Dongguan Church

When you visit Shenyang in Liaoning Province, China, Dongguan Church offers a fascinating look into the region's religious heritage. Recognized as one of the largest and oldest Protestant churches in Northeast China, this historic site is celebrated as the cradle of Christianity for Koreans both in China and across the Korean Peninsula. Built in the second half of the 19th century outside the city's East Gate—where churches were historically required to stand—the original structure was established by Scottish missionary John Ross in 1889.

Though the initial church was destroyed during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion, it was reconstructed in 1907, survived damage during the Cultural Revolution, and expanded over the years with a five-story annex added behind the main structure. As you explore the grounds, you can see the main church building where Christian worship services are held today. On the right side of the main building, be sure to visit the John Ross Memorial Hall, which is open to the public.

Here, you can learn about John Ross, who met Korean traders and completed a landmark Korean translation of the New Testament Bible in 1887.

What to see at Dongguan Church

• One of the largest and oldest Protestant churches in Northeast China
• Known as the cradle of Christianity for Koreans in China and the Korean Peninsula
• Publicly accessible John Ross Memorial Hall located beside the main building
• Historic origin site of the first Korean New Testament Bible translation in 1887
• Reconstructed 1907 main church and 5-storey rear annex building

Visiting tips

If you visit on a Sunday, worship services are relayed to the 5-storey Annex via cable TV at 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 am.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Sunday morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Dongguan Church is easy to reach on Shenyang’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mukden Palace and Liaoning Provincial Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Shenyang travel guide.