Xiaonan Catholic Church and Shenyang Sacred Heart Cathedral.
The church is divided into two courtyards, east and west.
The East Courtyard is at the north end and is a typical Gothic building.
The top is decorated with two square pyramidal spires and a cross.
There are three arches in front, with rows of small windows on both sides.
There are twenty-four stone pillars supporting it, inlaid with exquisite patterns.
There is a four-story building in the west courtyard, which is the bishop's palace built in 1926.
It was first built in the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1873) and is a Catholic church built by French missionary John Fang.
I had expected the church here to be as dazzlingly illuminated as the one I saw in Ningbo in 2021. However, in front of the church, there was a bustling night market with kebab vendors, trampolines, and street vendors, while the church itself was quietly tucked away in the dark. It was completely different from what I had imagined. There's a fence in front of the church, and while you can enter before 5 p.m., it's now closed. Because of the arch in the fence, it was difficult to capture the entire church.
Shenyang Catholic Cathedral is the oldest Catholic church in Shenyang. In 1861, French priest Jean-François François arrived in Shenyang from Yingkou as a missionary. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1878. It also housed an orphanage and a school. The church burned down during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The existing building was rebuilt in 1912 using Boxer Indemnity funds. Designed by Frenchman Henry Leong, it features a basilica-style floor plan, a brick and stone structure, a wooden roof frame, and plain blue brick surfaces, a typical Gothic architectural style.
Shenyang landmark, suitable for taking photos, there is a small platform opposite for taking photos
My friend went there and was very satisfied with the beautiful photos he took!
The style is not much different from other Gothic churches, but it is still very beautiful in the sunset. The surrounding environment is not very good, and it seems to be a very noisy and messy residential area.
Very beautiful church, very nice, quiet, I like it very much
Overall it's good, but a little small.
After you enter, someone will give you some knowledge and then let you read the Bible. I remember that you are not allowed to take pictures.
Very good, worth visiting, good, good, good, good
The church covers a large area and is free, no tickets are required, which is great.
A century-old Gothic church with a bishop's palace next to it. It is one of the more beautiful churches in the north.
The interior of the church is closed, and there's nothing much to see outside. So you have to see both the mansion and the church together! And this was the least interesting part of the trip...
Unfortunately, when I went there, it was not open to the public and I could not go in to visit. Although I am not religious (but I respect any religion), I have a mysterious love for it, with its spire that reaches into the sky.
Xiaonan Catholic Church, also known as Shenyang Catholic Church, was originally built in 1878 by French missionary Jean François. It burned down in 1900, and the existing building was rebuilt on the original site in 1912 by Bishop Sauveur of the South Manchuria Diocese using the Boxer Indemnity from the Boxer Protocol.
Also Gothic style
It is slightly inferior to the Hongjialou Catholic Church in Jinan.
Accessibility: 4 stars (out of 5)
Please note that you are not allowed to take photos indoors, but you can use your mobile phone. Don't ask me why, just follow the arrangements.
With ginkgo trees, blue sky and churches, Shenyang in autumn is like entering a fairy tale world.
When winter comes, the Little South Church has a completely different feel.
Xiaonan Catholic Church, free admission
The play time is about half an hour.
Like the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou, the Xiaonan Catholic Church in Shenyang is also a Gothic-style building, also built in the 19th century, and is also a landmark building.
Originally built in 1878 by French missionary Jean François, it was burned down by the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Rebuilt in 1909 with the Boxer Indemnity, it was completed in 1912. Designed by Frenchman Henry Leong, the church faces south and features twin towers 40 meters high. Constructed of blue brick, it boasts a large rose window in the center of the facade. This is a true Gothic cathedral.
It is relatively small. There are various flowers in the small garden behind the church.
Xiaonan Catholic Church, located at 40 Nanlejiao Road, Xiaonan Street, Shenhe District, boasts a history spanning over a century. Built in 1878, it burned down in 1900 and rebuilt in 1912. While seemingly simple today, the Gothic-style cathedral bears witness to a period in modern Chinese history: the humiliating opening of ports in 1860, the flourishing of European missionaries during the Qing dynasty, the rise of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and the widespread killing of Catholics. The Eight-Nation Alliance (actually eleven nations) seized upon this opportunity to sweep across the Qing dynasty, completely destroying the foundations of the feudal system. Following the signing of the Boxer Protocol in 1901, the Qing dynasty was doomed to collapse.
