Located on bustling Nanjing West Road, and surrounded by modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, Jing’an Temple lives up to its name as the Temple of Peace and Tranquility. Escape from the hustle bustle of Shanghai, learn about the long history of the temple, and admire its impressive statues and relics.
The Basics
The temple features multiple halls and courtyards, outstanding woodwork, calligraphy and paintings from famous masters, as well as a few notable statues and relics. Don’t miss the largest jade Buddha statue in China, measuring 12 feet (3.8 meters) tall and weighing 1.2 US tons (1.1 metric tons); a statue of Guanyin carved from camphor, standing 20.4 feet (6.2 meters) and weighing 5.5 US tons (5 metric tons); and an ancient bronze bell from the Ming Dynasty.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at Jing’an Temple, along with other attractions like nearby Nanjing Road, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus for the most flexibility. Cruise ship passengers and those on a layover may want to consider a customized private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jing’an Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in history, architecture, or religion.
- This is a place of worship, so please be quiet and respectful.
- Entry is free on the first and 15th of each lunar month.
- The on-site vegetarian restaurant accepts donations.
- Jing’an temple isn’t wheelchair accessible; there are numerous steps to navigate.
How to Get There
Jing-an Temple is located on Nanjing Road, in the Jing-an District. Take the metro, line 2 or 7, to Jing’an Temple Station (Exit 1). You can also take bus 15, 20, 21, 37, 40, 113, 824, or 830 to the temple.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily, year-round. It is at its most festive during the Lunar New Year celebrations, and during the annual Temple Fair, celebrated during Buddha’s birthday on the eighth day of the lunar fourth month; during this 3-day celebration, locals sell handicrafts and other goods.
History of the Temple
The temple was first built in AD 247, during the Wu Kingdom of the Three Kingdoms Period, and relocated to its present location in 1216, during the Song Dynasty. It became a plastics factory during the Cultural Revolution and was destroyed by a fire in 1972, before being reconstructed and reopened in 1990.
