A: When Ricci was granted a chance to meet the Chinese emperor, he presented him some exquisite timepieces and other precious gifts he had brought from Europe.

B: Impressed by Ricci's profound knowledge and advanced western science and technology, the emperor allowed him to do missionary work and build a church to the south of the Forbidden City.

A: The church was originally a very small chapel that had Chinese architectural elements. In the following centuries, it was rebuilt several times and expanded into an imposing Baroque-style cathedral.

B: The East Church is the second oldest cathedral in Beijing. It is nestled on Wangfujing Street, one of the busiest commercial districts in Beijing. The gorgeous Romanesque architecture is very eye-catching amid the area's many contemporary shopping malls, hotels and theaters.

A: The church was first built in the mid-17th century and has since gone through several reconstructions. The latest renovation was completed just a year ago. Today the graceful building is acclaimed to be one of the most beautiful churches in China.

B: The North Church was built in 1703. It is the largest Catholic Church in Beijing, with an area of 2,200 square meters.

A: The building is a typical Gothic structure, but the surrounding architecture presents a classical Chinese garden style.

B: The church is surrounded by marble railings decorated with traditional Chinese patterns. Two pavilions with glazed tile roofs have been built on each side in front of the church, and four stone lions guard the entrance. The complex is considered a good example of architecture that integrates traditional Chinese and western cultures.

A: The West Church was built in the 1720s. It was the first non-Jesuit church in Beijing. Its delicate Corinthian pillars and Gothic peaked arches make it elegant and solemn, although its exterior looks less magnificent than those of the three others.

B: With China's fast social progress in the last three decades, the Chinese have become more open to western culture and enjoy more freedom with their religious beliefs.

A: This is why Christianity has spread rapidly in the country. The number of Christians has grown phenomenally, and many new churches have been built to cater to the needs of the increasing numbers of worshippers. Some of the churches are in traditional western design, while others feature innovative modern architectural styles.

B: The Haidian Christian Church in northwestern Beijing is one of the most famous modern-style churches. This Protestant church opened just two years ago. It’s located in the Zhongguancun district, which is known as China's Silicon Valley and home to a large number of IT companies, research institutes and universities.

A: Designed by a German architectural firm, the church was built in modern minimalist style. The four-story building is all white with long white pillars encircling the structure and a huge white cross standing in a covered stairway that leads to the entrance. Beside the building is a tall bell tower, also in white.

B: Many churchgoers in China are actually not Christians. Some of them go to these churches out of curiosity, and some find attending church services can bring peace and calm to their minds despite the hustle and bustle of modern life.

A: The most important concepts of religions, be it Christianity or Buddhism, are love and benevolence. So even though many people are not religious believers, they can still strive for them in their daily life.