Yangzhou Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Yangzhou Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

The Yangzhou Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is a cultural relics protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

It is now a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit, located at No. 25 Beihexia in the urban area. Originally built in the third year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1864), it was constructed by local Yangzhou craftsmen hired by a French priest from Shanghai who came to Yangzhou in the twelfth year of the Tongzhi reign (1873). The church faces east and sits west, covering a site area of 2,080 square meters with a building area of 1,302 square meters. The main gate is a Chinese-style glazed brick archway, inlaid with a stone plaque inscribed with the three characters “天主堂” (Catholic Church). The church is built in the medieval Gothic style, featuring a double-sloped roof with a copper cross atop the ridge. Its main façade has three arched doorways, flanked by bell towers. Inside, clustered columns are used, and the windows are fitted with stained glass, showcasing exquisite and ornate décor. To the south of the church stands an intact north-facing priests’ building. It is an important historical and cultural site along the Ancient Canal tourist route and currently serves as a venue for religious activities.

In April 1995, the Yangzhou Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church was designated as part of the fourth batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units