Catholic Church of Dali Ancient Town

The Catholic Church of Dali Ancient Town is located in a quiet alley of Renmin Road, Dali Ancient Town. It was built in 1927. The official introduction of Catholicism to Yunnan was in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The architectural features of the church are unique, regarded as the national treasure that blends the characteristics of the local Bai culture with the Han and Western architecture, enjoying a flying arch and a beautiful painting. The Dali is Ancient Town is beautiful, quiet and charming. It has rich multi-ethnic culture and traditional Chinese Han culture, and the unique combination of Western culture. Catholic Church is the evidence of the integration of Chinese and Western culture.

Why is Catholic Church of Dali Ancient so special?

The Catholic Church shows the harmony of Chinese and Western culture. The church is the combination of the features of Bai, Han and Western architecture. In 1983, it was entitled as the “Relics Protection Unit” by the Dali Cultural Relics Department.

Where is Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church is in Dali Ancient Town, located at the north of Xiaguan Town, 13 kilometers away. This ancient city is situated between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Distance from other famous attractions in Dali
About 5 kilometers from Erhai Lake
About 2.3 kilometers from Three Pagodas of Dali
About 1.9 kilometers from Cangshan Mountain
About 24.7 kilometers from Shuanglang

How to Get to Catholic Church?

Travelers can use our private car taking to Dali Ancient Town from Dali Airport or Dali Railway Station at first. If you are independent travelers, you can take bus or go by taxi.

1.By Car

From Dali Airport: It is about 30 km from Dali Airport to Dali Ancient Town. There are airport shuttle running between the airport to Dali Old Town. The drive takes about 40 minutes. If by taxi, it may cost around 80~100 Yuan.

From Dali Railway Station: It is about 26 km from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient Town. Travelers can take No.8 bus outside of the railway station to Dali Ancient Town, which takes about 40 minutes. If by taxi, it may cost around 50 Yuan.

2.By Bus

Taking bus No.4, No.8 in Xiaguan about 40 minutes to the Dali Ancient Town, the fare is 2 yuan. People who take bus No.8 can choose to get off at the east gate. In Yuer road there is touring bus passing Wind Flower Snow and Moon Hotel, Guozi Garden, Bluestone Bridge, Yeyu Road, Yuer Park, Boai Crossing and Cangshan Mountain Gate. In addition, visitors can take the minibus to Dali Ancient Town in Jianshe Road and Cultural Road, about 30 minutes to reach the old city. There are three options of transportation of electronic mobile, mountain bike and walk for tourists in Dali Ancient Town.

History of Cotholic Church

The official introduction of Catholicism into Yunnan was in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. There were two main ways: First, the Queen, and the royal family members of the “Yongli Royal Family” in Nanming; second, some Tibetan members migrated to Sichuan. In the northeastern part of Yunnan, which is today’s northeastern part of Zhaotong, Yanjin County, and then Sichuan priests went from Yibin to Yunnan for pastoral visits and missionary work, which led to the further development of Catholicism in Yunnan.

In 1696, with the increasing number of church members, Yunnan established a pastoral area, but for various reasons, the two bishops did not take up their posts, so they were later merged into the Sichuan Diocese.

In 1840, the Yunnan Diocese was established again. The Bishop’s Office was set up in Longxi Village, Yanjin County, Zhaotong. Later, in 1876, it moved to Kunshan East Road to establish the Bishop’s Office. In 1936, it moved to its current address. With the continuous development of Catholicism in Yunnan, by 1946, Yunnan was divided into three parishes of Kunming, Dali and Zhaotong. The Dali diocese was established in 1929.

Architecture Feature

When we step into a narrow and quaint little street full of Bai architecture, we will see a quaint church that blends traditional Chinese and Bai architectural styles. Its church architecture is unique. It is famous for its unique style of architectural structure, exquisite carving art, and the blending of Chinese and Western architecture. At home and abroad, priests and tourists from all over the world come here to visit and visit.

According to the local old believers, the church was built in 1927. In 1983, with the support of the relevant government departments, the church was completely renovated. It was completed and opened at the end of the year. The church is a Bai temple style. The altar in the church is made of locally marble. The church is carved and painted inside and outside, and has a strong Bai architectural style. The “four-in-five patio” of the church’s annex building complements the main building of the church, echoing each other, and the flowers and trees are hidden among them, making the whole church more religious, quiet and full of vitality.

