Located at 56/7 Yide road (Yat Tak Road) in the center of Guangzhou, on the north bank of the Pearl River (Zhujiang) and close to the Shamian Island, the Sacred Heart Cathedral (Shengxin Dajiaotang, or Stone House) is a typical French construction built in 1863 and completed in 1888. 

Covering a total area of 2,754 square meters and rising as high as 58.5 meters from the pedestal to the top of the tower, this huge Gothic granite building is the largest of its kind in China. To the west of the stone tower is a large clock and to the east is a bell tower, which is home to a gigantic copper bell shipped in from France. The cathedral windows and doors were once decorated with colorful French panes although only a few of these remain today. 

The Cathedral was closed for renovation from 18th July 2004. In addition to protection of the historical building, the facelift will provide a better facility and nicer environment for Catholics to conduct Mass and other religious gatherings. It  is scheduled to open to public on 18th July 2006, and is expected to become a new tourist attraction in Guangzhou in the wake of the remodeling work, attracting both Catholics and visitors from around the world.

The Cathedral is only open on Sundays when masses take place. It was listed as a key State historical relic in the late 1970s.