St. Joseph’s Church, Beijing 🇨🇳

Step onto bustling Wangfujing Street in Beijing's Dongcheng District and you will encounter St. Joseph's Church, affectionately known as Wangfujing Church or Dongtang (East Church). As the second oldest historic Catholic church in Beijing, this Romanesque Revival site blends deep history with striking design.

Originally established in 1653 on land donated by the Shunzhi Emperor to Jesuit missionaries, the church weathered earthquakes, fires, anti-foreign uprisings like the Boxer Rebellion, and expropriation during the Cultural Revolution. The current structure dates to 1904 and underwent major restorations funded by the municipal government in 1980 and 2000. When you visit, you can admire its beautiful architectural design, which features pilasters, three bell towers, and a unique mixture of European and local Chinese elements.

Look for the three Romanesque vaults—famously featured in Cixin Liu's novel *The Three-Body Problem*—and pause to read the plaque attached to the outside wall detailing its turbulent timeline. Outside, explore the surrounding 1.2-hectare public square and park to see a peaceful statue of the Madonna and Child. Operated under the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, it stands today as a fascinating blend of resilience, cultural fusion, and architectural heritage right in the capital.

What to see at St. Joseph's Church, Beijing

• Historic Romanesque Revival architecture featuring three bell towers and pilasters
• A unique blend of European design mixed with local Chinese architectural features
• A statue of the Madonna and Child set within a spacious 1.2-hectare square and park
• Plaque mounted on the exterior wall detailing the church's multi-century history
• Distinctive Romanesque vaults featured in the sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem

Visiting tips

Take a moment to read the informative plaque mounted on the exterior wall to fully appreciate the dramatic history behind the current 1904 structure.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Joseph's Church, Beijing is easy to reach on Beijing’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Forbidden City and Summer Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Beijing travel guide.