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      Churches-another cultural relics

      http://www.sina.com.cn 2003/05/12 11:51  中国周刊

      Visitors to China are often surprised to see many fine outstanding Christian churches and cathedrals. China is a country of diverse ethnic nationalities and religions, each physically giving their own imprint. A walk around any Chinese cities will reveal colourful Buddhist temples, devout Islamic mosques and vibrantchurches. The latter could easily be home in France or Spain. While China's Islamic heritage came mainly through contact along the Silk Road, the Christian contact was via maritime trade and concessions forced on former Imperial China. Most churches therefore date from the late 19th and early 20th century period. Some have a much older history dating back to the 16th century arrival of Jesuit missionaries.

      The coastal areas of China had several European enclavesswhereseven today the architectural styles reflect the home countries of the former European residents. Many were Christians and they built churches to practice their faith. In cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou most churches were formerly hidden behind walls. Recently large sums of money have been spent on careful reconstruction and renovation projects. The walls have been pulled down and have been replaced by attractive piazzas or squares - pleasant areas for locals and visitors to relax.

      Today the churches are active places of religion. Thousands of worshippers crowdsintosthem for Easter and Christmas services.

      There are many more than those illustrated here. They arefascinating testimonies to the diversity of China today.

      Beijing

      North Cathedral (beitang), or Cathedral of Our Saviour?is on Xishiku Dajie northwest of the Forbidden City. With a gothic-style blue and white facade modelled on Rheims Cathedral in France it is one of Beijing's most beautiful churches. The church has occupied several positions in the area. The Jesuits, backed by Western powers in Beijing in the mid-19th century scheduled it for major rebuilding near the Imperial Palace.Permission was refused by the Empress Dowager, Cixi. The present church was completed in 1889.

      After lying empty for many years it was renovated in the early 1980's and consecrated in 1985.Either side of its impressive front entrance are Chinese-style pavilions. A beautiful rocky grotto in the grounds contains a statue of the Virgin Mary.East Cathedral (dongtang) or St Joseph's Cathedral?has recently become a focal point for Beijing's central shopping district, Wangfujing Street. This street was earlier called Morrison Street,when it was the main shopping area for the city's European residents. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1900. It had been built on the site of the former home of Jesuit Adam Schall von Bell who died there in 1666. The present South European style building was rebuilt in the early 20thcentury.

      As part of a large-scale environmental improvement and pedestrianisation project for Wangfujing Street the church underwent considerable exterior cleaning and internal refurbishment. A major part of the project involved the removal of the walls along the street and the creation of a stone-paved piazza - now a popular meeting place for Beijingers.

      South Cathedral (nantang) or St Mary's Church?is on Qianmen Dajie west of the Qianmen Gate. It marks the site of Jesuit Matteo Ricci's home. First built in 1703 it has been rebuilt 3 times. It is the oldest church in Beijing. The original church was burned down in 1775 but rebuilt soon after with funding from Emperor Qianlong. The present building dates from 1904. Being closed for many years it wasrestored to its former glory andreopened in the early 1980's. A very large refurbishment project was undertaken in 1999.

      Former Embassy Area Church.This small French-influenced twin-spire church dates back to the late 19th century. It sits in the middle of the original embassy area - south of Chang'an Avenue and east of Tiananmen Square.

      Shanghai

      Shanghai has many reminders of the European concession areas that occupied much of the west bank of the Huangpu River (puxi).

      St.Ignatius Cathedral is located in the Xujiahui area, bordering the western end of the former Frenchtown. It was built in 1906. Today this neo-Gothic edifice is an active Catholic cathedral, supposedly the largest in the Far East. It is based on the style found in Europe from the 12th to 16th centuries with two high tapering steeples set to the left and right of its frontal fa?ade. The cathedral is best appreciated inside with the segments of its vaulted roof creating a rhythmic pattern. There is a strongly vertical feature to its design as though thrusting towards the heavens. It featured in the opening shots of Spielberg's film Empire of the Sun

      Guangzhou

      The imposingFrench-designed Sacred Heart Church (shi shi jiatong) is on the north bank of the Pearl River (Zhujiang) and close to the original European concession area of Shamian Island. Built of granite, construction started in 1863 and was completed in 1888. Its twin spires rise to a height of 58 metres.