e-magazine
The Hot Zone
China's newly announced air defense identification zone over the East China Sea aims to shore up national security
Current Issue
· Table of Contents
· Editor's Desk
· Previous Issues
· Subscribe to Mag
Subscribe Now >>
Expert's View
World
Nation
Business
Finance
Market Watch
Legal-Ease
North American Report
Forum
Government Documents
Expat's Eye
Health
Science/Technology
Lifestyle
Books
Movies
Backgrounders
Special
Photo Gallery
Blogs
Reader's Service
Learning with
'Beijing Review'
E-mail us
RSS Feeds
PDF Edition
Web-magazine
Reader's Letters
Make Beijing Review your homepage
Hot Links

cheap eyeglasses
Market Avenue
eBeijing

Historical Sites
Special> Aftermath of the Quake> Restoring Cultural Sites> Historical Sites
UPDATED: July 2, 2008 Web Exclusive
Church of the Annunciation in Pengzhou City
The construction began in 1895 under priests from the Paris Foreign Mission, and was completed in 1908. It was listed as a national heritage site in 2006
 
Share

Church of the Annunciation in Pengzhou City before (above) and after the quake

Church of the Annunciation in Pengzhou City before (left) and after the quake

General Information

Located in Huishui Village of Bailu Township, 23 km away from the Pengzhou City center, the Annunciation Seminary was once regarded as a cradle of vocations. It was also called Bailu Shangshuyuan ("Higher College" as opposed to Bailu Xiashuyuan, or "Lower College"). The seminary's construction began in 1895 under priests from the Paris Foreign Mission, and was completed in 1908. About 1,000 laborers reportedly worked on the project.

Made of wood and bricks, it featured a combination of Eastern and Western architectural styles -- a Gothic chapel surrounded by a two-story Chinese courtyard. The upper story, with more than 60 rooms, was used as a student dorm; the ground floor was used for teaching, cooking, and bakery. Unfortunately, it was partially damaged by landslides in 1934.

It was listed as a national heritage site in 2006. Several Catholics lived around the area, which also became a popular spot for wedding pictures to be taken.

Situation after the quake

The structure collapsed within 8 seconds of the quake, a witness recalls. A total of 10,000 square meters of architecture fell, causing a loss of 50 million yuan ($7.25 million). The chapel, the main entrance, the front hall and side halls of the courtyard were all destroyed, according to historical relic experts.



 
Top Story
-Protecting Ocean Rights
-Partners in Defense
-Fighting HIV+'s Stigma
-HIV: Privacy VS. Protection
-Setting the Tone
Most Popular
 
About BEIJINGREVIEW | About beijingreview.com | Rss Feeds | Contact us | Advertising | Subscribe & Service | Make Beijing Review your homepage
Copyright Beijing Review All right reserved