[1] Construction of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, designed by Franciscan missionaries from Italy, commenced in 1889 and was completed in 1891.

[1] It was burned by a catastrophic fire in 1900 during the Boxer Uprising, causing many casualties in the Christian community in the area.

[1] The Roman Catholic Diocese of Datong was set up in 1922 and came under the leadership of the CICM Missionaries.

[1] During the Cultural Revolution, the church was severely damaged by the Red Guards, while Christians were hunted by the Communists.

[1] Two 17-metre (56 ft) high bell towers were added to the church.