Also called Xishiku Church (or Salvador Church, meaning Christ Church), Northern Church is located west of Zhongnanhai, at Canchikou and west of Ziguang Pavilion, so it is also called Canchikou Church. The sanctuary was later moved to Xishiku Street as Catholic North Church.

Xishiku Church is now the largest Catholic Church in Beijing. The style of the building is in typical Gothic style and it is famous for its grand architecture.

Two pavilions with green glazed tile roofs were built on each side in front of the church with stone columns and stone lions surrounding and guarding the place of worship, adding the architectural style of Chinese gardens.

Built in 1890 by a French mission, the church was formerly the centre of a great complex of schools, orphanages and hospitals. The building has a tall, wide nave with side aisles, octagonal transepts and a huge sanctuary. There are many chandeliers, plus large, painted stations of the cross, antique stained glass and the remains of old wall decorations.