Beijing Baiwang Mountain Notre Dame: A Tranquil Echo of History in a Century-Old Relic

Nestled on the southern slope of Baiwang Mountain, the Notre Dame ruins resemble a time capsule hidden amidst the bustling city. Built in 1919 by French missionaries, this European-style architectural complex once centered around a convent, a church, and a sanatorium. Although now abandoned, it still exudes a solemn aura. The weathered stone walls and arched windows seem to narrate stories from a century ago—missionaries from nine countries, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, once preached here, and the craftsmen's engravings can still be found on the stones today. Stepping into the site, the open courtyard and moss-covered corridors create a mysterious and serene atmosphere. While the interiors are no longer open to the public, remnants of stained glass and stone carvings offer glimpses of the church's former splendor. The adjacent "Nine Nations Church," as it is colloquially known, adds a touch of exotic charm, as if transporting visitors back to the Republic of China era to converse with history. Nearby, the Notre Dame pilgrimage site and the tombstone of Father William enrich the historical narrative. The faded inscriptions on the tombstone recount the dedication and sacrifice of a Dutch priest on this land. When the mountain peach blossoms bloom in late spring and early summer, the ruins, adorned with falling petals, present a poignant beauty, as if time has stood still here.