Oldest Churches in China

China, with its ancient history and rich cultural tapestry, is not frequently associated with Christianity as a historic presence. However, the Christian faith found its way into China over the centuries, with some of the oldest churches standing as monuments to the spread of this religion across continents. While Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are more commonly associated with Chinese spirituality, there are several churches that claim a venerable heritage, reflecting the footprints of Christianity in this vast land.

Below, we explore nine of the oldest churches in China. These sacred spaces not only provide a place for worship but also serve as historical markers telling stories of cultural exchange, colonial influence, and the resilience of faith.

List of Oldest Churches in China

1. Daqin Pagoda

The Daqin Pagoda, located in Zhouzhi, Shaanxi Province, is believed to be part of an ancient Nestorian Christian church dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Historians conjecture that the pagoda was once part of a larger monastery complex. The Nestorian Stele, erected in 781 AD, provides written evidence of Christianity’s existence in China during this period, lending credence to the theory that the Daqin Pagoda was associated with these early Christian communities.

Although much of its Christian iconography has been lost or repurposed throughout the centuries, the Daqin Pagoda stands as powerful testimony to the introduction of Christianity to China. Recent archaeological finds, including a cross buried at the site, have reignited interest in the pagoda’s Christian origins, making it a fascinating subject of study for both historians and theologians alike.

2. Nestorian Church

The Nestorian Church, also known as the Church of the East, has its roots in the early Christian schisms and was one of the first to reach China. Although physical structures from the earliest period of Nestorian Christianity no longer stand, the church’s historical influence is evident from relics like the aforementioned Nestorian Stele. This stone monument, housed in the Beilin Museum in Xi’an, details the arrival of Christianity in China and is a key artifact for understanding the spread of the Nestorian Church in East Asia.

Through the Stele, researchers have gained valuable insights into how Christianity adapted to Chinese culture, going so far as to incorporate elements of Buddhism and Taoism into its practices. The legacy of the Nestorian Church in China is not so much in edifices but in the enduring presence of Christian thought melded with Chinese tradition.

3. Xujiahui Cathedral

Located in Shanghai, Xujiahui Cathedral, also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral, is a stunning example of 16th-century Jesuit outreach in China. The cathedral’s construction began in 1905 and it was completed in 1910, making it one of the younger churches on this list. However, it stands on the foundations of earlier missionary work by figures like Matteo Ricci, who arrived in China in the late 1500s and established connections that would pave the way for future Christian development.

The cathedral is a beautiful mix of Neo-Gothic architectural style with traditional Chinese elements. Over the years, it has been a center of Catholic life in Shanghai and a symbol of the city’s diverse cultural history. Its towering spires have become a landmark, and it remains an active place of worship and a local historical treasure.

4. Dongzhimen South Church

Beijing’s Dongzhimen South Church, also known as St. Saviour’s Church or Beitang Church, has a history that dates back to the era of the Ming Dynasty. Originally established in the 16th century, the church we see today was rebuilt in 1904 after a fire. The church is a testament to the Catholic missionary efforts in China led by the Jesuits who sought to convey their faith to the Chinese people while also respecting local customs and philosophies.

The church’s architecture reflects a blend of Eastern and Western influences, a visual metaphor for its role as a bridge between cultures. Despite the complexities of history and the varying fortunes of Christianity in China, the Dongzhimen South Church has maintained its presence as a site for spirituality and tranquility amidst Beijing’s bustling urban expanse.

5. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Often referred to as the Nantang (Southern Church), the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the oldest Catholic church in Beijing. The original church was constructed in 1605 by Jesuit missionaries, although it has undergone several reconstructions since then. The current structure dates back to the 18th century, having been rebuilt after the Boxer Rebellion.

This church is known for its imposing facade and beautiful interior, which houses an image of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the early days of the mission in China. It stands as a beacon of Catholicism’s long history in Beijing and continues to serve the community as a dynamic center of worship and social services.

6. Sacred Heart Cathedral

Constructed between 1863 and 1888, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is located in Guangzhou and is also known as the Stone House by local residents due to its all-granite construction. It is an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture and the only church in China built with such materials during the time. The cathedral is one of the most magnificent and best-preserved Catholic churches in China.

With its soaring twin spires and intricate stained-glass windows, the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural heritage site and attraction. Visitors and worshipers alike are drawn to its grandeur, which represents the legacy of the Catholic faith in southern China.

7. Zhalan Cemetery and Church

The Zhalan Cemetery, located within the campus of Beijing’s prestigious Peking University, is home to a small Catholic church built in the 17th century. The cemetery itself houses the graves of several prominent Jesuit missionaries, including Matteo Ricci, who played a critical role in introducing Christianity and Western knowledge to China.

Although the church is not highly ornate, its historical significance and the solemn peace of the cemetery make it a place of reverence, providing insight into the life and times of early Christian missionaries in China. It is a silent witness to the cross-cultural exchanges that have shaped China’s complex relationship with the West.

8. St. John’s Church, Yantai

Situated in the coastal city of Yantai in Shandong Province, St. John’s Church is another exemplary legacy of Christian missions in China. The church was built by a British missionary society in 1879 during the late Qing Dynasty, reflecting both the influence of Christianity and the geopolitical shifts of the time.

The church’s architecture stands out with its simple yet stately appearance, having endured through the tumultuous history of the 20th century. Today, it continues to serve as a functioning church, hosting a congregation of Chinese Christians and representing a piece of the historical puzzle of religious and cultural intermingling in China.

9. Church of the Saviour, Beijing

Also known as the Xishiku Cathedral, the Church of the Saviour in Beijing boasts a history extending back to the Ming Dynasty. The church was initially built at the behest of the Wanli Emperor in 1605 but was later moved to its current location in 1887. Its sheer size and architectural beauty mark it as one of the most significant Catholic churches in the city.

The church is noted for withstanding the political upheavals of the 20th century, serving as a sanctuary for Chinese Catholics through times of both acceptance and persecution. Its endurance and ongoing religious services are a testament to the deep roots that Christianity has been able to establish in Chinese soil.

Conclusion

These churches, each with their storied pasts, stand as testimonies to the resilience of faith and the blending of diverse cultural and religious traditions. From Tang Dynasty pagodas to Gothic Revival cathedrals, the oldest churches in China tell a story of adaptation, perseverance, and the interweaving of the sacred with the everyday. As living monuments, they continue to provide spiritual solace to believers while offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of China’s history. The legacy of Christianity in China, as depicted through these ancient churches, is a remarkable chapter in the chronicles of both the nation and the global spread of the Christian faith.