On 9 July 1928 this territory, detached from the Apostolic Vicariate of Kirin (now a diocese), was erected into the Tsitsikar mission and raised to the rank of Apostolic Prefecture on 17 August 1931. It is entrusted to the Society of the Missionaries of Bethlehem (Switzerland). The Catholic religion was introduced there by some immigrants from the province of Kirin about 70 years ago. Soon, thanks to the zeal of some missionaries, various Christian communities were organized, which then suffered damage to their works and personnel during the Boxer Rebellion (1900). Once calm returned, the mission resumed its development, taking shape in new flourishing missionary stations.
Before the communists expelled all foreign personnel, the prefecture counted 14,000 Catholics; 5 native priests and 35 foreign priests; 16 foreign sisters; 2 hospitals; 7 pharmacies; 2 orphanages; 2 homes for the elderly; 64 elementary schools; 13 middle schools; 4 deaneries; 20 primary stations and 68 secondary ones; 20 churches.