St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Xi Kai Church), Tianjin

St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Xi Kai Church), Tianjin

St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Xi Kai Church), Tianjin is a cultural tourism attraction.

Introduction

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, also known as the French Church, is located in the area of Old Xi Kai beyond the former Qiangzi River on Dushan Road, Binjiang Road, Heping District, Tianjin—hence the name. It includes the Catholic Cathedral and the main church, built in 1914 and 1917 respectively by the French Catholic Church. The main church features a French Romanesque architectural style, stands 45 meters tall, and has a construction area of 1,585 square meters. It has a long cruciform floor plan, with three tall towers standing at the front and rear forming a "品"-shaped layout. The tower bases are built from yellow and red bricks, topped with emerald green domed spires. The eaves are adorned with semicircular arch windows. The interior follows a three-aisle nave design, with colorful murals painted on the walls and rich decorations.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the largest church in Tianjin. It has been newly renovated and is now open to the public.

The full name of St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the Catholic Cathedral of Xi Kai, also known as the Old Xi Kai Church or the French Church. Located on Dushan Road, Binjiang Road, Heping District, Tianjin, the cathedral faces northeast. It was constructed in 1916 under the supervision of French missionary Bishop Paul-Marie Dumond. During the Anti-Japanese War, nearly 34 hectares of Chinese land near Old Xi Kai were annexed by the French Concession. Because it was situated within the French Concession and built by French missionaries, locals also referred to it as the French Church. At the time of its construction, the French Concession dispatched police to patrol the area. After the church's completion, an incident occurred where French Concession police disarmed and detained Chinese officers stationed at Zhangzhuang Bridge, triggering large-scale protests among Tianjin residents. Later, the area remained under long-term Sino-French joint administration. The church itself was originally located within Chinese territory, with its main gate directly facing Foch Road (now Binjiang Road) inside the French Concession, making it appear particularly majestic. Adjacent to the church was the “Franco-Chinese School” (now Tianjin No. 21 Middle School), built at the same time, and behind it was the mission hospital (now Tianjin Maternity Hospital). The architectural style of St. Joseph’s Cathedral is Romanesque, featuring three adjacent green domes that reach 45 meters in height, each topped with a bronze cross. The main structure is built from red and yellow patterned bricks. Inside the church, there are numerous murals and a grand pipe organ. In the front courtyard is a holy water font, with two side entrances—male and female worshippers enter through separate doors. Weddings can be held in the church, but both parties must be Catholics. The church appeals to urban professionals and intellectuals who seek a solemn, sacred, and romantic atmosphere. The Catholic Church has always advocated for the sanctity of marriage, mutual love between spouses, and a passion for life.

Time Needed

1 hour

Transportation

Take bus routes 35, 50, 606, 631, 632, 641, 643, etc., and get off at Binjiang Road (International Mall) Station.

Admission

Free

Opening Hours

(Mass Schedule): Weekdays at 6:00 and 7:30; Sundays at 6:00, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30, 15:00, and 19:00. The 7:30 mass is a public mass, and the 11:30 mass is in English.

Location

No. 9, Xining Road, Heping District, Tianjin