Built in 1886 on Suzhou Creek Bund, Union Church served as the spiritual heart of Shanghai`s international community during the colonial era. Designed as an interdenominational Protestant church, it welcomed Anglicans, Methodists, and Presbyterians - including British merchants, American missionaries, and European diplomats.
The church`s architecture blends Neo-Gothic and colonial styles:
• Pointed arches with stained glass windows
• Distinctive red brick facade (typical of late 19th-century Shanghai)
• A landmark bell tower visible to ships on the river
Union Church Through the Decades
• 1930s-1940s: One of few foreign churches remaining operational during Japanese occupation
• 1950s: Closed under Communist rule, repurposed as warehouse space
• 2000s: Restored as cultural venue (no longer active worship space)
Modern Art Installations Nearby
The surrounding embankment features:
• "River Shadows": Projected historical photographs on warehouse walls
• "Bridge of Memory": Pedestrian bridge with plaques sharing parishioners` stories
• "Garden of Denominations": Sculptures symbolizing intercultural exchange
Why Visit Union Church Today?
• Exceptional preservation of colonial religious architecture
• Atmospheric evening lighting recreates old Shanghai ambiance
• Nearby attractions: M50 Art District (5-min walk) and Shanghai Postal Museum
• Don`t miss "Church Archives" café serving 1930s-style coffee with digital historical records
