Sacred Heart Cathedral

You will find the Sacred Heart Cathedral, also known to locals as the Stone Chamber or Stone House, situated at 56 Yide Road on the north bank of the Pearl River in the heart of Guangzhou's old district. Serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Guangzhou, this magnificent Gothic Revival Roman Catholic cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in the archdiocese and the largest Gothic-style cathedral in China and Southeast Asia. Built entirely by hand out of solid granite extracted from Kowloon, Hong Kong, it stands as one of the few cathedrals in the world to feature completely granite walls, pillars, and twin towers.

As you explore, admire its grand façade modelled after Paris's Basilica of St. Clotilde, alongside a 28.2-meter-high nave and apse inspired by Toul Cathedral. Look up at the 52.76-meter twin towers—a west clock tower housing a Chinese-made clock and an east tower with remaining 19th-century French bells.

Inside, you can appreciate the replacement stained glass featuring English descriptions, crafted during major restorations. Experience a unique slice of history on a site that once housed the Qing dynasty Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces.

What to see at Sacred Heart Cathedral

• Built entirely of hand-looted solid granite sourced from Kowloon quarries
• Features 52.76-meter twin towers acting as a clock tower and bell tower
• Architectural design inspired by the Basilica of St. Clotilde and Toul Cathedral
• Modern Philippine stained glass carrying English descriptions
• Stands as the largest Gothic-style cathedral in China and Southeast Asia

Visiting tips

Plan your visit around scheduled services, such as the Sunday afternoon English mass held at 15:30.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sacred Heart Cathedral is easy to reach on Guangzhou’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Huaisheng Mosque and Guangzhou Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Guangzhou travel guide.