Churches in Shanghai

Looking for Beautiful Churches in Shanghai? Here's Everything You Need to Know 🏛️

Shanghai holds more than 200 active churches in Shanghai, blending Gothic spires, Chinese architecture, and modern worship spaces. Whether you're seeking spiritual connection, architectural wonder, or cultural history, this guide reveals the best Shanghai churches you can visit—with practical tips that actually help.

Why Shanghai's Churches Are Different From Anywhere Else 🌏

Ever wondered what happens when European Christianity meets ancient Chinese culture? You get Shanghai.

This city tells a unique story. In the 1840s, missionaries arrived with the foreign concessions. They built stunning cathedrals in the French Concession and British Settlement. These weren't just places of worship—they were architectural statements.

Then came 1966. The Cultural Revolution shut down most churches in Shanghai. Religious sites became warehouses, factories, even basketball courts. But something amazing happened in the 1980s. Churches reopened. Communities rebuilt. Today, Shanghai has one of China's most vibrant Christian communities.

What makes these churches special? They survived history. They blend architectural styles you won't see anywhere else. Gothic arches meet Chinese tile roofs. European stained glass sits beside calligraphy scrolls.

And here's the thing—many welcome visitors warmly, whether you're Christian or not.

The Top 10 Must-Visit Churches in Shanghai ⭐

Let me walk you through the churches that deserve your time. I've organized them by what makes each one special.

1. Xujiahui Cathedral (St. Ignatius Cathedral) ⛪

Walk up to Xujiahui Cathedral and your jaw might drop. Twin spires reach 60 meters high. Red brick glows in the afternoon sun. This is Shanghai's most famous Catholic church—and for good reason.

What's the story here? French Jesuits built this masterpiece between 1906 and 1910. They designed it in pure Gothic Revival style, like something transplanted from medieval France. During the Cultural Revolution, the government used it as a grain warehouse. Can you imagine? Grain sacks stacked where prayers once echoed.

Restoration came in 1980. Today, the cathedral hosts thousands of worshippers each Sunday, with masses in Chinese and English.

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District (near Xujiahui Metro Station, Lines 1/9/11)
• Mass times: Multiple services daily (check schedule for English mass)
• Entry: Free (donations welcome)
• Photography: Allowed outside, restricted inside during services

2. Community Church of Shanghai 🙏

Want to experience a working international church community? This is your spot.

Community Church of Shanghai serves Shanghai's expat population. Services happen entirely in English. The congregation comes from 40+ countries. On Sunday mornings, you'll hear Australian accents mixed with American Southern drawls, British politeness, and African warmth.

What makes it unique? It's not about ancient architecture here. It's about living faith. The church runs programs seven days a week—Bible studies, youth groups, counseling services, even a café where members connect.

Founded in 1996, it started with just a handful of expats meeting in a hotel conference room. Now? It's one of Asia's largest international Protestant churches.

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: Hongqiao Road, Changning District
• Services: Multiple Sunday services (9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM)
• Language: English
• Entry: Free, all welcome
• Dress code: Casual (you'll see everything from suits to jeans)

3. Dongzheng Church (St. Nicholas Church) 🕌

Picture this: bright turquoise domes topped with golden crosses, surrounded by Shanghai's modern skyscrapers. That's Dongzheng Church—the only active Russian Orthodox church in Shanghai.

The fascinating history: Russian refugees built this church in 1934 after fleeing the Russian Revolution. Thousands of Russians settled in Shanghai's Hongkou District. They needed a spiritual home. They created this stunning example of Byzantine architecture.

Like other churches in Shanghai, it was shut during the Cultural Revolution and used as a warehouse. After sitting empty for decades, the Orthodox Church restored it in 2007. Today, it's back to its original glory.

🏛️ What You'll Notice:

• Five copper-green onion domes (absolutely stunning for photos)
• Byzantine interior with orthodox iconostasis
• Cyrillic inscriptions throughout
• Small but incredibly ornate interior

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: 16 Gaolan Road, Hongkou District (near Dongbaoxing Road Metro)
• Services: Saturday evenings, Sunday mornings (mostly in Chinese and Russian)
• Entry: Free, but call ahead for visit times
• Photography: Exterior photos welcome anytime

4. Moore Memorial Church ⛪

Want to see how Chinese Christianity looks different from Western Christianity? Visit Moore Memorial Church.

Built in 1931, this church shows Chinese architectural influence from the start. The design blends Western church structure with Chinese decorative elements. Red columns. Curved roof lines. Chinese characters alongside English inscriptions.

Named after: Methodist missionary David Hill Moore, who served in China for decades. The original building was destroyed, but the rebuilt structure (completed in 2016) honors traditional Chinese Christian design.

