St. Joseph's Church, Beijing

St. Joseph's Church is a Catholic church on Wangfujing Street in Dongcheng District, recognizable by its three bell towers and grey brick walls. The building features Romanesque Revival style with wooden interior elements and occupies a spacious plot in the heart of the city.

An Italian Jesuit named Lodovico Buglio founded the original congregation in 1653 with the Shunzhi Emperor's permission. Over the following centuries, the structure endured significant damage but was eventually restored.

Named after Saint Joseph, the church has served as a gathering place for Beijing's Catholic community since its foundation. Today, visitors notice how the site becomes a social hub during religious celebrations, drawing worshippers and curious onlookers alike.

The church is located at 74 Wangfujing Street and is easily accessible by subway. The nearest metro station is just a short walk away, and the surrounding area offers shops and restaurants for visitors.

The building survived an earthquake in 1720, the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and destruction during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Each time it was damaged, it was reconstructed, making it a symbol of resilience in Beijing's religious history.

Location: Beijing

Inception: 1904

Founders: Lodovico Buglio, Gabriel de Magalhães

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.91583,116.40583

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00