From the front, the church looks like a flying dragon, reflecting the strong traditional Chinese cultural thoughts – the descendants of dragon, Chinese; from the side, it looks like a huge ship, symbolizing the church as anchored by Noah’s Ark. Voyage brings hope, justice, peace and love to mankind. According to local people, the shape of the church is also taken from the Bible, Luke 8:22-25. Jesus calms the teachings and connotations of the storm. As long as there is love and peace, people can overcome difficulties.

Walking into the church, it seems to have entered ancient galleries and museums. The northern walls are covered with ancient and excellent Western paintings. The south wall is inlaid with a beautiful Chinese landscape painting. The front three paintings and the middle one are churches. According to the introduction, there are more than 60 paintings on the entire church wall, which give us the wonderful enjoyment, endless reverie and thinking. Localization and situationalization are the best ways to spread and survive and develop. It is also the cause we are striving for and engaged in now.

Nearby Attractions

1.Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town is a historic town with rich culture located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Unlike any other Chinese town, the traditional Bai ethnic houses give the town distinctive feel. Travelers can wonder in this leisure town to appreciate the unique ethnic architecture and discover its profound history and culture.

Useful Travel Tips

1.Best Time to Visit 
A lot of festivals and events of Bai nationality focused on March to April each year, travel at this time you will feel rich ethnic customs. And there is a song: “March in Dali has good scenery”, so in the spring, it is suitable whether it is traveling to Dali, or climbing Canshang Mountain, visiting Erhai Lake.

2. What to Pack
Dali belongs to the low altitude plateau monsoon climate and ultraviolet ray is strong. Travelers should bring usual clothes and necessities as well as sunscreen cream and sunglasses to protect yourselves.

Overview

Originally named “Trinity Church” (三一圣堂), the Kunming Trinity International Protestant Church was established in 1903. In 1963, the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Christianity (云南省基督教三自爱国运动委员会) was founded, with its office located within the church. The original church was restored in December 1984 and became the office location for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations” (云南省基督教“两会”) in 1986. However, in February 1997, the original Trinity Church was demolished to make way for urban development in Kunming.

On June 22, 2003, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church complex took place, and the name was changed to “Trinity International Protestant Church” (三一国际礼拜堂). The church was completed in December 2004, and the opening service was held on December 12.

Architectural Features

The church complex features Gothic architectural style and covers a total area of 4,018 square meters. The new church is situated on the first to third floors of the complex, occupying 2,000 square meters. The fourth to seventh floors serve as the ministry center for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations.” The total investment for the church complex was 15 million yuan.

Key Information

• Type: Architecture
• Completion Date: December 2004
• Building Area: 2,000 m²
• Established: 1903

Historical Context

The original Trinity Church was located at 218 Wucheng Road (原武成路218号) in Kunming. After its completion, it became the center for the activities of the “Inland Mission” (内地会) in Yunnan Province. The church featured a worship hall facing the street, with living quarters for clergy in the backyard. The building had three stories, with the first floor serving as a corridor, the second floor housing two offices and a meeting space accommodating thirty to forty people, and the third floor designated as additional office space. The main worship hall had a capacity of four to five hundred people.

In 1963, the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Christianity was established within the Trinity Church. The church resumed services in December 1984. By 1986, it had become the office for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations.” However, in February 1997, the church was demolished to facilitate road expansion as part of urban construction in Kunming.

After the demolition, the congregation faced nearly eight years of challenges, temporarily holding services in various venues, including the Wuyi Cinema, Yuantong Cinema, Daguan Cinema, Gordon Building, and outdoors at the church site. During this difficult period, many believers prayed in tears, eagerly anticipating the construction of a new church.

With the support and care of the provincial government, relevant departments, and various communities, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church complex was finally held on June 22, 2003. It was announced that, with approval from the Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau, the church was renamed “Trinity International Protestant Church.” After one and a half years of hard work, the new church was completed in December 2004, and an opening thanksgiving service was held on December 12.

Community Impact

From 1984 to the end of 2006, over 10,000 believers were baptized at the Kunming Trinity International Protestant Church. Currently, more than 4,000 participants attend Sunday services regularly. In 2005, 500 individuals were baptized, followed by another 400 in 2006. The church has eight full-time staff members, including three pastors, four preachers, and one accountant. The number of congregants continues to grow as the church develops.

