Sacred Heart Cathedral

The **Sacred Heart Cathedral** (石室圣心大教堂), also known as **Shishi Catholic Church**, is one of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks. Here's a detailed overview: 1. **Overview** - **Location**: Yide Road, Yuexiu District, near Haizhu Square . - **Architectural Style**: Gothic Revival, constructed entirely of granite, earning it the nickname "Stone House" (Shishi) . - **Significance**: Largest Roman Catholic cathedral in Guangzhou and one of only four all-granite Gothic churches globally . 2. **History** - Built between **1863 and 1888** by French architects and Chinese craftsmen on the former site of a Qing Dynasty viceroy’s residence, which was destroyed in 1856 . - The foundation stones symbolize Christianity’s origins in Jerusalem and development in Rome . 3. **Architectural Highlights** - **Dimensions**: 79 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 58.5 meters tall, with twin 58-meter bell towers . - **Interior**: Ribbed vault ceilings, stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and a central rose window (6 meters in diameter) . - **Features**: East tower houses bronze bells from France, while the west tower has a clock . 4. **Visitor Information** - **Admission**: Free . - **Opening Hours**: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily . - **Mass Times**: Conducted in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and English. For example: - **Sunday**: 6:30 AM (Cantonese), 10:30 AM (Mandarin), 3:30 PM (English) . - **Dress Code**: Modest attire required (no shorts, short skirts, or slippers). Free aprons are provided at the entrance . 5. **How to Get There** - **Metro**: Take Line 2 or 6 to **Haizhu Square Station**, exit B2, and walk west along Yide Road . - **Bus**: Routes 4, 8, 61, 82, 86, or 823 to Middle Yide Road . 6. **Nearby Attractions** - **Shamian Island**: Colonial-era architecture along the Pearl River . - **Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street**: Bustling shopping area . - **Yuexiu Park**: Home to the Five-Goat Statue, a symbol of Guangzhou . For photography enthusiasts, the cathedral’s Gothic spires and stained-glass interiors offer stunning visuals, as seen in Brian McMorrow’s gallery . Plan your visit to coincide with sunlight streaming through the stained glass for a truly ethereal experience! #travel #china #guangzhou