[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Xizhimen Catholic Church (Updated Apr)

#ChristmasDestinations2024 Christmas guide to Beijing Xizhimen Catholic Church🎄 🎉You can feel the strong Christmas atmosphere in Beijing without going abroad! The Christmas tree at Xizhimen Catholic Church has been lit up, come and check out the winter romance! 🎄 📍Location: No. 130, Xizhimennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 🚇Transportation: It is recommended to exit from Exit A or D of Xinjiekou Subway Station (Exit A is recommended), and do not go directly to Xizhimen! 🕰Opening hours: Weekdays (Monday to Saturday): 08:30-11:30, 14:00-17:30 (Note: It usually closes at 16:45 on weekdays. Visitors who want to take pictures of the church yard are advised to go there on Sunday) Sunday: Open all day, the opening hours may be extended in the evening. I heard that it will be extended to 20:30 recently. 🏰Church Introduction: Xizhimen Catholic Church, also known as Our Lady of the Holy Carmel Church and commonly known as the West Church, is one of the four major Catholic churches in Beijing. With its unique European style and brilliant festive lights, this church has become a beautiful landscape in the capital in winter. The church has a three-story spire tower and is a classic work of Gothic architecture. Although it is small in scale, it has a long history and is full of solemnity and mystery. 🌃Christmas Lights: When night falls and the lights come on, Xizhimen Church looks particularly charming under the light. The huge Christmas tree, the classical architecture and the winter night sky complement each other beautifully, creating a festive atmosphere that makes people forget the cold. The colorful lights are flashing, making you feel as if you are in a European fairy tale world, bringing visitors a different Christmas experience. 📸Photography suggestions: Best time to shoot: In the evening when the lights are just turned on (around 17:30), the sky and lights complement each other, it is super dreamy. Location: Whether shooting through the fence or directly into the church yard, you can capture the unforgettable Christmas atmosphere. Dressing suggestion: It is recommended to wear dark clothes with a scarf and a hat for taking photos to create a more atmospheric feeling. 🍷Food recommendations: There may be a small shop near the church that sells mulled wine and other festive special drinks. Christmas + hot and delicious mulled wine, you can’t go wrong! ⚠Notes: The movable area of ​​Xizhimen Church is relatively small, but it is still very suitable for photography. Churches often hold ceremonies. Please respect local culture and customs, keep quiet, and do not disturb the believers' prayers. This Christmas, tipsiness, music, laughter and warmth are all at Xizhimen Catholic Church! Come here and feel the different Christmas atmosphere! 🎅🎁🎉

It's not even Christmas yet, but the Christmas atmosphere at Xizhimen Catholic Church is already out of this world~ I arrived at around 5 pm on Sunday~ I was stunned as soon as I entered the door, the garden was full of people! A staff member was speaking into a microphone at the church door, I thought there was a special event~ After listening for a while, I realized that there were too many people taking photos of the night view, and the staff was coordinating the order to avoid a stampede... Seriously, the church was like a temple fair, there were more people taking photos in the courtyard than there were worshippers attending mass in the church... It's really kind of funny~ But the night view at Xitang this year is really well decorated~ The lights come on at 5 pm, and the atmosphere is immediately there~ Especially the flying angel on the east side of the church, it's quite creative~ I heard there are even more people these days... But be careful, keep warm, take a stroll, see the excitement, and get a feel for the Christmas atmosphere in the church in advance~

