Zhushu Church (Bamboo Church)
Xiamen, Fujian | 廈門竹樹堂（竹樹教會）
Pastor Yip Han Chiong | 葉漢章牧師
Pastor Yip Han Chiong (葉漢章牧師) was a pioneering spiritual leader in the Minnan Christian movement, with a far-reaching influence across Xiamen, Taiwan, and Kinmen (金門).
- He was first appointed to the Pinghe church (平和教會), where he served as the first pastor and as head of the Council of Pastors in the Xiamen area.
- His leadership extended beyond mainland China. He ministered actively in Taiwan (台灣) and Kinmen (金門, also Quemoy).
Founding Role in Zhushu Church
Pastor Yip Han Chiong later became the first ordained pastor of Zhushu Church (竹樹堂), and a key figure in establishing it as a mission-centered congregation among the people. Today the church still stands as a living testimony of his ministry and vision.
Location and Address
Zhushu Church (Bamboo Church) 廈門竹樹堂
- Chinese address: 福建省廈門市思明區開禾路八市附近（竹樹堂）
- English (approximate): Near Kaihe Road, Eight Market (Bashi area), Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, China
How to Find the Church
The church is hidden within everyday life, not on a main tourist street.
Tell the taxi driver: “八市” (Bāshì, Eight Market). Then:
- Enter the old market lanes (開禾路舊市場一帶).
- Walk through the busy wet market streets.
- Head toward the center of the market area.
In the middle of the crowd, among the vendors and daily life, you will find the church standing quietly in the center.
The Church Among the People
Zhushu Church is built right in the center of a functioning market, surrounded by street vendors, wet market stalls, and daily community life. This reflects Pastor Yip Han Chiong’s ministry vision: not separating the church from the people, but placing it among them.
- A Gospel presence in daily life
- Ministry within the marketplace
- A living witness to the community
Visiting Information
- Open: Sundays, primarily for worship.
- Getting there: Best reached on foot through the market.
- Etiquette: Visitors are encouraged to be respectful during services.
Ministry Legacy
Zhushu Church stands today as a heritage landmark of Minnan Christianity:
- A church planted in the heart of the people
- A testimony of cross-regional ministry (Xiamen, Taiwan, Kinmen)
- A reflection of Pastor Yip Han Chiong’s pioneering leadership
The church is not meant to be distant. It is meant to be where the people are.
