Shanghai’s churches are a quiet surprise for many newcomers. Between the skyscrapers of Xujiahui and the narrow lanes of the Former French Concession, you will find Gothic spires, red-brick chapels, and active congregations that have been meeting for over a century.
Some of these churches are architectural landmarks worth visiting for their history and craftsmanship. Others are places where you can attend a service in English, French, or German on a Sunday morning. This guide covers both, and explains how to visit respectfully.
The Big Three: Architecture and History
St. Ignatius Cathedral (Xujiahui Cathedral)
This is the church most people mean when they say “the Xujiahui church.” Officially named St. Ignatius, it was completed in 1910 by French Jesuits and was once called the largest cathedral in the Far East . The red-brick facade and twin 56-metre bell towers make it one of the most photographed buildings in Shanghai.
Inside, 64 carved stone columns support the vaulted ceiling, and the stained glass windows are a highlight — some are original, restored after decades of wear . The cathedral can hold around 3,000 people and remains an active place of worship.
Visiting: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30). Closed Mondays. Free entry, no reservation needed . Sunday is reserved for masses, so visit on a weekday if you want to look around without disturbing worshippers .
Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District. Metro Xujiahui Station (Lines 1, 9, 11), Exit 3 .
Holy Trinity Church
One of the oldest Protestant churches in China, Holy Trinity was originally built in 1847 and rebuilt in 1869 . It is known as the “Red Chapel” for its exposed red-brick Gothic Revival exterior, and it sits just a five-minute walk from the Bund.
The interior was restored in 2007, with a starry-sky pattern in the sanctuary semi-dome and detailed woodwork throughout . The church is not generally open to tourists during the week. It opens only for Sunday services, at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Entry is allowed about 30 minutes before each service, and it is free .
Important: Photography is not allowed during the service. After the service ends, there is a short window of about 10–20 minutes when photos are permitted. Dress code is conservative: no hats, tank tops, short skirts, shorts, or sandals .
Address: 201 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District. Metro East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2, 10), five-minute walk .
Mu’en Church (Moore Memorial Church)
Mu’en Church sits right next to People’s Square, making it the most accessible of the major churches for anyone staying in the city centre. It was originally founded in 1874 and rebuilt in 1931 by the famous architect László Hudec . The red-brick Gothic Revival design, with its 42-metre bell tower and neon cross, has made it a popular photo spot — and a filming location for the TV series Blossoms .
The church is active, not a museum. It opens for visits on Saturdays (07:00–16:00) and for Sunday services at 07:30, 10:00, 14:00, and 19:00. Non-worshippers can observe quietly from the back during services . Entry is free and no reservation is needed.
Address: 316 Middle Tibet Road, Huangpu District. Metro People’s Square Station (Lines 1, 2, 8), Exit 14 .
Attending a Service in Your Language
If you are looking for a church service in a language other than Chinese, the Shanghai municipal government publishes a current list of options. The following are verified as of 2026 .
Catholic Services
| Church | Language | Time | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Ignatius Cathedral | English | Sunday, 12:00 PM | 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus Church | English | Sunday, 10:30 AM | 151 Hongfeng Road, Pudong |
| St. Michael’s Church | French | Sunday, 10:30 AM | 1066 Wanhangdu Road, Changning |
| St. Theresa’s Church | German | Sunday, 11:00 AM (fortnightly) | 370 Datian Road, Jing’an |
Protestant Services
| Church | Language | Time | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Community Church | English | Sunday, 2:00 PM | 53 Hengshan Road, Xuhui |
| Hong’en Church | English | Sunday, 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM | 455 Hongfeng Road, Pudong |
| All Saints Church | German | Sunday, 2:30 PM | 425 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu |
For anyone living in the Former French Concession or Jing’an, Shanghai Community Church on Hengshan Road is the most convenient English-language option. It has been serving the international community for decades and is a short walk from Changshu Road Station.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Respect the service. These are active places of worship, not tourist attractions. If you visit on a Sunday, dress modestly, keep your phone silent, and do not take photos during the service. Holy Trinity and St. Ignatius both enforce this strictly.
Check the day. St. Ignatius is closed on Mondays and reserved for masses on Sundays. Holy Trinity is only open on Sundays. Mu’en is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Plan around these schedules.
Dress code matters. For the historic churches, cover your shoulders and wear long trousers or a skirt. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and sandals. This is not just etiquette — volunteers at Holy Trinity have been known to turn visitors away if they are dressed inappropriately .
Combine with nearby sights. St. Ignatius is next to Xujiahui Library (a beautiful modern building with a terrace overlooking the cathedral) . Holy Trinity is a five-minute walk from the Bund. Mu’en is next to People’s Square and the Shanghai Museum.
A Final Note
Shanghai’s churches are a reminder that the city’s history is layered in ways that are easy to miss if you only look at the skyline. Whether you come for the architecture, the history, or a Sunday service in your own language, these buildings offer something increasingly rare in a fast-moving city: a quiet place to pause.
Shanghai Rentals works with expats settling into neighbourhoods across the Former French Concession and Jing’an. If you are looking for a home within walking distance of these churches, or want advice on which neighbourhoods suit your Sunday routine, get in touch.
WeChat: 13816427716
Email: info@shanghai-rentals.com
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