The new Trinity International Protestant Church is blessed with abundant grace from the Lord, welcoming new missions in the 21st century. The congregation strives to unite in love and work together to revive the holy work of the Lord. May this sanctuary be wholly dedicated to Jehovah as holy; may each person entering the temple be like living stones, built into a spiritual house, serving as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (提摩太前书2:50). May the Lord’s grace, peace, and blessings be abundant for us.

Contact Information

• Address: 188 Renmin Middle Road (人民中路188号), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)

Overview

The Kunming YMCA (昆明基督教青年会旧址) is a designated cultural heritage site in Yunnan Province (云南省). The YMCA was established on September 15, 1931, and completed in October 1933. Initially located on Wanzhong Street (万钟街), it moved to No. 4 Dingxin Street (鼎新街) in 1935. The facility consists of three buildings, with a central tower flanked by U-shaped structures.

The architectural style is a blend of Chinese and Western elements. The doors and windows exhibit traditional Chinese design, topped with European-style stone window and door frames. The roofs are tiled, and the interior features a mix of traditional Chinese wooden partition walls and European-style plastered wooden divisions.

Historical Significance

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Kunming YMCA was renowned for its tutorial school, which was led by Ye Chongji (叶崇基), a local from Kunming. The school employed teachers from various high schools and colleges in Kunming, offering high-quality education at reasonable fees with convenient accommodations. It provided assistance and tuition reductions to the underprivileged, attracting many students from diverse backgrounds, including those who were unemployed, out of school, or working.

This tutorial school was the largest and most comprehensive in Kunming from the 1930s to the late 1940s. It specialized in subjects like English and commercial accounting and gained a reputation both locally and beyond due to the involvement of teachers from Southwest Associated University (西南联大) and students who worked part-time or sought additional English training at the school.

In late 1958, following the merger of the city’s Christian associations, the YMCA site on Dingxin Street was handed over to the Municipal Housing Management Bureau, transforming it into the Kunming Youth Palace (昆明市少年宫). After the relocation of the Youth Palace, the site was converted into residential housing.

Cultural Heritage Status

Due to its unique architectural style and historical significance in the spread of Christianity in Kunming, the building was designated as a district-level cultural heritage site in 2002. It was upgraded to a municipal cultural heritage site in 2011 and further recognized as a provincial cultural heritage site in 2012.

Contact Information

• Address: Old YMCA Building, No. 4 Dingxin Jie (鼎新街4号), Kunming (昆明)
• Phone: (0871) 65181933

Overview

Beijing Road Catholic Church (昆明市北京路天主教堂) is located on Beijing Road (北京路) in Kunming (昆明市). The reconstruction site of the church is situated at the intersection of Beijing Road and Jinbi Road (金碧路). The original church, known as “Teresa Church” (德肋撒堂), was built in 1935. In 1980, it was renamed “Sacred Heart of Jesus Church” (耶稣圣心堂). Due to years of disrepair, the church had become a dangerous structure. In 2007, the Yunnan Provincial Catholic “Two Associations” (云南省天主教“两会” ) obtained approval from the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government for reconstruction.

Location

• Chinese Name: 昆明市北京路天主教堂
• Location: 北京路, 昆明市 (Beijing Road, Kunming)

Investment and Construction Details

The total investment for the new Beijing Road Catholic Church is expected to exceed 150 million yuan (15000万元). It will cover an area of 25,000 square meters (25000 m²). As of February 24, the foundation pile work at the construction site has been completed. Comprehensive construction of the main structure is expected to begin after the rainy season in 2011, aiming for completion of the main project by the end of 2012.

This construction is significant for promoting the development of the Catholic Church in China and fostering harmonious development between religion and society in Yunnan Province (云南省).

Kunming Saint John Gospel Church (昆明圣约翰堂) is one of the two Christian churches currently open in Kunming. This church features the traditional architectural style of the Reformation period, with a rectangular auditorium oriented north-south. It has no columned aisles and features arched windows on both side walls. The pulpit is located at the north end of the main hall, with the choir situated on the west side of the pulpit.

Historical Significance

An inscription is embedded in the wall at the entrance of Saint John Gospel Church, located at No. 12 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District. The inscription is made of marble and features two large marble tablets, inscribed in both Chinese and English, which read: “This hall is dedicated to God and commemorates the allied soldiers who died in China, 1937 to 1945.”

The church was built in 1915, based on the original Anglican Church established on Wanzhong Street. During the Anti-Japanese War, some “Anglican” believers from the American forces stationed in Kunming would come here for weekly worship.