❤️ In the bustling city, Xizhimen Catholic Church, with its Gothic spires and tranquil atmosphere, provides a haven for the soul. Here, every brick and tile tells the story of history, and every ray of light reflects the brilliance of faith. ❣️❣️ ⛰ [Attraction Guide] Xizhimen Catholic Church 📍 Detailed address: 🌟 No. 130, Xizhimen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 🚗 Transportation guide: 🚇 Subway: Take Subway Line 2 or 13 to Xizhimen Station, Exit A, and walk 300 meters east, or take Subway Line 4 to Xinjiekou Station, Exit D, and walk 50 meters west. 🚍 Bus: Take Bus 7, 111, 105, or 808 to Xinkai Hutong Station. 🕙 Opening hours: ✅ Monday to Saturday: 06:30–11:30, 14:00–17:30 ✅ Sunday: All day, with Sunday Mass at 07:30, 09:30, 11:00 (Korean Mass), and 18:30 💰 Ticket price: 🎫 Free admission 🌟 Highlights: 🕉 Xizhimen Catholic Church is a typical Gothic building with a three-story spire tower. 🕉 The interior of the church is luxuriously decorated, with tall Corinthian columns and pointed arch windows. 🕉 The church has imported stained glass windows depicting the history of salvation and the deeds of saints. 🕉 The church has a blue and white octagonal baptismal font, unique to the Beijing Diocese. 📌 Tips: ✅ It is recommended to reserve at least half a day, as every corner here is full of stories that need to be savored slowly. ✅ If you want to learn more about its history, you can also visit the library next door to read books about it. ✅ The church holds Mass on Sundays, so visiting hours may be adjusted. During Mass, visitors may need to pause their visit to respect the church's religious activities. 💜 Stepping into Xizhimen Catholic Church is like traveling through time and space, back to an era full of faith. The Gothic architectural style, towering spires, and stained glass windows make you feel the perfect fusion of art and religion. 💜 At Xizhimen Catholic Church, every bell is a call to the soul, and every Mass is a commitment to faith. It is not only a temple of faith but also a witness to history, carrying the dreams and prayers of countless people. 💜 Xizhimen Catholic Church is a tranquil oasis in the city. Here, you can put aside the hustle and bustle of the world, listen to the voice deep in your heart, and feel the peace and tranquility that transcends time and space. 💜 When the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows onto the ancient stone slabs, every moment in Xizhimen Catholic Church becomes poetic. It is not only a home of faith but also a temple of art, inviting you to experience the beauty beyond words. 💜 At Xizhimen Catholic Church, every prayer is a dialogue with the soul, and every hymn is a flight of the spirit. It is a place where faith and art intertwine, a space where the soul and history converse.

Address: No. 130 Xizhimennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Christmas is approaching and Beijing Xitang has already been decorated with Christmas decorations. I went there this afternoon, it should look better at night when the lights are on. But I heard that there were too many people going there at night recently, so it was closed to the public. I had to go there during the day, but it felt rather deserted during the day. There were newlyweds taking wedding photos inside the church and no one else was allowed to take photos. So I took some photos outside.

| Romantic Christmas Angel Lights. The Christmas decorations at Xizhimen Church are so romantic this year! There is a colorful Christmas tree at the entrance, and a shining angel next to it. The atmosphere is amazing when the lights are on at night! Come and check out the winter romance.✨ ⛺[Tips]: ⭐️The Christmas tree lights in front of the church are dazzling, and the Gothic architecture and winter night sky make for a magazine cover-worthy photo! The warm glow of the colorful lights creates a festive atmosphere. ⭐️You can also enter the church to feel the sacredness of the interior and receive Christmas blessings and warmth. ⭐️Lighting time: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Saturday: Lights on at 5 pm, off at around 7 pm; Sunday: Lights on at 5 pm, off at around 8 pm. 🧡[Tips]: Address: Xizhimen Catholic Church, Beijing (on Xizhimen Outer Street, not Xishiku Church) 🚇Subway: Get off at Xinjiekou Station (Exit D) and walk 300 meters west. 🕒The lights are turned on at around 5 pm. You can take photos inside the church after the lights are on.

🎄 Step into a Gothic church full of historical charm on Christmas Eve and feel the poetic atmosphere! 🏛️ Xizhimen Catholic Church (Xitang), built in 1723, is one of the four major Catholic churches in Beijing. It is not only a symbol of faith but also a witness to history and culture. Every Christmas, it is decorated like a fairy tale world, becoming a popular spot for couples, families, and photography enthusiasts. 📝 Recommended reasons 🏛️ Unique architecture: Typical Gothic style with three spire towers, making you feel like you are in Europe. 🌟 Strong sense of history: After multiple reconstructions and repairs, every brick and stone carries the story of time. 🎉 Festive atmosphere: Christmas trees, colored lights, and angel lights are especially charming when lit at night. 🆓 Free visit: No tickets are required, so you can easily stroll around and enjoy a moment of peace. 🚗 Transportation guide 🚗 Self-driving: Navigate to "No. 130, Xizhimen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing," and there is a parking lot nearby. 🚇 Public transportation: Take Exit D of Xinjiekou Station on Metro Line 4, and walk about 150 meters to reach the destination. 📸 Recommended places to visit 🚪 Church main entrance: Stepping through this door feels like traveling through time. 🎄 Under the Christmas tree: The huge Christmas tree is full of decorations, perfect for taking photos. 🌌 In the center of the courtyard: Look up at the hanging angel lights, which are very romantic. 🗺️ Travel route planning 🚶‍♂️ After leaving the subway station, walk west along Xizhimen Inner Street, and you will soon see this magnificent building. Take photos outside the main entrance, then enter to visit and feel the tranquility. Then, go to the courtyard to enjoy the Christmas decorations. Finally, you can stop at the rest area inside the church to experience a different kind of warmth. ⏰ Opening hours and fees ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00–11:30; 14:00–17:30, and all day on Sunday until around 9 pm. 💰 Tickets: Free admission. 🏨 Accommodation guide 🏨 Waldorf Astoria Beijing: Not far away, offering luxury services. 🏨 Ji Hotel (Beijing Xizhimen): Cost-effective and comfortable environment. 🍽️ Food recommendations 🍽️ Nearby restaurants: Try local snacks or choose a cozy cafe to relax. 📝 Tips 🙇‍♂️ Do not wear hats indoors, and turn off the flash when using electronic devices. 🌆 Come here in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful light show. 🌤️ Check the weather in advance and keep warm.

