Overview

Instead of being known for hunchbacks, this Notre Dame Cathedral is recognized for its architectural genius. Which, given its turbulent history, is quite an achievement. It first opened in 1869 only to be destroyed one year later in the 1870 Massacre. After rebuilding, it again met the wrath of man during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion. Revamping immediately followed and this time the cathedral stood until the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake. Major renovations in 1983 restored its architectural glory and in 1988, China declared the church a Major National Relic. Unfortunately, public admission is restricted to during Sunday services only at 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.