For most Chinese, Christmas generally means commercial sales campaigns and shopping mall celebrations, rather than a significant religious event. But that doesn't mean that the festival is completely devoid of religious overtones in China.

In fact, many people nowadays prefer to spend Christmas Eve at a church, listening to the choir and praying, even if they are not necessarily Christians.

In Beijing, the Chinese capital, there are more than 10 churches, consisting of Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant institutions. 

Every year on Christmas Eve, these churches usually see the most visitors.

“It is a totally different cultural atmosphere, and the choir sounds really divine. It's great to come and feel it,” said a local resident outside Gangwashi Church in Beijing.

The Beijing Gangwashi Church, located in Haidian district, is the oldest Protestant church in the capital. It was rebuilt in 1922 and merged with the Chinese Christian Society. The church usually performs Sunday services in English, Korean and Chinese.

Another resident said she has gone to both Gangwashi Church and Wangfujing Church, adding that she loves to spend Christmas Eve at a church.

“I visited many churches while staying overseas, and I think it's more meaningful than just having a good dinner with friends,” she said, adding that the atmosphere in the church during Christmas Eve inspires her.

“If we do everything with such sincerity and earnestness, we could be successful in whatever we do.”

St. Joseph's Church, more commonly known as the Wangfujing Church, is a Catholic church originally built in 1655. It has gone through rounds of renovations and reconstructions. The current structure was completed in the early 20th century.

The building consists of a Romanesque Revival style and is noted for its mixture of European and local Chinese designs. Located in the commercial area of Wangfujing, it is also a must-visit tourist attraction.

Crowds also flock to other churches in the city, such as Asbury Church, also known as Chongwenmen Church, which is the oldest Protestant church in Beijing. Many employees from embassies go to the church, making it one of the most notable religious buildings.

Though the capital's churches are diverse, they all have something in common: choirs singing amid festive Christmas decorations. 

Head image designed by Saren