Rising like a granite mirage from Guangzhou’s bustling streets—where the briny tang of dried seafood from adjacent wholesale markets mingles with the hum of modern commerce—the Sacred Heart Cathedral defies time. This monumental edifice, China’s largest and southernmost Gothic church, has anchored the city’s spiritual landscape since 1888. Locals call it “Shishi” (石室, “Stone House”) for its fortress-like walls of quarried rock, a nod to both its resilience and the French craftsmanship that birthed it.
Why Visit?
China’s largest Gothic cathedral (built 1888)
Unique all-granite structure (locals call it “Shishi” – 石室)
Fascinating East-meets-West history
Don’t Miss:
🔸 The Stained Glass – Original French panels (1880s) alongside Chinese replacements, telling a story of war and renewal
🔸 The Bells – Feel 4.5-ton French bronze bells vibrate through stone walls during Mass (Sunday 7am-5pm)
🔸 The Stonework – Marvel at the precision-cut granite blocks assembled without modern reinforcement
Visitor Tips:
✓ Best light for photos: 3-5pm when sunlight sets the stained glass ablaze
✓ Nearby: Explore Yide Road seafood market for local snacks after your visit
✓ Note: Interior access may be limited outside worship times
A Moment in Time:
Stand in the shadow of its 58-meter spires and imagine 19th-century craftsmen blending French designs with Cantonese stone-carving techniques – a true cultural fusion.
📍 ADDRESS & TRANSPORT
🏠 Address:
Chinese: 广州市越秀区一德路56号
English: No. 56, Yide Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
How to get to Guangzhou Sacred Heart Cathedral
🚇 By Metro (Most Recommended):
Line 6 to Haizhu Square Station (海珠广场站), Exit B2 (5-min walk)
Line 2 to Gongyuanqian Station (公园前站), transfer to Line 1 for 1 stop to Haizhu Square
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show the driver this Chinese: “请到一德路石室圣心大教堂” (Pronounced: Qǐng dào Yīdé Lù Shíshì Shèngxīn Dàjiàotáng)
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday (Mass): 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays
🚶 SUGGESTED ITINERARY
⏱️ Short Visit (30 minutes):
🌅 Half-Day Trip (3-4 hrs):
Pair with:
Yide Road Seafood Market (3-min walk)
Shamian Island (10-min taxi)
🌍 NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS
✨ If you have extra time:
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠) – Stunning Lingnan architecture (20-min metro)
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street – Shopping & ancient road ruins (10-min walk)