Saint Joseph's Church

Saint Joseph's Church is a Catholic house of worship in Shanghai featuring a Latin cross floor plan and Gothic Revival architectural elements. Both the exterior facade and interior spaces display the distinctive details characteristic of this building style.

The church was established in 1860 after restrictions on Catholicism were lifted, allowing missionaries to construct new places of worship. This founding moment marked the start of its role as a significant religious institution in Shanghai.

The church transformed from serving mainly foreign worshippers to welcoming Chinese members over time. It became a gathering place that reflected the changing composition of Shanghai's population.

The building reopened in 1981 after undergoing major restoration work and now serves as an active religious center. Visitors can explore the church during operating hours and may attend services if they wish to participate in worship.

The church's name references Yangjingbang, a former river that once marked the boundary between British and French territories in Shanghai. Though this historical dividing line is no longer visible, the name preserves the memory of the city's divided past.

Location: Shanghai

Inception: 1860

GPS coordinates: 31.23056,121.49028

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07