Located east of central Wangfujing Street, the Catholic East Church, or Wangfujing Catholic Church, is one of the best-preserved religious sites and the second oldest Catholic church in Beijing.

The present building was rebuilt in 1904 on the ruins of the burned church.

The East Church was originally called Saint Jausse's Church, and was built in the 12th year (1655) of Emperor Shunzhi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

It was the second Catholic church built in Beijing after Italian preacher Matteo Ricci built the 'Southern Church' in southern Beijing at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Occupying an area of 2,387 square metres, the church underwent its latest renovation in May of 2004. Beside the church is a front square of 1.2 hectares. Trees and grass were planted and various lighting facilities were installed to show off the gorgeous building at night. 

The church opened to Catholics in 1980 after large-scale repair work was done by the local government. The building, a combination of ancient western and Chinese architectural styles, was damaged three times.