Saint Ignatius Cathedral

Saint Ignatius Cathedral is a Gothic Revival church in Xuhui District with two 57-meter bell towers and brick construction. The interior is supported by sixty-four stone pillars from Mount Jin, which together with nineteen altars and biblical scenes create an expansive sacred space.

The church was constructed between 1906 and 1910 by English architect William Dowdall and replaced an earlier building from 1851. The new construction reflected a desire to strengthen the religious presence in the district with a larger, more imposing structure.

The cathedral blends Western and Chinese design elements, visible in stained glass windows that incorporate Chinese characters alongside religious imagery. This mix reflects how the place has served as a meeting point of different cultures over time.

Access is through Exit 3 of Xujiahui Metro Station, which is located nearby. Visitors should note that opening hours vary, with weekday mornings reserved for services and weekends offering more time for sightseeing.

The site was used in 1987 for Steven Spielberg's film Empire of the Sun, serving as a location for the opening scenes. This makes the building of interest to those who enjoy visiting places connected to notable film productions.

Location: Xuhui District

Inception: 1910

Architects: William Dowdall

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Made from material: brick

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 06:15-07:00; Saturday 16:30-18:00; Sunday 06:00-18:00

GPS coordinates: 31.19306,121.43139

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04