The Sacred Heart Cathedral (圣心教堂), commonly known as Shenyang Catholic Church (沈阳天主教堂), is an architectural gem located in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. Built in 1875 during the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu era, it is the largest and oldest Catholic church in Northeast China, showcasing a classic Gothic architectural style typical of the European Renaissance period. This grand structure serves as the site for the Liaoning Provincial and Shenyang Municipal Catholic Patriotic Association, as well as the religious activity center for the Catholic Diocese of Liaoning.
The cathedral’s history is marked by resilience. In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the original church was set ablaze by the Boxer Movement, which sought to expel foreign influences. However, in 1912, under the leadership of Bishop Supeili from France, the church was rebuilt on the same site. The design of the cathedral was the work of Father Henry Liang, who graduated from the University of Paris, with construction initiated by French missionaries.
The cathedral is oriented north-south, with its façade reminiscent of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It boasts a total of 120 rooms spread across three courtyards—eastern, central, and western—with a total area of approximately 9,264 square meters. The western courtyard was originally home to the Guanghua Primary School, while the eastern courtyard housed the Huihua Hospital, Huaguang Girls’ School, and the convent. The church itself is centrally located, measuring 66.3 meters in length and 17.2 meters in width. The two soaring bell towers reach a height of about 45 meters, adding to the cathedral’s majestic skyline.
Constructed with blue bricks and tiles, the cathedral features a vaulted ceiling supported by 24 stone columns, creating a spacious interior that can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers. The layout of the church follows a basilica-style plan, with three aisles separated by rows of single stone columns. The main entrance leads to a large hall, where the left side features a circular staircase to the choir loft, while the right side houses the holy water font. Above the entrance, a choir loft allows access to the east and west bell towers— the eastern tower contains the church bells, while the western tower can be accessed via an internal staircase leading to the tower’s summit.
The altar, facing south, is elevated one step above the congregation area, enclosed by an iron railing. During Mass, both the priest and the congregation face north, emphasizing the church’s sacred atmosphere. The Sacred Heart Cathedral stands as a testament to Shenyang’s rich cultural heritage and continues to serve as a vital center for the Catholic community in the region.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 16.00; Last admission: 15.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at No. 40 South Lejiao Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 132, 133, 134, 173, 213, 219, 222, 260, or 276, get off at Xiaonanmen Stop (Small South Gate Stop, 小南门站), and walk about 200 meters to the south.
