Travel in China
A full-scale Gothic cathedral begun in 1863, built entirely of granite - twin spires hidden in the old trading quarter.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral (Shishi Jiaotang, Stone House) is a full-scale Gothic cathedral built between 1863 and 1888 by French missionaries. Its nickname 'Stone House' comes from its construction: the entire building is built entirely of granite shipped from Hong Kong, making it the largest all-granite cathedral in China and Southeast Asia.
The cathedral's twin spires rise 58 metres above the narrow lanes of Guangzhou's old trading quarter, a surprise discovery for visitors who stumble upon it between the wholesale markets and residential blocks. The interior is a classic Latin-cross plan with ribbed vaulting, pointed arches and stained-glass windows.
The cathedral remains an active parish for Guangzhou's Catholic community, with masses in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. It is open to visitors outside mass times, and the surrounding lanes - full of dried-seafood shops, antique dealers and traditional medicine stores - are among the most atmospheric in the old city.
Highlights
The Twin Spires
Two 58-metre granite spires rising above the old quarter's rooftops.
The All-Granite Construction
The largest all-granite cathedral in China and Southeast Asia.
The Gothic Interior
Ribbed vaulting, pointed arches and stained-glass windows.
The Old Trading Quarter
The surrounding lanes of dried-seafood shops and medicine stores.
The Stained Glass
Biblical scenes in the windows above the altar.
The Rose Window
The circular window above the main entrance.
Photo Gallery
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