Feel the history of Jesuit missions in China at the Jesuit Church

Xu Jia Hui Catholic Church is also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral. St. Ignatius was one of the founders who established the Jesuit Order in 1534. I knew about the Jesuits from Japanese history, but I didn’t realize they were also connected to China.

Christianity was first introduced to China as early as 645, but it seems it did not take root at that time. About 900 years later, in 1549, Jesuit Francis Xavier brought Christianity to Japan, and then aimed to spread the faith to China, the cultural source of Japan. Although he attempted to enter mainland China, he was unsuccessful and passed away. His mission was carried on by Matteo Ricci (Li Madou), who was sent to China and, after much hardship, was granted an audience with the Ming Emperor in 1601.

Later, in the 1840s, the Jesuits re-established their headquarters on the current site of the cathedral and began missionary work again. In 1910, they built a Gothic-style Catholic church. At that time, it was known as the largest Catholic cathedral in the Far East and is still counted among the twelve major cathedrals in China today.

The church has two towers, each 56.6 meters tall, topped with crosses. Inside, the arched ceiling and stained glass windows bathe the space in soft light. The front features many statues, including the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ. Although I am not a Christian, I felt a sense of solemnity.

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xujiahui, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Access: Shanghai Metro Lines 1 and 11
Xujiahui Station, Exit 3, right outside
Admission: Free
Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)
(First Friday of every month: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays
*I had always visited on Sundays before, so this was my first time entering on a weekday.
Notes: Hats, sandals, exposed heels (high heels), sleeveless tops, and shorts are not allowed.
Photography: Allowed (no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks)

#XujiahuiCatholicChurch #Cathedral #Church #Xujiahui #Shanghai #Ignatius #MatteoRicci #LiMadou #Mary #Christ #Jesuits #MissionaryWork #China #Cathedral #VisitChina

Post by kuuusuke | Apr 3, 2025