When the renovation of the church was completed in 1946, urns containing the ashes of 17 Flying Tiger (飞虎队) pilots who sacrificed their lives during the Anti-Japanese War were hung on both sides of the church (these urns were taken away by the American consul when he left Kunming in 1948). In 1947, the original wooden structure of the church was dismantled, and a new brick and wood structure was built to accommodate hundreds of worshippers.

After its completion, the church was named the “Memorial Hall for American Troops Assisting in the War” (来华助战美军纪念堂). In 1948, the church on Wanzhong Street was transformed into a cathedral, named “Saint John Church.” The church follows the traditional architectural style of the Reformation period, featuring a rectangular auditorium oriented north-south, no columned aisles, arched windows on both side walls, a pulpit at the north end of the main hall, and a choir on the west side of the pulpit.

In 1958, the Anglican Church merged with other denominations, and Saint John Church was no longer used as a church. After 1962, Saint John Church was closed. In 1986, it was returned to the Christian “Two Associations” in Kunming and was later rebuilt.

Current Status

Currently, it is designated as a district-level cultural relic protection unit in Wuhua District.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 0871-63661235

Estimated Visit Duration:

• 1-3 hours

Admission Fees:

• Please consult the scenic area for specific details.

Opening Hours:

• 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)

Location:

• No. 12 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市五华区东风西路12号)

The XiAn Christian Church (基督教“锡安圣堂”), located at No. 26 Jinbi Road, Kunming, was founded in 1922, making it over a century old!

Historical Background

The church is situated on Jinbi Road. In 1921, the newly established Southwest District of the Christian Church in Kunming purchased property and land on Guangju Street (now Jinbi Road) to build a church. After the land transaction, the design of the new church was entrusted to the British missionary Yilifan (易理藩). Following a careful survey of the terrain and meticulous drafting of plans, Yilifan completed the architectural drawings. He then traveled to London to report to the General Assembly of the Christian Church, presenting the plans and discussing the construction. After reviewing the drawings and hearing Yilifan’s presentation, the General Assembly allocated the necessary funds for the construction. A year later, in 1922, Yilifan returned to Kunming, and construction of the church officially commenced.

Architectural Features

After two years of construction, the church was finally completed. Its architecture includes:

• An iron gate
• A street-facing building
• A chapel that can accommodate thousands
• A garden
• Residential quarters for the clergy

The layout of the church is rigorous and reasonable, creating a religious atmosphere that evokes a sense of solemnity and seriousness. Upon completion, the church was initially unnamed, with the words “Christian Worship Hall” (基督教礼拜堂) inscribed on the stone gate to the west of the iron gate. It was officially named “Zion Church” (锡安圣堂) in 1935, with “Zion” derived from the Bible, meaning a beautiful and blessed place.

Significant Events and Influence

Before it was destroyed, Zion Church had considerable influence in Kunming. Many influential figures and celebrities residing in Kunming chose to hold Western-style weddings at Zion Church. Notable weddings held there include:

• Nationalist general Wei Lihuang (卫立煌)
• Southwest United University beauty Gao Xunquan (高训铨) and Jin Lizhu (金丽珠)
• Talented woman Lu Baohua (卢葆华)
• Famous chemist Chen Ruyu (陈茹玉)

In addition to hosting weddings, the church established several private schools and kindergartens before the liberation. For instance, Tian Nan Middle School (天南中学), which gained some fame in Kunming during the 1940s, was initially located within the church from 1939 to 1945. The church also founded En Guang Private Women’s School (恩光私立女中), which merged with Kunming No. 3 Middle School after liberation. The predecessor of Kunming No. 3 Kindergarten (昆明市第三幼儿园) was the affiliated kindergarten of En Guang Private Women’s School.

Challenges and Renovations

During the Cultural Revolution, all religious activities at the church were halted, and the property was repurposed for factory use. In 1981, Zion Church reopened. However, in February 1990, a fire caused by aging electrical wiring destroyed the entire building. Following the destruction, the Christian community in Kunming actively donated funds and designed a new church, which was completed on June 20, 1993. This is the church we see today.

Current Status

The new church features a reinforced concrete structure with a building area of 1,500 square meters, oriented south to north. Architectural features include:

• A three-opening entrance, decorated with a Lombard-style portico featuring a semicircular arch and two corresponding decorative columns.
• Three elongated decorative windows made of blue glass in the portico.
• An interior layout consisting of three levels: the first level includes an entrance hall with stairs; the second level is a meeting room; the third level contains storage and a warehouse.
• Decorative columns topped with conical embellishments, showcasing Gothic architectural characteristics. The chapel’s southern end features a four-story structure.