Why it matters: This church represents the "Three-Self" Protestant movement—self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating. It's Christianity with Chinese characteristics.

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: 316 Xizang Middle Road, Huangpu District (near People's Square)
• Services: Multiple services on Sundays
• Entry: Free
• Language: Primarily Mandarin

5. Dongjiadu Cathedral 🏰

Dongjiadu Cathedral holds a special title: Shanghai's oldest surviving Catholic church. Built in 1853, it predates most other churches in Shanghai.

The location story: This church sits in what was once a humble fishing village. Spanish Jesuits chose the spot specifically to serve Shanghai's poorest residents. While wealthy foreigners built grand churches in the French Concession, Dongjiadu served Chinese converts.

The architecture mixes European Baroque with traditional Chinese elements. Look closely—you'll spot Chinese roof decorations on a clearly Spanish-influenced building.

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: 185 Dongjiadu Road, Huangpu District (near Xiaonanmen Metro)
• Mass times: Daily services in Mandarin
• Entry: Free (small donations appreciated)
• Best combined with: Walk through Old Town, Yu Garden nearby

6. International Chapel 🌍

International Chapel specifically serves Shanghai's expat community. Multiple services in different languages. Kids' programs. International coffee hour. It feels more like a community center than a traditional church—in the best way.

Who comes here? International professionals working in Shanghai. Expat families raising kids far from home. English teachers. Business people. Students. If you're a foreigner seeking Christian community in Shanghai, this is a welcoming home.

🎯 What They Offer:

• English services (primary)
• Kids' church and youth programs
• Bible studies in multiple languages
• Support groups and counseling
• Social events and outings

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: Hongqiao area
• Services: Sunday mornings and evenings
• Language: English (some Korean and Chinese services)
• Parking: Available
• Childcare: Provided during services

7. Jing'an Church 🌆

Right in the heart of Shanghai's Jing'an District sits this convenient, beautiful church. Jing'an Church makes visiting easy—it's steps from Jing'an Temple Metro station, surrounded by shopping and dining.

Built in 1925, the church has served the community for nearly a century. Recent renovations preserved its historical charm while adding modern amenities.

✨ Why It's Practical:

• Perfect location (next to Jing'an Temple, Nanjing West Road shopping)
• Easy metro access (multiple lines)
• English services available
• Modern facilities with air conditioning

📍 Practical Details:

• Location: 375 Shaanxi North Road, Jing'an District (Jing'an Temple Metro)
• Services: Multiple Sunday services, some in English
• Entry: Free
• Best combined with: Shopping on Nanjing Road, visiting Jing'an Temple

Practical Visitor Guide: Everything You Need to Know 📝

What Should I Wear?

Here's the simple rule: dress modestly and respectfully.

Reality check: Most churches in Shanghai are fairly relaxed about dress codes, especially for visitors. But showing respect through modest dress is always appreciated.

Can I Take Photos? 📸

It depends on the church and situation.

Church Etiquette for Visitors

Want to be a respectful church visitor? Follow these simple guidelines:

Churches in Shanghai by District 📍

Organizing your visit by district makes planning easier. Here's where to find the major churches in Shanghai:

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Beyond Churches: Related Sites to Explore 🌟

While you're exploring religious Shanghai, consider:

• Jing'an Temple: Beautiful Buddhist temple right in downtown (yes, Buddhism and Christianity coexist peacefully in Shanghai)
• Ohel Moishe Synagogue: Historic Jewish refugee museum in Hongkou
• Xiaotaoyuan Mosque: Shanghai's main mosque, beautiful Islamic architecture
• Longhua Temple: Ancient Buddhist temple with stunning pagoda

Shanghai's religious diversity tells important stories about tolerance, history, and cultural exchange.

Your Church Visit Action Plan ✅

Let's make this practical. Here's what to do right now:

Final Thoughts: Why Shanghai's Churches Matter 💭

These churches in Shanghai represent more than just pretty buildings. They're survivors. They weathered wars, revolutions, and decades of closure. They rebuilt. They adapted. They now serve communities that blend Chinese and international, traditional and modern, East and West.

When you visit these churches, you're not just sightseeing. You're witnessing faith that refused to disappear. You're seeing architecture that tells stories. You're experiencing a unique piece of Shanghai's identity that many visitors miss.

Whether you're Christian seeking worship, a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious—Shanghai's churches offer something meaningful.

So grab your camera, dress modestly, and explore these incredible spaces. They're waiting to share their stories with you.

Happy exploring! May your church visits bring beauty, insight, and wonderful memories of Shanghai. 🙏✨