Tianjin Xikai Church

　　Introduction

　　Xikai Church is also known as the French Church. It is located in the area of Laolaoxikai outside the former Qiangzi River along Dushan Road on Binjiang Avenue in Tianjin's Heping District, hence the name. It includes the Catholic Cathedral and the main church, built respectively in 1914 and 1917 by the French Catholic Church. The main church features a French Romanesque architectural style, standing 45 meters tall with a construction area of 1,585 square meters. Its floor plan is in the shape of a long Latin cross. On the front and rear sides, three tall towers rise prominently, arranged in a "品"-shaped formation. The tower bases are constructed with yellow and red bricks, topped with emerald-green domed spires. The eaves are adorned with semicircular arched windows. Inside, the church has a three-aisle nave layout, with colorful murals painted on the interior walls, offering an exquisitely decorated space.

　　Xikai Church is the largest church in Tianjin. It has been refurbished and is now open to the public.

　　The full name of Xikai Church is the Catholic Xikai Cathedral, also known as the Old Xikai Church or the French Church. Located on Dushan Road in Tianjin's Heping District, the church faces northeast while situated southwest. It was constructed in 1916 under the direction of French missionary Bishop Paul-Marie Dumond. During the Anti-Japanese War, nearly 34 hectares of Chinese land near Old Xikai were annexed by the French Concession. Because Xikai Church was located within the French Concession and was built by French missionaries, it was commonly referred to by locals at the time as the French Church. When the church was being built, the French Concession dispatched police patrols to the area. After the church’s completion, there was an incident where French Concession police disarmed and detained Chinese officers stationed at Zhangzhuang Bridge, sparking large-scale protests among Tianjin residents. Later, this area remained under long-term Sino-French joint administration. The church itself was originally situated within Chinese territory, with its main entrance facing Foch Road (now Binjiang Avenue) inside the French Concession, making it appear particularly majestic. Adjacent to the church is the “Franco-Chinese School” (now Tianjin No. 21 Middle School), built at the same time, and behind it lies a mission hospital (now Tianjin Maternity Hospital). The architectural style of Xikai Church is Romanesque, featuring three parallel 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 large pipe organ. In the front courtyard, there is a holy water font. There are two main entrances on either side—male and female worshippers enter through separate doors. Weddings can be held at Xikai Church, but both parties must be church members. The church appeals to urban professionals and intellectuals seeking 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 and living.

　　Suggested Visit Duration

　　1 hour

　　Transportation

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

　　Admission

　　Free

　　Opening Hours

　　(Mass Schedule): Weekdays – one mass at 6:00 and another at 7:30; Sundays – masses at 6:00, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30, 15:00, and 19:00, including a public mass at 7:30 and an English mass at 11:30

　　Location

　　No. 9 Xining Road, Heping District, Tianjin