Attraction
The Bund
Shanghai's colonial-era waterfront, a 1.6-kilometre line of 52 banks, hotels and trading houses facing the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River.
Jing’an Temple
A Buddhist temple on West Nanjing Road, founded in the third century and rebuilt since 1983, with a 15-tonne silver Buddha and a Ming-dynasty bell.
At a glance
- Type
- Buddhist temple
- Area
- Jing'an, Shanghai, China
Good to know
- Metro directly below
- Pagoda
- Free entry on lunar 1st and 15th
Why we recommend it
Jing'an Temple stands on West Nanjing Road, one of the city's main shopping streets. Its history goes back to 247 AD, in the Wu kingdom of the Three Kingdoms period, when it was built beside Suzhou Creek. It moved to its present site in 1216, under the Song dynasty. Three southern-style halls were rebuilt in 1880, but during the Cultural Revolution the temple was closed and used as a plastics factory. It was returned to religious use and rebuilt from 1983, and the pagoda was completed in 2010.
In 1953 the abbot Master Chisong re-established the temple in the Tangmi, or esoteric, Buddhist tradition. Inside the complex, the main Daxiongbao Hall is approached through the Tianwang Hall. The Guanyin Hall holds a 6.2-metre statue carved from camphor wood, and the Jade Buddha Hall contains a seated jade Buddha 3.8 metres tall, said to be the largest of its kind in the country. A silver statue weighing 15 tonnes was installed in 2009. The Hongwu Bell, a Ming copper bell of about 3.5 tonnes, is another highlight. The temple also keeps stone sculptures from the Southern and Northern Dynasties and paintings by artists including Zhang Daqian.
It is an active place of worship, so visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
Dress respectfully and keep voices low inside the halls. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. The temple suits anyone exploring West Nanjing Road, and it combines easily with a coffee or shopping break nearby.
The street address is 1686 West Nanjing Road, and Exit 1 of the metro station brings you out about 70 metres from the gate. A 2026 visitor guide gives opening hours of 7.30am to 5pm, and says admission is free on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the traditional incense days, and for children up to 130 centimetres. Tickets can also be bought by scanning a QR code at the entrance. In the courtyard, visitors toss coins into the bronze Fortune and Wisdom cauldron for luck.
Getting there could not be easier: Jing'an Temple station, where Lines 2, 7 and 14 meet, is directly beneath the temple. The Jade Buddha Temple is a short taxi ride away.
Jing’an Temple FAQs
How old is Jing'an Temple?
It was first built in 247 AD and moved to its current site in 1216. The present buildings date mainly from the rebuilding that began in 1983.
What is inside?
Halls including the Daxiongbao Hall and Guanyin Hall, a 3.8-metre jade Buddha, a 15-tonne silver statue and the Ming Hongwu Bell.
What tradition does the temple follow?
It follows the Tangmi, or esoteric, Buddhist tradition, re-established in 1953.
How do you get there?
Take Line 2, 7 or 14 to Jing'an Temple station, directly beneath the temple.
What is the Hongwu Bell?
A Ming-dynasty copper bell weighing about 3.5 tonnes.
What should you wear?
Modest, respectful clothing, as it is an active temple.
How long should you allow?
About 45 minutes to an hour.
What is nearby?
The malls of West Nanjing Road and, a short ride away, the Jade Buddha Temple.