Jing’an Temple

Surrounded by the skyscrapers of modern Shanghai sits Jing’an Temple, a busy Buddhist temple with a history dating back to the third century, though it wasn’t relocated to its current site until 1216 during the Song Dynasty.

While Jing’an Temple certainly has ancient roots, it’s been in a near constant state of renovation since it was rebuilt in 1984 after a fire destroyed it more than 10 years earlier. Despite the many renovations, the Song Dynasty architecture remains impressive, and the three main halls within the temple are filled with Buddhist statuary and works of art. One of the most significant is a 12-foot-tall (3.8-meter) seated jade Buddha.

If you’re in Shanghai in the spring, try to plan your visit during the annual temple fair, when locals come to sell handicrafts and the temple grounds take on a very festive atmosphere.

Routes to take by transit: Subway: Line 2 and Line7 (at Jing'an Temple Station).