A Jesuit church where you can feel the history of missionary work in China

Xujiahui Catholic Church is also known as the Cathedral of St. Ignatius. St. Ignatius is said to be one of the founders of the Society of Jesus in 1534. We know about the Society of Jesus from Japanese history, but I didn't know they were also involved in China. Christianity was introduced to China as far back as 645, but it seems it did not take root. 900 years later, in 1549, Jesuit Francis Xavier introduced Christianity to Japan, but he also aspired to spread Christianity in China, the source of Japanese culture, and attempted to enter mainland China, but passed away unsuccessfully. Matteo Ricci (Rimadou) was sent to carry on his wish, and after much hardship, he was granted an audience with the Ming Emperor in 1601. Then, in the 1840s, the Society of Jesus again established its headquarters on the site of the current cathedral and began missionary work, and in 1910, a Gothic-style Catholic church was built. At the time, it was known as the leading Catholic cathedral in the Far East, and even today it is counted among the 12 cathedrals in China. The church has two towers, each 56.6m high with a cross at the top, and the interior is surrounded by an arched ceiling and stained glass, and is bathed in a soft light. At the front, there are many elephants on display, including a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Jesus Christ child, and although I am not a Christian, I felt a sense of solemnity. Address: No. 158, Xujiahuipu West Road, Xujiahui District, Shanghai Access: Shanghai Subway Line 1 and Line 11 Xujiahui Station (Xujiahui), Exit 3 Cost: Free Open for viewing: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm (reception until 3:30pm) (1pm to 4pm on the first Friday of every month) Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays *I've always visited on Sundays, 　　　　　so this was my first time visiting on a weekday. Please note: Hats, sandals, exposed heels (high heels), sleeveless tops, and shorts are not allowed. Photography: allowed (no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks) #Xujiahui Catholic Church#Cathedral#Church#Xujiahui#Shanghai#Ignatius#Matteo Ricci#Rimadou#Mary#Christ#Jesuits#Mission#China#Cathedral#Let's go to China