Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Roman Catholic cathedral in Beijing, China

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, known locally as Nantang or the South Church, is a three-courtyard complex at 141 Qianmen West Street in Xicheng District. Its main church faces south, built of brick with a Baroque facade of three arched doorways framed by carved brickwork. The interior uses a dome design with rose windows on both sides. The present structure, the fourth church on the site, dates from 1904.

The site was founded by Italian missionary Matteo Ricci in 1605, marking the beginning of Catholic presence in Beijing. The current Baroque structure was built in 1904 following decades of rebuilding and reconstruction.

Locals call it Nantang, "the South Church", a name that distinguishes it from Beijing's East and West churches. Masses are held in several languages, including English, Italian with Spanish readings, and Latin. On 21 December 1979 Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan was consecrated here, the first major Catholic event in China after the Cultural Revolution.

The building is open daily for visitors to explore at their own pace. Keep in mind that active religious services take place throughout the day, so respectful conduct is expected during worship times.

The 1904 facade carries the coat of arms of Pope Pius X, who reigned at the time, with a cross and the letter M above it for Christ and the Virgin Mary. Look up: these symbols are still visible on the upper middle front. The cathedral closed in December 2018 for renovation and reopened in July 2022.