Qingdao Catholic Church (St. Michael's Cathedral) is one of the most iconic religious buildings in northern China, located on the high ground of Zhejiang Road in Shinan District, Qingdao. This twin - tower church, which combines Gothic and Romanesque architectural aesthetics, was first built in 1932. It was designed by the German architect Alfred Pichl, and after two years of construction, it was completed in 1934. The two 56 - meter - high granite bell - tower spires soar into the sky, and 4.5 - meter - high crosses stand on the spires. Its unique pointed roofs covered with red tiles form a sharp contrast with the yellow - wall facades, showing a solemn exotic flavor against the blue sea and sky in Qingdao.

As the commanding height in the old urban area of Qingdao, the church retains precious religious art heritages inside: the rose windows inlaid with seven - color mosaics refract the sunlight into gorgeous colored paintings, and the statue of the Virgin Mary hanging above the altar is carved from Carrara marble imported from Italy. After going through wars and the changes of the times, this religious building left over from the German - occupied period has taken on a new look since the comprehensive renovation was launched in 2006. It has now become a key cultural relic protection unit in Shandong province. It is not only a place of worship for devout believers, but also attracts countless photography enthusiasts to capture the urban skyline composed of it, the Zhanqiao Pier and Signal Hill. Every early Sunday morning, the rich tones of the pipe organ can still be heard flowing out of this century - old building on time, witnessing the integration and inheritance of Eastern and Western cultures in this famous coastal city.