Sheshan Mountain Catholic Church, was the first Catholic church in the Far East, and is erected on the top of West Sheshan Mountain. It was originally constructed by French missionaries during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty and has been renovated several times.

The church today, is a European baroque style building which combines Greek, Roman and Gothic styles. The materials used are more traditionally Chinese and the effect of this combination of styles and influences is impressive. Viewed from afar, the red church seems to be an integral part of the mountain, blending in with the environment surrounding the building.

The church holds up to 4000 followers. The materials used inside the building include marble, colored glass and spectacular glazed tiles. There are eight gigantic bells in the bell tower, which are arranged according to their notes. On top of the 38-meter-high tower is an 8-meter high Madonna with Child and the entire building is shaped like a Latin cross.

In 1942, Sheshan Mountain Church was recognized by the Pope as a Holy Church and has since become a sacred place for Chinese Catholics. Along the path from the foot to the top of the mountain there are 14 small shrines, each of which has a relief sculpture depicting the suffering of Jesus.

A walk up the hill is a pleasant way to spend a day, and a nice break from the city. The local people here are fervent Catholics and there are many making the pilgrimage up the hill to the basilica.
Services only take place on Catholic festivals.

How to get there: Take a bus from Xiqu Bus Station. SheShan is about 30km southwest of Shanghai.