St. John’s Church, Fuzhou

Located at Lequn Street No. 9 in the Cangshan District of Fuzhou, China, St. John's Church offers you a unique glimpse into the region's 19th-century colonial history. Also known in the local Foochow vernacular as "Stone House Church" or "Siŏh-chuó Gáu-dòng," this abandoned Anglican structure presents an intriguing stop for travelers interested in historical architecture.

When you visit, you will observe a classic design crafted in a typical Gothic style, originally drawn up by engineer T. C. Walkers. Donated by British residents living in Fuzhou back in 1858 and completed in 1860, the building occupies a footprint of around 320 square meters on a site that initially spanned over 1,000 square meters.

While St. John's Church was officially nominated as a Historical Protection Site in 1992, you should keep your expectations honest regarding its present condition. Today, the building is in a poor state of disrepair and is occupied by a military unit functioning as a printing factory. Despite its modern conversion and worn appearance, seeing this historic stone structure in Cangshan District allows you to appreciate its enduring architectural lines and rich past within Fuzhou.

What to see at St. John's Church, Fuzhou

• Typical Gothic architecture designed by engineer T. C. Walkers
• Historic 1860 Anglican church donated by British residents in 1858
• Known locally in Foochow vernacular as "Stone House Church"
• Nominated as a Historical Protection Site in 1992

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that the building is in a poor state of disrepair and occupied by a military unit as a printing factory.

How long: Under 1 hour · Best time: Daylight hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. John's Church, Fuzhou is easy to reach on Fuzhou’s public transport, and pairs naturally with The Aowei Church of Holy Rosary and Qingzhou Bridge. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fuzhou travel guide.