Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church

Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church

Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Chengdu Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church is currently the largest Catholic church in Chengdu and also serves as the seat of the Diocese of Chengdu. It was built in 1897 by Bishop Louis-Simon Faurie from France, who recruited craftsmen from nearby counties such as Chongzhou, Dayi, and Qionglai. The construction took seven years to complete. The Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church includes both large and small churches, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and the Bishop’s Office. The church is designed in a cross shape, the Bishop’s Office in a bundle shape, and the entire architectural complex in a solemn shape, creating a unique, simple, and elegant atmosphere. The Church of the Immaculate Conception can accommodate over a thousand people, while the smaller church is dedicated to services by the bishop and priests. The surrounding corridors are spacious and interconnected, with 108 grand nanmu wood pillars. Three garden courtyards within the complex divide the main church and the Church of the Immaculate Conception into structured cloisters. There are 104 two-story rooms around the perimeter, used as living rooms, dining halls, offices, and dormitories. The beams, columns, doors, windows, and flooring of the entire building are made from nanmu wood sourced from the Qionglai Mountains, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and considerable value. Despite wars and weathering over the past century, the Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church has retained its original appearance.

In May 2013, Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Protected area: bounded by the current perimeter wall.

Construction control zone: extends 20 meters beyond the protected area.

Address: No. 25, Xihua Gate Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Type: Church

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Opening hours: 7:00–21:00

Ticket information: Free entry.

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units