Located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, China, the Sacred Heart Cathedral—commonly known as the Hongjialou Cathedral—is a striking Gothic Revival landmark and the largest church in the region. Built between 1901 and 1905 and extended in 1906, this impressive structure serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jinan. When you visit, you will appreciate a unique architectural collaboration designed by Franciscan brother Korbinian Paugger and constructed under the supervision of local master mason Lu Licheng, who led nearly 1,000 stonemasons.
Financed by indemnity funds stipulated by the Boxer Protocol, its design is reminiscent of Notre Dame de Paris. As you explore the grounds, you will see its classical Latin cross layout, two tall soaring towers, and a expansive main building covering 1,650 square meters that can accommodate roughly 800 people. Although its interior furnishings were dismantled during its closure from 1966 until its Christmas Day reopening in 1985, today it stands proudly as a designated Shandong Province heritage site.
You will find it situated directly between Hongjialou Square and the Hongjialou Campus of Shandong University, sharing its compound with the Holy Spirit Seminary.
What to see at Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Architectural design reminiscent of Notre Dame de Paris featuring two tall towers
- Historic Latin cross basic layout covering 1,650 square meters
- Masterful stonework crafted by nearly 1,000 local stonemasons
- Official designated heritage site of Shandong Province
- Co-located on grounds housing the Holy Spirit Seminary
Visiting tips
Look out for the cathedral situated right between Hongjialou Square and the Hongjialou Campus of Shandong University when navigating to the site.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Sacred Heart Cathedral is easy to reach on Jinan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Jinan Great Southern Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jinan travel guide.
See the full Jinan travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.