St. Ignatius Cathedral Xujiahui
A stunning Neo-Gothic cathedral in Shanghai, featuring unique stained glass with Chinese characters and a peaceful garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
St. Ignatius Cathedral Xujiahui
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Neo-Gothic cathedral in Shanghai, featuring unique stained glass with Chinese characters and a peaceful garden.
"A 100 yrs old gothic church, that is free to enter but closed to tourists on Sunday, especially hours when mass is ongoing."
🎯 Check Mass Schedule
Avoid tourist closures on Sundays by checking mass times. English mass is usually midday.
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Take Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station, Exit 3 for direct access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neo-Gothic Architecture
Admire the stunning Neo-Gothic design of this historic Roman Catholic church, a peaceful sanctuary in the city.
Unique Stained Glass
Discover intricate stained glass windows featuring both traditional icons and distinct Chinese characters.
Front Garden Oasis
Enjoy a moment of tranquility in the quiet mini-garden located at the front of the cathedral.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Entry
Accessibility & Nearby Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Mass Schedule
Avoid tourist closures on Sundays by checking mass times. English mass is usually midday.
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Take Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station, Exit 3 for direct access.
📸 Respectful Photography
Be mindful of services; take photos respectfully, especially before mass begins.
📚 Nearby Library
Visit the Xujiahui Library next door for a combined cultural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Mass Schedule
Avoid tourist closures on Sundays by checking mass times. English mass is usually midday.
🚇 Easy Metro Access
Take Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station, Exit 3 for direct access.
📸 Respectful Photography
Be mindful of services; take photos respectfully, especially before mass begins.
📚 Nearby Library
Visit the Xujiahui Library next door for a combined cultural experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Ignatius Cathedral Xujiahui for its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture and unique stained glass windows featuring Chinese characters. It's a free, peaceful sanctuary in a busy district, though access can be restricted during Sunday mass. Some note that nearby attractions might have limited opening hours.
"A 100 yrs old gothic church, that is free to enter but closed to tourists on Sunday, especially hours when mass is ongoing. But I headed in anyway and I suppose as long as you remain respectful, no one will stop you. Hence not many photos as I was there just before mass began.
Be sure to go to the Xujiahui Library just next to the church."
Daphne Yeo
"Mass schedule:
+ Sat.: 18:00
+ Sun.: 6:00; 7:30; 10:00; 18:00, 12:00 (English Mass)
Very easy to access by metro: take line 1, station Xuijiahui, exit 3.
Nice church in Shanghai, with a quiet mini garden on front of."
An Truong
"We have been to Shanghai 5 years ago and the church was in renovation. However, we went to the church on a Monday this time and it was closed! We can only see the full church exterior and enjoy the nice garden just in front of the entrance plaza. Flanking the plaza is a modern building, quite a calm minimalist style, as a library. Unfortunately it was also closed on Monday so we have no access to any of the buildings.
we also notice that there is an old building nearby as an observatory museum - a decently restored building - but also closed on Monday! its not shown on the Google map but it is there just round the corner of the church.
We enjoyed to wander around but would be better to get access to the buildings. Please plan ahead your trip if you come to visit these places."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach St. Ignatius Cathedral Xujiahui is by taking Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station. Use Exit 3, and the cathedral will be very close by.
Yes, the cathedral is conveniently located near the numerous malls in the Xujiahui commercial center, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping.
Exit 3 of Xujiahui Station on Metro Line 1 is the most direct exit for St. Ignatius Cathedral.
Absolutely, Metro Line 1 is a major line that connects to many other parts of Shanghai, making the cathedral accessible from most areas.
While public transport is highly recommended, there are commercial parking lots in the surrounding Xujiahui business district, though they can be busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Ignatius Cathedral Xujiahui is free. However, it is closed to tourists during mass times, especially on Sundays.
The cathedral is generally open to visitors outside of mass times. It's best to check the specific mass schedule to avoid disappointment, as it can be closed to tourists on Sundays during services.
Yes, an English mass is typically held on Sundays at midday.
Some visitors have reported the cathedral being closed on Mondays, so it's advisable to confirm its accessibility before your visit.
Tourists are welcome but are asked to be respectful, especially during mass. It's closed to general tourism during service hours.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The cathedral is a beautiful example of Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring classic design elements and a grand facade.
The stained glass windows are notable for incorporating both traditional religious icons and unique Chinese characters, blending cultural influences.
Yes, there is a small, quiet garden in front of the entrance plaza, offering a peaceful spot to relax.
Photography is generally allowed, but visitors are asked to be respectful of worshippers and services. Avoid flash photography during mass.
Despite being in a bustling city center, the cathedral offers a spiritual and serene atmosphere for contemplation.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior facade, the front garden, and the unique stained glass windows are prime spots for photography.
It's best to refrain from taking photos during mass to maintain a respectful environment for worshippers.
Focus on the Neo-Gothic spires, the intricate window designs, and the blend of Western and Chinese elements in the stained glass.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while midday might offer good lighting for interior details if services aren't ongoing.
Tripods are generally discouraged inside places of worship, especially during services, to avoid obstructing others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking an English-speaking service, the Sunday midday mass is a convenient option, allowing children to experience a familiar religious service while traveling. The unique stained glass windows with Chinese characters might also spark curiosity and conversation with older children about cultural blending.
⛪ Religious Visitors
The cathedral's historical and architectural significance adds to the spiritual experience. Visitors can appreciate the Neo-Gothic design and the unique stained glass, finding a tranquil environment for prayer and reflection amidst the city's energy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a unique fusion of traditional Christian iconography with Chinese characters and motifs. This blend reflects the church's history and its role within the local community, making it a distinctive landmark. Exploring these windows offers a visual narrative of cultural integration.
While the cathedral's exterior is impressive, the interior is designed to evoke a sense of spiritual awe. The careful preservation and restoration efforts ensure that visitors can appreciate the architectural grandeur and the serene ambiance that has been maintained for over a century.
Navigating Your Visit
When planning your visit, be aware of the mass schedule. The cathedral is a functioning place of worship, and access for tourists is restricted during services, especially on Sundays. Checking the schedule beforehand can save you a trip, or you can plan to attend the English mass held on Sundays around midday if that suits your needs.
Beyond the cathedral itself, the surrounding area offers more to explore. The Xujiahui Library is located right next door, and the district is a major commercial hub with numerous shopping malls. Some visitors have noted that nearby historical buildings, like an observatory museum, might also be closed on Mondays, so it's wise to verify opening hours for any adjacent attractions you plan to visit.
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