Sacred Heart Cathedral, Guangzhou

A soaring Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in old Guangzhou, built entirely of granite between the 1860s and 1880s under French direction and often called the Stone House by residents. Its twin spires rise nearly sixty metres near the Pearl River, and the interior glows with imported stained glass beneath ribbed vaults and pointed arches. It remains one of the largest granite churches in East Asia and a working seat of the local diocese. Visitors admire the stone tracery, attend services and photograph the pale façade against the skyline.