Using the Boxer Indemnity, Xiaonan Catholic Church was rebuilt on its original site, becoming even more magnificent than before. Before 1949, it was the tallest building in Fengtian. Although now surrounded by reinforced concrete buildings, its imposing presence remains undimmed. With the freedom of religious belief, worshippers flocked to the church.
In the evening, there are many people enjoying the cool air and exercising in the square at the main entrance, and the night market at the entrance is also bustling, but how many people still remember this period of Chinese history?
At night, under the dim light, the church shows its dark and profound side.
Shenyang Catholic Church, I encountered church staff explaining doctrines, which was very dedicated. The church ⛪️ is clean and tidy, but there are no biblical stories on the glass window grilles 🌸, which is different from other churches.
Still very good, the building is magnificent.
I saw that there were Bibles and related books on every seat.
The first few rows are occupied by believers from other places.
Many people go there for fun.
It was almost noon when we arrived at the Catholic Church. It was May and the weather was just right. We got off the bus and walked through a residential building to get there. There was a small square opposite the Catholic Church where many parents brought their children to play, flying kites, scooters and the like. There were also small businessmen setting up stalls selling some simple tourist souvenirs and small toys. There were quite a few tourists visiting the Catholic Church, and of course there should be many devout believers as well. I waited for a long time but couldn't take a complete photo of the front of the church. The Catholic Church is a typical Gothic building with two towering spires on the front.
Today is Saturday. I've always heard of this place but never been. I went there in person today and caught a couple's wedding at 2:30 pm. It was truly divine. I've always seen Western weddings on TV, but this was a real experience. It was truly meaningful. Unlike other churches, this one was truly comfortable and perfect for taking photos, wedding photos, and witnessing love under God.
It's about a 20-minute walk from Zhongjie Street. There's a sunken plaza in front of the church, where many elderly people and children hang out. You can enter the church before 4 p.m. each day. We arrived a little late and missed the inside, but the outside was stunning, and we took some beautiful photos.
The place is not very big, but it is very beautiful inside. Worth a visit
I have been to many churches in the north and south, and the most beautiful one is the Xiaonan Catholic Church in Shenyang. This was taken on Christmas Day in 2017.
The Gothic architecture is very exquisite, with few tourists and very quiet. The square in front of the church is a sunken square, and there is a night market at the door at night, which should be very lively.
We just happened to pass by Nanguan Catholic Church on the way to Shenyang Imperial Palace. Apart from a group of newlyweds taking wedding photos, there were very few tourists. The building is very exquisite and suitable for taking photos.
The place where Catholics worship, I have never been inside
This typical Gothic-style building was originally built in 1878 by French missionary Jean François. It burned down in 1900, and the current structure was rebuilt on the original site in 1912 by Bishop Sauvieres of the South Manchuria Diocese, using the Boxer Indemnity from the Treaty of 1912. It's about a ten-minute walk from Marshal Zhang's Mansion, the Shenyang Imperial Palace, and Zhongjie Street. It's worth visiting while touring these historical sites, as there are many wedding photo opportunities there.
Xiaonan Catholic Church is highly recommended. It has a Gothic architectural style. I happened to encounter a church wedding there, which was full of romance.
The Forbidden City - Marshal's Mansion - Church, you can walk all the way, but it's a bit of a pit. The buildings are beautiful, but there is nothing there.
There are street vendors at the entrance...the vendors have devalued the church.
Located at No. 40, Nanlejiao Road, Xiaonan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, the overall architectural layout follows the European Renaissance architectural style and is a typical Gothic architecture. It is a very distinctive building.
I have something to complain about. Such a nice church, but at night it's all street vendors. I couldn't even take a complete photo. I took a taxi there specifically, and it felt like such a sacred place...
We must have gone too late.
It's getting dark
The door wasn't open.
Just looked outside
Shenyang Catholic Church is one of the few churches I have seen.
Very good
Xiaonan Catholic Church, a Gothic-style building, was built in the style of Notre Dame de Paris. It is very grand and exquisite. There will be a mass at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning. If you have time, you can sit in the church and feel it.
I don't know much about religion, nor am I very interested in it. It's a place that you can just visit.
