Sheshan Basilica of Our Lady

Sheshan Basilica of Our Lady

The Sheshan Basilica of Our Lady is a renowned Catholic church in the Shanghai area, located atop West Sheshan Mountain and known as the "largest church in the Far East." Initially built by French missionaries in 1871, it underwent several renovations, with the current structure expanded in 1925.

The basilica features European Baroque-style architecture, with some building materials and decorations incorporating traditional Chinese architectural techniques, making it a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. The Catholic church blends harmoniously with the small hill it sits on, with a naturally coordinated silhouette. The entire building has a Latin cross layout. The basilica has 3,000 seats and can accommodate nearly 4,000 worshippers.

The main altar is made of marble, with some windows inlaid with stained glass, and the roof is covered with glazed tiles. Eight large bells are arranged in a specific musical note sequence on the bell tower, with the spire reaching 38 meters in height; atop it stands a Virgin Mary statue cast in bronze, standing 8 meters tall.

In 1942, the Pope of Rome designated the Sheshan Catholic Church as a "Basilica," making it a sacred site for Catholic pilgrims in China. On the winding path from the mountain foot to the summit, there are 14 Stations of the Cross shelters, each featuring a relief sculpture of the Passion of Jesus, along with three shrine pavilions and a central hall. Pilgrims ascending Sheshan for worship follow the winding Stations of the Cross path step by step.

Transportation

Bus routes: Tourist Line 1 (B Route) (Shanghai Stadium Shanghai Tourism Distribution Center — Sheshan);

South-Sheshan Special Line (Nanpu Bridge — Sheshan);

Hucheng Line (West District Bus Station — Sheshan);

Garden Special Line (Gate 2 of Shanghai Stadium, final stop of Bus 42 — Sheshan);

Gong-Sheshan Tourism Special Line (Final stop of Bus 65 at North Zhongshan Road — Sheshan);

West-Sheshan Tourism Shuttle (Shanghai West Railway Station — Sheshan).

Admission

Ticket price: Free

Attraction location

West Sheshan Park, Waiqingsong Highway, Songjiang District, Shanghai (near the top of West Sheshan)