St. Joseph Cathedral

St. Joseph Cathedral in Heping is a church building with three towers topped by copper domes and walls covered in red and yellow tiles in Byzantine Revival style. The structure displays careful architectural planning with distinct interior spaces designed to accommodate religious gatherings.

The structure was built between 1913 and 1916 under the direction of French missionaries who introduced their faith and architectural traditions to the region. This construction period coincided with a time when foreign institutions became established in major Chinese cities.

The building served as a spiritual center for the Catholic community and represents the historical presence of Western faith traditions in China. Visitors can observe how it remains an active place of worship that bridges different cultural backgrounds in the city.

The interior provides space for religious services and is used by visitors from across the city, with ceremonies held in multiple languages. You can visit anytime to view the architecture or attend a service, though it is important to respect the active religious purposes of the building.

The building was constructed using materials transported thousands of kilometers across the ocean, reflecting the importance of this religious mission. This effort to bring materials from afar demonstrates how significant the project was for the foreign community.