Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Chengdu

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a cruciform building with a neo-Byzantine facade and Renaissance design elements located at 29 Pinganqiao Street in Chengdu. The structure blends these Western architectural styles with local Sichuan building traditions into a single religious complex.

A French missionary started construction of this cathedral in 1897, and the religious complex was completed in 1904. The building has stood since then as a record of early European Christian presence in the region.

The cathedral blends European church design with local architectural influences, creating a space where the Catholic community of Chengdu has maintained its spiritual traditions. Visitors can observe how Western religious practices continue to shape daily life within these walls today.

The church is located on Pinganqiao Street and is a large complex with several buildings, so allow time to explore the grounds. The interior layout is straightforward to navigate, and visitors can see the different sections of the complex.

The core of the building displays artistic design where Western religious symbolism connects with Chinese characters in the structural elements. This blend shows how the architecture itself tells a story of cultural exchange and adaptation.

Location: Qingyang District

Location: Sichuan

Inception: 1897

Founders: Jacques-Victor-Marius Rouchouse

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture, Renaissance Revival architecture, Sichuanese architecture

GPS coordinates: 30.66639,104.05944

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03