The Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan was completed in 1935 (work began 1925) and crowns the 99-meter Sheshan Hill, the highest natural point in metropolitan Shanghai. It is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in China — Pope Benedict XVI declared a special prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan in 2008 (24 May, annually). The interior is a Romanesque-Gothic mix; mass is held Sundays. The hike up the south slope passes 14 Stations of the Cross. From the cathedral terrace you get a rare panoramic of Songjiang — flat ricefields, distant skyscrapers, and the Sheshan Observatory tower. Combine with Chenshan Botanical Garden (15 min by taxi) for a Songjiang half-day.
Address
West Sheshan, Sheshan Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai
松江区佘山镇西佘山
Highlights
- Panoramic View from Cathedral TerraceRare vista of Songjiang: ricefields, skyscrapers, and observatory tower
- 14 Stations of the Cross (南坡苦路)Hike up the south slope; each station is a stone shrine
- Romanesque-Gothic InteriorAttend Sunday mass to experience the sacred atmosphere
- Annual Pilgrimage (24 May)Pope Benedict XVI designated this day for Our Lady of Sheshan
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Sunday morning mass / weekday afternoon
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: need taxi
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What travelers say (3 reviews)
Pilgrim·TripAdvisor·4/5
Largest Catholic church in China atop Sheshan Hill. Pilgrimages in May. Quiet otherwise.
2026-04-12
佘山天主堂·Ctrip·4/5
佘山圣母大殿,松江古迹。5 月圣母月信徒朝圣。地铁 9 号线 + 索道上山。
2026-03-20
Hannah J.·Google Maps·4/5
Beautiful hilltop basilica. Free entry. Combine with Sheshan Observatory + chairlift.
2026-02-15
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