The Aowei Church of Holy Rosary

When exploring the rich history of Fuzhou, China, you will discover the compelling story of the Aowei Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Founded in 1848 during the Qing Dynasty by the Spanish Dominican Order, this site originally served as a grand cathedral before later becoming a Dominican Priory and ordinary diocesan parish church. At one point, it was recognized as the oldest standing Catholic church in Fuzhou.

As you learn about its past, you can appreciate its unique architectural fusion, which remarkably blended traditional Chinese architecture with classic Gothic style. Spanning a floor space of 507.8 square meters, the church was designed to accommodate up to 1,000 people. Situated in the middle of Cha-ting Avenue, the building endured significant hardships over the decades.

During the Cultural Revolution, it was closed and repurposed for factory use, sustaining damage including the demolition of its north tower. Though designated as a protected historic landmark and cultural relic, the sanctuary and choir faced illegal demolition during road expansions. Tragically, the remaining structure was unlawfully demolished in 2002 to build a hospital cafeteria, making it a solemn, historic memory along Cha-ting Avenue.

What to see at The Aowei Church of Holy Rosary

• Built in 1848 during the Qing Dynasty by the Spanish Dominican Order
• Unique architectural blend of traditional Chinese and Gothic styles
• Historic floor capacity designed to fit up to 1,000 people
• Recognized as Fuzhou's oldest extant Catholic church in 1994

Visiting tips

Reflect on Fuzhou's complex heritage while traveling down Cha-ting Avenue, as the historic church structure was unlawfully demolished in 2002.

How long: 30-45 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

The Aowei Church of Holy Rosary is easy to reach on Fuzhou’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fuzhou travel guide.