This is the most expensive temple in the country
In the bustling heart of the 'Magic City' (Shanghai), a corner of thousand-year-old Zen tranquility is hidden🌿
Golden roofs and upturned eaves gaze at skyscrapers, ancient temple chants envelop the city's hustle and bustle.
Every brick and tile exudes ancient charm, every bell chime purifies the soul,
Amidst red walls and golden halls, find peace and serenity in the bustling city.
Shanghai Jing'an Temple Travel Guide
📍Basic Information
· Address: No. 1686 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
· Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Extended during incense burning periods/holidays, last entry at 4:30 PM)
· Admission: 50 RMB/person, tickets can be purchased online; discounts for students and seniors; discounted admission on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.
· Incense Offering: Incense can be obtained at the entrance, 3 free sticks of clear incense, or choose a gift box of incense.
🚗Transportation Guide
1. Metro: Direct access via Jing'an Temple Station on Lines 2/7/14, right outside the exit, super convenient.
2. Driving: Parking available at nearby malls, but spaces are limited; metro travel is recommended.
3. Nearby Attractions: Adjacent to the West Nanjing Road commercial district; after visiting, you can check out Réel Department Store, Jiuguang Department Store, and Yuyuan Road.
📜Key Photo Spots & Highlights
1. Exterior Panorama (Influencer Photo Spot)
The best spot for photos is from the pedestrian overpass, capturing the thousand-year-old temple alongside modern skyscrapers. The golden pagoda looks especially striking amidst the city's tall buildings, just like the perspective in your first picture, creating an amazing atmosphere.
2. Must-Visit Buildings Inside the Temple
· Mountain Gate and Hall of Heavenly Kings: Upon entering the main entrance, the incense offerings are abundant, and the gilded statues are magnificent.
· Grand Hall: The main hall is solemn, with golden roofs, upturned eaves, and intricate dougong brackets; the ancient architectural details are perfect for photos.
· Brahma Pillar and Golden Lion Sculptures: The iconic double-sided golden lions are a popular photo spot at Jing'an Temple, yielding excellent pictures.
· Prajna Spring, Sutra Repository: Red-walled wooden pagoda-style buildings, showcasing Chinese pavilion aesthetics, perfect for casual ancient-style photos.
3. Prayer & Experience
· Extremely effective for praying for peace, career, and wealth; you can pray and make wishes inside the hall.
· Amidst the lingering Buddhist chants, sit quietly for a moment when tired and experience the Zen tranquility in the bustling city.
· Vegetarian noodles and dim sum are available at the exit; you can experience the temple's vegetarian cuisine.
💡Travel Tips
1. Best Time to Visit: 9–11 AM, when the light is soft and there are relatively fewer people; the golden roof looks stunning during sunset in the afternoon.
2. Attire: Simple and elegant is best, avoid overly revealing clothing; for ancient-style photos, you can wear New Chinese style or Hanfu.
3. Etiquette: Do not step on the threshold when entering the hall, do not make loud noises, and do not casually photograph the front of Buddha statues.
4. Itinerary Planning: Jing'an Temple → West Nanjing Road → Yuyuan Road, a half-day trip for eating, praying, and taking photos, all in one go.