The Catholic Churches of Xining

Xining, Qinghai, China

Xining, the capital of Qinghai, is located on the Tibetan plateau. The autonomous region of Qinghai, a Tibetan and Muslim majority, has a tiny Catholic community that has maintained faith in one of China's most remote regions.

History of evangelization in Qinghai

The Catholic presence in Qinghai is very recent. The first Catholic missionaries arrived in the region in the early 20th century, attracted by the opening of new commercial routes. The Congregation of the Divine Word (SVD) was the main driver of evangelization in Qinghai.

Evangelization was extremely difficult due to the altitude (more than 2,000 metres), extreme climate and hostility of the environment. The missionaries established small communities in Xining and in the main cities.

The iglesia de Xining

The small Catholic church of Xining was built in the mid-20th century. The building, modest and discreet, has served as the centre of Catholic life in the region. The church has been restored after the damage of the Cultural Revolution.

Persecution and survival

During the Cultural Revolution, the church of Xining was closed and desecrated. The Catholic community was severely persecuted. However, faith survived in the underground.

Qinghai today

At present, the Catholic community of Qinghai is extremely small. The church of Xining celebrates masses with very few faithful, but keeps alive the flame of faith on the Tibetan plateau.