The oldest Catholic Church in Beijing, the Southern Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is located at 181 Qianmen West Street in the Xuanwumen area. 

The church was first erected in1650 on the former site of the Donglin party, a political clique active in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

When the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) came to China during the reign of Emperor Wanli in Ming Dynasty, the emperor provided him with a residence which stood slightly west of the cathedral. Back when the capital was still a Ming fortress walled city, Xuanwumen, the Gate of Proclaimed Military Strength, was considered to be unlucky because it was the portal used when the condemned were taken to the execution ground. Ricci bought the property cheaply and it is still used by adherents of his faith nearly four hundred years later. Matteo Ricci was renowned for his scientific knowledge and amazing memory skills, but few realize his intellectual acumen included real estate.

The cathedral was rebuilt in 1657 during the reign of Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty. It was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1775 and 1900, and was rebuilt in 1904 to its present form.

The main components of the 100-year-old building remain unchanged with one exception-its wooden support columns have been replaced by brick-and-mortar columns decorated with stone mosaics.

Today the cathedral remains in excellent condition. Masses conducted by more than 10 Chinese Fathers attract an increasing number of Chinese and foreign worshipers every Sunday, and the church is always crowded during Easter and Christmas.