Looking for the best places to take Christmas photos in Beijing? 🎄✨ Here are 8 free photo spots for you to choose from. 😘 1⃣ Xizhimen Catholic Church 📍 No. 130, Xizhimen Inner Street ⏰️ Opening hours Tuesday–Saturday: 8:00–11:30, 14:00–17:30; Sunday: all day 2⃣ Wangfujing Catholic Church 📍 No. 74, Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District ⏰️ Opening hours The Christmas tree is in the square outside the church, so there are no opening hours. 3⃣ Xishiku Cathedral 📍 No. 33, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District ⏰️ Opening hours 6:30–11:00, 14:00–17:00 4⃣ Xuanwumen Catholic Church 📍 No. 141, Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District ⏰️ Opening hours Check the mass times on the official WeChat account. Open before and after mass. 5⃣ Regent Beijing 📍 No. 92, Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District 6⃣ The Peninsula Beijing 📍 No. 8, Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District 7⃣ Waldorf Astoria Beijing 📍 No. 5–15, Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District 8️⃣ The St. Regis Beijing 📍 No. 21, Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District

#holidayseason While Xizhimen may not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas celebrations in Beijing, this lively district offers a delightful mix of local traditions and festive cheer. As the holiday season approaches, Xizhimen transforms into a cozy winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and plenty of seasonal delights. Stroll through the streets, and you’ll find Christmas trees in shop windows, festive displays in cafes, and even a few snowflakes in the air (thanks to Beijing’s occasional winter chill). Local markets feature holiday treats like roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and gingerbread cookies, making it feel like Christmas no matter the temperature outside. Xizhimen’s unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern shopping malls creates a striking backdrop for the season. The area’s international vibe also means you can find Christmas-themed gifts and decorations from all around the world. Whether you’re shopping for something special or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. While big malls like Xizhimen Wanda Plaza host special events and Christmas promotions, the area’s local restaurants and cafes offer a warm, festive atmosphere to enjoy a Christmas meal or afternoon tea with friends and family. For a twist on traditional holiday celebrations, a visit to Xizhimen during Christmas provides a wonderful mix of Chinese culture, festive spirit, and unique local experiences. So, if you’re in Beijing for the holidays, don’t miss out on the charming Christmas vibe in this hidden gem of a neighborhood!

Meet the same angel lights as London's Regent Street at Xizhimen Starting from the end of November Every day after 5 pm The church, stained glass, Christmas tree, colored lights, and angel lights will be lit up one after another Romantic and sacred A limited sense of ceremony exclusive to December! 🚇｜Transportation: Exit D, Xinjiekou Station, Metro Line 4, walk 200 meters west ⚠️Closed on Mondays, recommended to arrive around 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

Address: No. 130, Xizhimen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing There is a church on Xizhimen Inner Street called the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Holy Robe, commonly known as Xitang. It features classic Gothic architecture, a unique style, and a relatively small area, which makes it inconspicuous against the backdrop of surrounding buildings. Xitang was built by an Italian priest named Father Teodorico Pedrini in 1723 with his own salary. It was demolished in 1811 during the Jiaqing Emperor's ban on Christianity, rebuilt in 1867 by Bishop Armand David, and later burned down by the Boxers. In 1912, it was restored to its original appearance through funds raised by Sister Marie de la Providence. What we see now is the result of another renovation in 2008. The entrance walls are inlaid with stone tablets that record the history of Xitang, one side in Chinese and the other in Latin. Upon entering, the first thing you see is a blue and white octagonal baptismal font, which is unique to Xitang. At the very front of the central axis is the altar, with a marble floor and an altar that resembles a triptych of a golden pointed arch coronation of the Virgin Mary. The colored pointed windows on both sides of the side aisles are very beautiful, said to be custom-ordered from abroad, depicting the history of salvation and the deeds of saints. The entire interior of the building is cool and quiet, making it very comfortable. Friends who are interested may come and visit.