If you are exploring Shenyang in Liaoning Province, China, make sure to visit Xita Church, a Protestant church serving the local Korean Chinese community. Located at No. 37 Shifu Dalu in the Heping District's Xita area, this historical spiritual site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.
When you arrive, you will see a modern six-storey church building that was officially dedicated in 1993, catering to a growing congregation of 3,000 Christians today. As you look to the right side of the main building, you can see the original historical church structure completed in 1917. The church’s roots trace back to 1913, when five female missionaries from Uiju in North Pyongan, Korea, first arrived in the area.
Over the decades, the site experienced notable milestones, including its closure from 1966 to 1979 during the Cultural Revolution, pastor leadership under Wu Aien starting in 1981, and the introduction of a Chinese-language group in 2003 alongside its traditional Korean Chinese community. Whether you are interested in regional history, local religious architecture, or learning about Shenyang's diverse history, visiting Xita Church allows you to view both historic and contemporary worship spaces standing side by side.
What to see at Xita Church
- See the present-day six-storey main church building dedicated in 1993
- View the original 1917 church structure preserved on the right side
- Learn about its founding by five female Korean missionaries in 1913
- Discover a active community serving 3,000 Korean Chinese and Chinese-language Christians
Visiting tips
Look for the preserved original 1917 church structure located on the right side of the modern building at No. 37 Shifu Dalu.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Xita 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.
See the full Shenyang travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.