City Walk Beijing Xishiku Church

Beijing's Xishiku Church, also known as the North Church, was first built in the 42nd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1703). Two Catholic priests cured the Kangxi Emperor's illness and were given land to build the church, which was called the Church of the Savior. It was later demolished and rebuilt, attacked during the Boxer Rebellion, and then repaired by the Qing government. The church was once used as a middle school, and in 1985, Xishiku Church was repaired, returned to the Beijing Catholic Church, and religious activities resumed. After two years of major repairs, it was opened to the public in August 2018. Xishiku Church is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Xishiku Church has a construction area of about 2,200 square meters, and the main building is a three-story Gothic building with a total of 11 spires at the top. The interior of the church is tall and spacious, with exquisite decorations, altars, murals, sculptures, and a large pipe organ at the back, making it a sacred and solemn religious hall. The most impressive thing about visiting the church is the two Chinese-style architectural stele pavilions on both sides of the main entrance of the church, which are respectively erected with the stele of the Catholic Church's relocation edict in the 14th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1889) and the Manchu and Chinese Catholic Church stele. The stele pavilion is designed with a yellow glazed tile double-eave hip roof, and the inscription reflects the acceptance of Catholicism during the Qing Dynasty, adding to the solemnity and cultural heritage of the church. In addition, the 80 stained glass windows in the church are dazzling and highly artistic. The colorful pictures tell the stories of biblical characters, the development of religion, and daily life scenes. The sunlight through the windows creates a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. As Christmas approaches, the church courtyard is decorated with lights, and there are many visitors. The church is open to the public, with Mass in the morning from Monday to Saturday, and multiple Chinese and foreign language Masses on Sundays. The church also has marriage and love Bible study activities for young believers. Beijing Xishiku Church is located at No. 33 Xishiku Street, one stop west of the south gate of Beihai Park.