銆€銆€A three part gold leaf painting blends old styles with modern ideas at Xizhimen Church.

銆€銆€Beijing has a number of historic churches, each with their own character. Xizhimen may not be the most historic of the bunch, but it is definitely one of the loveliest. One single hall stretches toward the pulpit, while wood beams arch above. The church and its decor are blessed with a visual unity and simplicity which soothes the soul, never leaning toward the austere.

銆€銆€The walls are lined by an impressive series of narrow stained glass windows imported from Italy. The windows run through various biblical episodes such as Adam and Eve being cast from the Garden of Eden, or Jesus being prosecuted. A series of paintings below portray missionaries preaching in China.

銆€銆€Behind the altar is an exquisite gold leaf triptych, featuring a host of haloed angels lined up to pay their respects to Jesus and Mary. Closer examination reveals modern influences such as the unconventional inclusion of international angels. A number of them play traditional Chinese instruments or wear Asian garb.

銆€銆€Centered in the aisle near the front door is reportedly the only baptism pool in China. Candidates lie down, sit or stand on the cross of gold tiles within it while water pours from a vase into the octagonal reservoir.

銆€銆€Beijing has four notably historic churches, each corresponding with a direction. The west church at Xizhimen is the last of the four, originally built in 1723. the church was twice destroyed and rebuilt, the version standing today (also known as the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), having been erected in 1912.

銆€銆€Like in most Beijing churches, volunteer workers keep Xizhimen Church up and running. Ms Li has been a volunteer at the church for 14 years. "I feel peaceful and without any worries in here," she said, her meaning emphasized by her quiet tones. "I have come to accept what happens in life, good or bad."

銆€銆€She also ventures to describe the experience of others. "Church visitors all have their own thoughts and worries so they come here for help from Jesus. Maybe because of the heavy pressure from society today, people become less interested in faith and religion, especially young people."

銆€銆€But Li also proudly acknowledges the strong connection between the church and non-Chinese attendees. "You can often see foreigners in the church. We hold a special mass in French Sundays around 11:00. Some people from the French embassy and other French-speaking foreigners join the mass. The priest is French."

銆€銆€For those looking for peace and quiet, weekdays are a better bet. "Sundays," according to Li, "are fully packed." And the same goes for special occasions, of course. "On Christmas and Easter there are usually 700 or 800 people. Some people have to stand outside, it gets so full!"

銆€銆€Xizhimen Church has also been known to fill up during weddings. Flirting with the bizarre, the church website even endorses a wedding planner to ensure that young lovers can have the perfect experience of uniting as one under the auspicious eyes of Jesus and Mary. Although it's definitely under the radar compared to the likes of the Wangfujing Church, Xizhimen's has its own charm and personality. It is certainly a place that calms the nerves and sooths the soul which is also worth peeking into.

銆€銆€Hours: 7am – 11am, 2pm – 5:30pm, daily

銆€銆€French Mass is held every Sunday at 11 o'clock

銆€銆€Getting to Xizhimen Church: 130 Xizhimen Nei Dajie

銆€銆€From Xizhimen subway station exit B, walk east along Xizhimen Nei Dajie (10 minutes).

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