Hohhot's Hogwarts: A Gothic Church Must-See in Winter

📍 Location: Catholic Church, No. 26 Tongdao South Street, Huimin District, Hohhot (10-minute walk from Xinhua Square Station on Subway Line 1) ✨ Architectural Highlights 1️⃣ A Century of History ▫️ Built in 1924, this Gothic-style building, with its pale red brick walls and pointed arched domes, is full of European medieval charm. ▫️ A national key cultural relic protection site, it stands as a testament to the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. 2️⃣ Magical Snowy Atmosphere ❄️ In winter, when snowflakes cover the pointed roof, it instantly transforms into a magical castle straight out of "Harry Potter." ▫️ Recommended shooting times are early morning with light snow or dusk when the lights are on, creating a dark fairytale filter. 📸 7 Tested Photo Spots 1️⃣ Upward Shot of the Exterior Wall (Zadagai East Road Gate) ➢ Stand at the edge of the flower bed, place your phone on the ground, and shoot upwards with 5X zoom. ➢ Compose the shot so the person forms a diagonal line with the spire. 2️⃣ Stone Lion Arch Bridge (Zadagai East Road Bridge) ➢ From the center of the bridge, use 2X zoom to capture the entire church with the stone lions in the foreground. ➢ A dark coat is recommended to create a sense of story. 3️⃣ Side Panorama (East Side of the Church) ➢ Step back 10 meters and use a wide-angle lens to capture the cluster of spires and flying buttresses. ➢ Dynamic shots capturing falling snowflakes add a touch of magic. 4️⃣ Symmetrical Composition at the Main Entrance ➢ Use 1X zoom to photograph the Gothic pointed arch, keeping the person centered. ➢ On cloudy days, lower the exposure for a darker, more dramatic shot. 5️⃣ Framed Shot Through the Doorway (Facing the Church Entrance) ➢ Use the brick doorway as a natural frame. ➢ Capture motion blur by having the person walk sideways. 6️⃣ Close-up of the Sculpture (Statue of the Virgin Mary) ➢ Take a separate photo of the statue and combine it with a shot of the empty church. ➢ Consider using props such as a cross to enhance the religious theme. 7️⃣ Upward Shot of the Spire (Tongdao South Road Gate) ➢ Use 3X zoom to capture the geometric intersection of the cross and the sky. ➢ Use your phone's RAW format to preserve the details of the snow scene. 🚩 Tips ▫️ Opening hours: 7:30 am on weekdays, all day on Sundays ▫️ Clothing suggestions: Black/red/brown wool coat + beret ▫️ Nearby attractions: 5-minute walk to the Islamic Style Street ▫️ Hidden bonus: Listen to organ music during Sunday services 📌 Summary A seriously underrated European-style building in Inner Mongolia! Combine it with Dazhao Temple + Sai Shang Old Street for a "Clash of Cultures" themed itinerary. The frozen Zadagai River west of the church in winter is also an excellent photo spot.