It's a beautiful Catholic church with a grand interior, but it was about to close when I went there. The aunt cleaning the yard outside was still praying, she was really pious and felt purified!
The church faces south and is 66 meters long from north to south, 17 meters wide from east to west, and 40 meters tall. A brick-concrete structure with plain blue bricks, the front features two square pyramidal spires, juxtaposed east and west, topped with a cross. The overall architectural layout follows the European Renaissance style, a typical Gothic architecture.
It's not far from the Marshal's Mansion, about a 15-minute walk. I don't know if it's closed to the public because there are activities going on on Sundays.
The best time to go to church is on Sunday so that you can go into the church and have a closer look. There are many people going to church on Sunday.
The most famous Catholic church in Shenyang, it is very beautifully built.
Shenyang Catholic Church
The church, located in the east courtyard, faces south and is 66 meters long from north to south, 17 meters wide from east to west, and 40 meters high. A brick-concrete structure with plain blue bricks, the front features two prominent pyramidal spires, juxtaposed east and west, topped with a cross. With a floor area of over 1,100 square meters and 120 bays, it is one of the largest churches in China. Its overall architectural layout follows the European Renaissance style, exemplifying Gothic architecture.
There is a four-story building on the west side of the church, covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters.
It has a construction area of more than 2,700 square meters and nearly 100 houses. It is the bishop's palace built in 1926.
The church is enclosed within a blue brick courtyard wall that stretches 80 meters from east to west and 112 meters from north to south. The building covers an area of 3,213 square meters, with a total area of 9,264 square meters. In February 1985, the municipal government designated it a municipal cultural relic protection site. In December 1988, the Liaoning Provincial People's Government designated it a provincial cultural relic protection site.
Mass schedule at Shenyang Nanguan Catholic Church
Weekdays:
6:30 (Summer Time) 7:00 (Winter Time) Chinese Mass
April to October: Cathedral; November to March: Chapel
17:30 (Summer Time) 17:00 (Winter Time) Chinese Mass
April to October: Cathedral; November to March: Chapel
Sundays and High Feasts:
6:30 (Chinese Mass at the Cathedral)
9:00 (Chinese Public Mass at the Cathedral)
9:30 (Korean Mass - Chapel)
11:30 (Mass in English - Chapel)
17:30 (Chinese Youth Mass at the Cathedral)
It is closed in winter. I wanted to stay inside devoutly for an entire afternoon, but I didn't have the chance.
It's not open! It's not open! My heart breaks! I wanted to sit in the Catholic church for an entire afternoon, but it's closed in the winter.
After exiting the Forbidden City, turn right and then south. It's less than a kilometer away, so you can walk there. There weren't many people there when I went, so it was a beautiful place to take photos. If you want to go inside, you'll need to check the opening hours.
The Gothic architectural scenes are very shocking and the trip is definitely worthwhile.
Whether they are rich or poor, sick or healthy, they hold hands with each other, love each other for a lifetime, and grow old together.
Xiaonan Catholic Church, not many tourists.
The church is so tall. It is the first time I have seen such a tall church.
The characteristic of Gothic architecture is that it is very tall and reaches the sky.
The entire church is mainly built of bricks.
The black tone makes the golden statue of Jesus on the roof shine even more brilliantly.
The Catholic Church is a great place to take wedding photos.
When I arrived at the Shenyang Catholic Church, I happened to catch a teacher introducing Catholicism. I sat and listened for a while, which was a good way to relax and learn more. I calmed down and read some Bible verses.
The Catholic Church should be a location for wedding photography. I stayed there for half an hour and saw four couples looking for wedding photos. I was so envious and jealous.
It was my first time here. The Chinese mass had just ended when I entered. I am not a believer, so someone inside gave me an explanation. I heard that there was also an English mass, so I went in to experience it by accident. It lasted for two hours. It was both nervous and novel. Although it was all in English, I found it very interesting. Seeing so many devout believers, I felt for the first time how fulfilling and happy it is to have faith in your heart!
The church is small but very European, a smaller version of a European cathedral. It has a distinct Gothic style and stained glass windows. It's said to be over 100 years old. Sermons are held inside, and it's a quiet place. Outside is a small square for photos. It's not far from the museum, so feel free to stop by if you have some spare time.
