Yufo Si is a working Buddhist community - one of the few in China - but the star attractions of the Jade Buddha Temple are two figures brought to Shanghai by a Burmese monk in the 19th century.
The most impressive is the sitting Buddha, a 1.9 m (6.5 ft) giant encrusted with semi-precious stones. This Buddha is sitting in the pose which captures the moment of his enlightenment by meditation. The other Buddha is smaller and in the attitude of 'happy repose', as he goes peacefully to death. Both Buddhas are carved from white jade. Facing the reclining Buddha is a large copy in stone, brought to the monastery from Singapore.
These are the main points of a visit to the temple, but take a look at the halls while you're there, particularly the Grand Hall with its golden 'Gods of the Twenty Heavens'. There's also a restaurant that serves the public, with a simple downstairs and a swankier upstairs.
Latest Reviews
Review by Eben F, USA, November 2012
Doing what: Shanghai Half Day Morning or Afternoon Sightseeing Tour
This was a great tour (we only had three people so it was very personal and we learned a great deal about the pearl industry, Buddhism (at the Jade Buddha temple). The Shanghai museum has tremendous historical items and one could easily spend an entire day there.
Review by Cat, USA, July 2012
Doing what: Scholar-Led Shanghai Walking Tour: Buddhism in China
Review by Steven E, United Kingdom, August 2011
Doing what: Best of Shanghai Day Tour including Jade Buddha Temple and The Bund
enjoyed tour very interesting lots to see and the jade buddha was beautiful.
Practical Info
The Jade Buddha Temple is in the Western part of Shanghai. It's possible to get there by train, but it involves several changes. The simplest way is to get bus 19 from Broadway Mansions and take it to Anyuan Lu.