Originally, Zion Church was planned to be demolished and rebuilt in 2005, but various reasons have delayed the project. Although the church is currently mostly unused and has not engaged in any religious activities, and the entire building appears somewhat old, its century-old history and unique architectural style continue to make it a distinctive landmark in Kunming!

Overview

Baiwu Village Catholic Church (白雾村天主教堂), also known as St. Joseph’s Church (圣若瑟堂), covers an area of 1,225 square meters and was funded and constructed by Italian missionaries. The exact date of the Western missionaries’ arrival in Naguzhen (娜姑镇) is uncertain; however, it is recorded that in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign (光绪, 1883), an Italian built a Catholic church in front of Panlong Temple (盘龙寺) in Baiwu Village (白雾村).

Architecture

The church is located on the western section of Baiwu Street (白雾街), facing south. The building consists of a gate tower, east and west wings, and the church itself. The gate tower has a width of 3.6 meters and a depth of 4.9 meters, featuring a traditional Chinese-style roof. Upon entering the gate tower and crossing the courtyard, visitors find the church with a soaring roof topped with a cross. The facade is adorned with sunflower patterns and features the words “St. Joseph’s Church” in Chinese, reflecting typical Western architectural style.

The church was built in 1883 and includes facilities for Western medicine, highlighting its role in the community beyond religious activities. The intricate design of this small church within the majestic Wumong Mountains (乌蒙山) suggests the former vibrancy and prosperity of Baiwu Village.

Architectural Features

Church Structure

The church is strategically located on the western section of Baiwu Street (白雾街), oriented southward. The overall structure comprises:

• Gate Tower (门楼):
  • Width: 3.6 meters
  • Depth: 4.9 meters
  • Eaves Height: 3.36 meters
  • Features a traditional Chinese-style roof with intricate floral designs.
• Main Church (正殿):
  • The interior features a mix of Western and Chinese architectural elements, showcasing a unique cultural fusion.
  • The roof is elevated with a cross at the peak, enhancing its visibility and prominence in the village.
  • The facade displays sunflower motifs and the inscription “圣若瑟堂,” emphasizing its Catholic identity.
• Wings (厢房):
  • Two wings flanking the church each have a width of 35 meters and a depth of 65 meters, with an eaves height of 4.6 meters.
  • The design includes wooden lattice doors, characteristic of Qing Dynasty (清朝) architecture.

Overall Dimensions

• Main Hall (礼堂):
  • Width: 13.5 meters
  • Depth: 15.8 meters
  • Features a “W”-shaped roof with a cross and decorative circular motifs above the entrance.

Surrounding Facilities

In addition to the church, there is the Yangji Institute (养济院), also known as the “Old People’s Home,” located at the northeast corner of Baiwu Street. This facility covers 410 square meters and consists of three main rooms and additional wings.

Historical Context

In 1913, an Italian priest from Zhaotong (昭通) funded the reconstruction of the Catholic Church in Baiwu Village, relocating it from its original site. This new establishment included the construction of a convent and a Western medical clinic, enhancing the community’s resources and services. Following its restoration in 2011, the church was entrusted to the Baiwu Catholic Church management group.

The church’s construction and its continuous service highlight the enduring legacy of Catholicism in this remote village, once bustling with life and cultural exchange.

Cultural Significance

St. Joseph’s Church is a symbol of the cultural interactions between Western missionaries and local traditions. The blend of architectural styles illustrates the adaptive nature of cultural practices in rural Yunnan, showcasing how local communities embraced foreign influences while retaining their unique identity.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• From Zhaotong (昭通): Baiwu Village can be reached via local buses or taxis. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on traffic conditions.
• Public Transport: Check local schedules for bus services heading towards Huize County (会泽县).

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.
• Respect Local Customs: As a religious site, visitors should dress modestly and conduct themselves respectfully, especially during services or religious events.
• Photography: Be mindful when taking photographs, especially inside the church, and seek permission if necessary.

Overview

The Xiaoweixi Catholic Church (小维西天主教堂), also known as the Sacred Heart Church (圣心堂), is located in Xiaoweixi Village (小维西村) within the Baijixun Township (白济讯乡) of Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Established in the sixth year of the Guangxu era (1880 AD), it took one year to complete. Covering an area of approximately 6 acres, the church features a main hall surrounded by front and back courtyards, as well as gardens and vegetable plots.

