Strolling along Dexian Road in Qingdao, Shandong Province, tourists will come across a tall building with elegant red spires topped by two gigantic Latin crosses. Nestling among the trees and flowers, this stately construction is the famous St. Emil Church, or St. Michael's Church, known locally as Qingdao Catholic Church (青島天主教堂).

A couple pose for wedding photos in front of St. Emil Church. [Photo by Xing Zhifeng]

Designed by a German architect according to the characteristics of Gothic and Roman architecture, the church is the largest Gothic-style building in Qingdao.

Construction of the church began in 1932 and finished in 1934. The 2,470-square-meter church is considered an outstanding masterpiece of 20th century Christian architecture.

The church was built with yellow granite and armored concrete and covered with red tiles. The exterior is engraved with fine designs. Above the entrance is a huge circular stained glass window typical of the Gothic style, with intricate tracery radiating from the center.

Two 56-meter-high towering clock towers stand either side of the window and have four copper clocks which sound on Sundays and during festivals. At the tip of the towers are two 4.5-meter-high crosses weighing more than one ton each.

The nave is 18 meters high and can hold nearly 1,000 people. The interior is decorated in the Italian Renaissance style with stained glass windows depicting Bible stories.

Seven copper lamps hang from the ceiling and the dome is painted with exquisite frescos. Soft light filters through the windows, filling the hall with a spiritual atmosphere.

Tel: +86-532-82865960

Add: 15 Zhejiang Road 浙江路15號

Admission: 8 yuan

How to get there: Buses No.301, 305 and 320