The only catholic church in Tibet: Yanjing Catholic Church

The Yanjing Catholic Church is located in Mangkam County along national highway 214. It is more than 6000 square meters. It was built in 1865 by a French missionary. In 1865 Catholicism made its way to Yanjing, and since then already one and half centuries has past. Up until now, 80% of the villagers in Yanjing are catholic. The current priest in the church is a Tibetan by the name of Lurendi. He takes charge of local teaching. He recites the bible which has been translated into Tibetan language. Local names are given by the priest, and are mostly similar with European names. Funerals are also conducted according to catholic norms.

 
The gate of the church courtyard

   
Local Tibetans conducting mass

The catholic church in Shangri-La of Dechen County: Cizhong Village Catholic Church

The Cizhong Village Catholic Church is located in Shangri-La of Dechen County. It was founded during the time of the Qing emperor in 1867. The French missionary built it. In 1982 due to conflicting religions the church was burned down. Soon after, the French government demanded that the Qing government compensate money for its reconstruction. Following, workers went to the village and completed the construction in 1914.

There are a lot of Tibetans in the area. Other than Catholicism, Buddhism and Dongba believers can be found. Furthermore, they all have places of worship in the area. People of different religious faiths willingly help each other, inter-marry and are harmonious.

 
Church architecture collection

 
Local believers sit at the door of the church

 
Inside of the church

Sichuan Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: Kangding Catholicism

The Kangding catholic church is located in the Kangdingcity district along the river road. It was renovated in 1997 with gothic style architecture. It is the main place for activities for Catholicism in the area. There is one priest inKangding. Catholicism in Kangding originated in 1852. The French missionary from Paris by the name of Dingsheng Rong. He first established a church in the north of Kangding, a place that formerly belonged to Tibetan Buddhism. In 1939, the Tibet parish was divided up establishing the Kangdingparish, the administrative region and the first of eight large parishes in the country.