Sino-Western Architectural Style | Xihuamen Street, Chengdu, Sichuan

After the demolition of Xihuamen Street, the old houses of ordinary residents are no longer visible, but it is still worth a visit because on the left is the Ping'an Bridge Catholic Church (photos 1-6), and on the right is the Mohe Pool Ruins Park (photos 7-9). Ping'an Bridge Catholic Church: According to historical records, this church was built in 1897 by French Bishop Luo Shuya. Craftsmen were gathered from the suburban counties of Chengdu such as Chongzhou, Dayi, and Qionglai, and it took 7 years to complete. This church not only has the magnificent style of European Catholic churches but also incorporates local Chengdu architectural styles, featuring a blend of Chinese and Western elements. It is currently the best-preserved 'Byzantine' architectural complex in Chengdu, with very high historical and cultural value. Mohe Pool Ruins Park: Mohe Pool was first built in the second year of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty (585 AD). Initially, it was a large pit left from the excavation of soil when Yang Xiu, the governor of Yizhou in the Sui Dynasty, built the sub-city of Chengdu. Yang Xiu expanded the pit area based on the sub-city of Chengdu. During the Tang Dynasty, water accumulated and connected with canals, becoming a tourist attraction. In the fifth year of the Yongping era of the Shu Kingdom (915 AD), Mohe Pool was incorporated into the palace gardens. In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), Mohe Pool was completely filled and used as a military training ground. Currently, the park is divided into seven parts: Liurao Terrace, Mohe Yicui, Strolling Flower Path, Palace Wall Ruins Display, Ginkgo Garden, Hibiscus Pavilion, and Mohe Pool Evolution. These seven attractions tell different historical stories, allowing people to feel the thousand-year history of Mohe Pool.