As the archbishop's church in the Northeast, the church is magnificent and worth seeing.
Very suitable for taking pictures and feeling the atmosphere of the church
A very nice Gothic Catholic church. Open as usual for mass. Free admission.
Wedding photography costs one hundred yuan.
It's also known as Xiaonan Street Church. It's a classic Gothic-style building, inspired by the European Renaissance. It's not a tourist attraction; it's still in use and holds regular masses. I attended a Chinese-language mass on the morning of my departure.
Attached timetable: Weekdays:
6:30 (Summer Time) 7:00 (Winter Time) Chinese Mass
April to October: Cathedral; November to March: Chapel
17:30 (Summer Time) 17:00 (Winter Time) Chinese Mass
April to October: Cathedral; November to March: Chapel
Sundays and High Feasts:
6:30 (Chinese Mass at the Cathedral)
9:00 (Chinese Public Mass at the Cathedral)
9:30 (Korean Mass - Chapel)
11:30 (Mass in English - Chapel)
17:30 (Chinese Youth Mass at the Cathedral)
When I went there, I happened to encounter the sunset, which was beautiful and had a different style.
The building is still very beautiful. When I went there, the door was closed and I couldn't get in. There was a couple taking wedding photos there.
Catholic Church. I want to marry my beloved here.
As expected, there are many people taking wedding photos here. I met three couples taking wedding photos here. They seemed to be infected with happiness. There were not many people and there was a place to sit at the door.
It is recommended to choose a busy travel plan on the first day
One day I choose such a quiet travel place
I was in the church with my friends, my partner and my family, holding the Bible, listening to the explanation and looking at the magnificent church.
There is a feeling of washing away the fatigue of travel
Very suitable for cleansing the soul
And it is very close to Wuai Market
I saw the Catholic Church from a distance, and as I got closer, it became more and more beautiful.
, such a uniform color, gray gray gray. .
It was closed when we got there. It's nice to just look at the building, but it would be even better if we could go inside and sit there. It's best to visit early, before 5 p.m.
The rare European-style buildings in Shenyang are very nice. There are many people taking wedding photos every day.
I was shocked by the church. It looked very solemn and mysterious.
Transportation: Take bus No. 151, 179, or 212 to Fengyutan Station, and walk about 5 minutes to the destination.
A few days ago, I happened to be cycling with a friend and passed by this place. The exterior looked quite unique, so I went in to take a few photos. The building was quite retro and there was a statue of the Virgin Mary next to it, and then we left...
I rushed to the Catholic Church (I feel like I am collecting churches on every trip). The Catholic Church was still closed. There was a small square opposite. Despite the cold wind, there were quite a few people.
The church is quite beautiful, not far from Zhongjie Street and Shenyang Imperial Palace.
This was my first time seeing a church. It was beautiful. Inside, it felt so solemn. I didn't even dare to make a phone call. It's very close to Wuai, and we walked from there.
We walked here from the Color TV Tower. It's still quite far, so we followed Baidu Maps the whole way. I still recommend taking a taxi or bus. Xiaonan Catholic Church is a bit difficult to find. Coming from Wuai, it was bustling all the way. Turning the corner, it suddenly opened up.
You can visit the Catholic church, which is relatively well-preserved. It's quite crowded around 2 p.m., so it's best to leave early; public transportation is convenient. Catholics should go on a Sunday. It takes about an hour and a half. Just admire the dome and take some photos outside. Then, sit quietly in the square across the street and reflect on life.
The building is magnificent and majestic, but it’s a pity that I couldn’t go inside.
Churches always bring a deep sense of peace and tranquility. There's no lingering incense here, but rather a sense of holiness. During our visit to Shenyang, we took time out to visit the Shenyang Catholic Church. Originally built in 1878 by French missionary Jean François-François, the church later burned down. The current structure was rebuilt on the original site in 1912 by Bishop Saubelis of the South Manchuria Diocese, using indemnities from the Boxer Protocol. Although I'm not a Christian, I still felt the solemnity of religion. Here, believers don't wish for promotion or wealth; instead, they pray, repent, and purify their souls, embracing the future with a pure heart.
In front of the church, my daughter and I bought another small plane. The child was very happy and immediately ran to the square in front of the church to test fly it. We welcomed the sunset with laughter and joy.