Historical Development

The Xiaoweixi Catholic Church was built under the guidance of foreign missionary Ding Deliang (丁德良) in 1881. Before the liberation, it housed a church-run primary school with over 60 students. The church also provided medical services and sheltered elderly individuals with disabilities. Religious activities ceased during the Cultural Revolution (文化大革命), but in 1984, policies allowed the church to be returned to the congregation, which led to a revival of activities. The county government provided funding for renovations starting in 1985, turning it into the center for Catholic activities in Weixi County.

In 1989, it was designated as a cultural heritage site of Weixi County, and in 2012, it was further recognized as a cultural heritage site of Diqing Prefecture. The protected area spans 1966.38 square meters.

Main Attractions

The church complex is symmetrically arranged along a central axis, featuring the main entrance, the Sacred Heart Church, dormitories for male and female students, classrooms, an elderly care facility, a pharmacy, storage rooms, and a dining hall, alongside a vineyard, orchard, and garden. Despite historical challenges, the main structure, the Sacred Heart Church, remains well-preserved.

Architectural Features

• Sacred Heart Church: The core of the Xiaoweixi Catholic Church, it faces northeast with a “T” shaped layout. The building showcases traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring a heavy eaved roof covered in blue tiles and wooden structural elements.
• Interior Design: The main hall’s ceiling is adorned with celestial motifs, including 60 star illustrations and 170 stars. The walls are decorated with colorful paintings depicting auspicious Chinese motifs like “Phoenix and Peony” (凤凰牡丹图) and “Water Birds and Lotus” (水鸟荷花图), as well as biblical stories and Catholic doctrines.
• Main Entrances: The church has two entrances: one traditional Chinese style (Gate 1) and an iron-gate style (Gate 2). The first gate features intricate wooden carvings and a cross atop the roof, while the second serves as a vehicle entrance and emergency exit.

Unique Features

The Xiaoweixi Catholic Church is the oldest Catholic church in Weixi County and Diqing Prefecture that is well-preserved. The church’s compact structure, decorative ridge carvings, and elegant craftsmanship represent a rare blend of Chinese temple architecture and Western church features. Its unique design embodies the typical Bahteli style of church architecture.

The church stands as a crucial physical evidence of the famous Weixi Catholic incident during the late Qing Dynasty, providing valuable insights into the history of Catholicism in the region. This architectural gem not only holds significant historical and artistic value but also serves as an important site for the study of local religious culture and customs.

How to Get There

• By Car: The church is accessible via car. From the nearest urban center, travel towards Baijixun Township, following local road signs to Xiaoweixi Village. Parking may be available near the church.
• Public Transport: Public transport options may be limited, so consider hiring a taxi or joining a local tour group for convenience.

Travel Tips

• Visiting Duration: Allocate about 1-2 hours for your visit to explore the church and its surroundings thoroughly.
• Best Time to Visit: The church can be visited year-round, but consider going during daylight hours for the best lighting for photography.
• Cultural Sensitivity: As this is a religious site, dress modestly and respect local customs and practices.
• Photography: Be mindful when taking photos inside the church, as some areas may have restrictions.
• Local Amenities: There may be limited dining options nearby, so plan accordingly. Bringing snacks or water is recommended.

Yunnan Travel Guide

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Kunming XiAn Christian Church

The XiAn Christian Church (基督教“锡安圣堂”), located at No. 26 Jinbi Road, Kunming, was founded in 1922, making it over a century old! Historical Background The church is situated on...

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• Churches
• Churches in Kunming
• Kunming
• Wuhua District

Baiwu Village Catholic Church in Huize County, Qujing

Overview Baiwu Village Catholic Church (白雾村天主教堂), also known as St. Joseph’s Church (圣若瑟堂), covers an area of 1,225 square meters and was funded and constructed by Italian missionaries. The...

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• Churches
• Huize County
• Qujing

Xiaoweixi Catholic Church in Weixi County, Diqing

Overview The Xiaoweixi Catholic Church (小维西天主教堂), also known as the Sacred Heart Church (圣心堂), is located in Xiaoweixi Village (小维西村) within the Baijixun Township (白济讯乡) of Weixi Lisu Autonomous...

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• Churches
• Diqing
• Three Parallel Rivers
• Weixi County