Jing'an Temple
A historic Buddhist temple with dazzling golden roofs, offering a serene spiritual escape amidst Shanghai's modern cityscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Jing'an Temple
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Buddhist temple with dazzling golden roofs, offering a serene spiritual escape amidst Shanghai's modern cityscape.
"A striking contrast of ancient gold architecture against a backdrop of skyscrapers, making for some truly awesome photos."
🎯 Dress Respectfully
As a place of worship, modest attire is appreciated. Consider covering shoulders and knees.
💰 Entrance Fee Worth It
The 50 RMB entrance fee is considered very worthwhile for the experience. Pay with cash or Alipay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Roofs & Intricate Architecture
Main Halls
Marvel at the stunning golden roof tiles and the intricate details of this ancient Buddhist temple. A true architectural wonder.
Jade Buddha Statue
Main Hall
Behold the majestic sitting jade Buddha, a centerpiece of devotion and artistry within the temple.
Coin Tossing Tower
Temple Courtyard
Test your luck by tossing a coin into the tall tower for good blessings and fortune. A fun, interactive tradition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Entrance Fee & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Respectfully
As a place of worship, modest attire is appreciated. Consider covering shoulders and knees.
💰 Entrance Fee Worth It
The 50 RMB entrance fee is considered very worthwhile for the experience. Pay with cash or Alipay.
📸 Capture the Contrast
The temple's ancient gold against modern skyscrapers offers incredible photo opportunities.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Vibe
Despite crowds, try to find moments of peace and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Respectfully
As a place of worship, modest attire is appreciated. Consider covering shoulders and knees.
💰 Entrance Fee Worth It
The 50 RMB entrance fee is considered very worthwhile for the experience. Pay with cash or Alipay.
📸 Capture the Contrast
The temple's ancient gold against modern skyscrapers offers incredible photo opportunities.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Vibe
Despite crowds, try to find moments of peace and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jing'an Temple is lauded for its stunning golden architecture and spiritual ambiance, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Shanghai. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds, intricate Buddha statues, and the unique coin-tossing tradition. While it's a popular spot with crowds, the historical significance and visual splendor make it a highly recommended experience.
"Jing'an Temple has a quiet, spiritual and ancient look in the central of Shanghai, the architecture brings me a slow down in the middle of the bustling city. The temple consists of 3 towers with attractive golden roof tiles, very clean and well maintained facility. Many majestic Buddha statues with meticulous and sophisticated sculptures. In the middle of the temple yard, there is a tall tower where you can make wishes and throw coins into (to make the wish come true).
Entrance fee: 50 yuan/person."
黄Jack
"Jing'an Temple is an amazing and vibrant temple right in the heart of Shanghai's modern business district. It's a striking contrast of ancient gold architecture against a backdrop of skyscrapers, making for some truly awesome photos. While it's a bustling and active temple, which is cool to see, the crowds can sometimes detract from the peaceful, spiritual vibe. Still, it's a fantastic historical spot to visit, and definitely a unique Shanghai experience."
Andrea Pasin
"Wonderful architecture! The temple is really full of people, but still feeling calm and relax. The gate fee is 50 RMB which is easily paid by both cash and alipay, and this is super worthy.
I and my friend just followed local people to respect the holy gods. There are connecting bridges to walk around the temple. The incense smoke is all around the area, that made the temple more sacred.
Highly recommend!!!"
May Choo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jing'an Temple is conveniently located right next to the Jing'an Temple subway station, making it easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro. Lines 2 and 7 both stop here. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from nearby areas like West Nanjing Road.
Yes, Jing'an Temple is very easy to find. Its distinctive golden roofs stand out amidst the modern cityscape, and it's directly adjacent to the Jing'an Temple subway station exit.
Absolutely. Taxis are readily available in Shanghai, and you can simply tell your driver to go to 'Jing'an Temple' (静安寺). Be aware of potential traffic during peak hours.
The Jing'an District is very walkable, especially around the temple and West Nanjing Road. For longer distances, the metro system is efficient and covers the area well.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Using public transport like the metro is generally recommended for ease and cost-effectiveness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Jing'an Temple is 50 yuan per person. This fee is considered very reasonable for the experience and the upkeep of the temple.
While online booking options might exist, tickets are readily available for purchase at the entrance. You can typically pay with cash or Alipay.
Jing'an Temple is generally open daily from around 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or special event hours before your visit.
Yes, as it is a functioning Buddhist temple, visitors are expected to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the temple, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside prayer halls.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning architecture, visit the main halls with their Buddha statues, toss coins into the wishing tower for good luck, and experience the spiritual atmosphere.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours at Jing'an Temple to fully explore its grounds and appreciate its beauty.
Yes, families can enjoy the visual spectacle and the coin-tossing activity. However, the spiritual nature might be better appreciated by older children.
Incense is often available for purchase, and you can burn it in designated areas to offer prayers. The scent of incense contributes to the sacred ambiance.
Yes, monks are often present in the hallways and may be available to answer questions from visitors, offering a unique insight into Buddhism.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jing'an Temple itself does not typically have dining facilities for visitors. However, the surrounding Jing'an District is packed with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food options.
You'll find everything from traditional Shanghainese cuisine and local street food to international fine dining and trendy cafes in the Jing'an area.
Shanghai has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, especially in popular areas like Jing'an. You'll likely find options catering to these dietary needs.
The Jing'an District is a culinary hub. For local flavors, explore smaller eateries off the main streets. For more upscale dining, West Nanjing Road offers numerous choices.
Dining prices in Jing'an can vary widely. You can find budget-friendly street food and local noodle shops, as well as high-end restaurants with corresponding price tags.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its golden roofs against the city skyline is iconic. The main halls, the jade Buddha, and the coin-tossing tower also make for great shots.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that enhances the temple's golden features. Early mornings can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is highly restricted in most urban areas of China, especially around significant landmarks like Jing'an Temple. It's best to assume it's not permitted.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities also works well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to visit during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more comfortable for families. Explain to children that it's a sacred place and encourage respectful behavior. The surrounding Jing'an District also offers plenty of dining options suitable for families, making it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting on the golden elements. Early mornings offer fewer crowds, allowing for cleaner shots of the architecture. Be mindful of respectful photography, especially when worshippers are present. The coin-tossing tower also presents a fun, dynamic subject for capturing candid moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Jing'an Temple
+1The temple's location in the heart of the bustling Jing'an District makes its presence even more remarkable. It's a tranquil oasis amidst the urban sprawl, offering visitors a moment of peace and reflection. The juxtaposition of ancient spiritual design with the surrounding contemporary cityscape is a visual feast and a photographer's dream. Many visitors are struck by this unique blend, finding it to be a truly unforgettable aspect of their Shanghai experience.
Spiritual Significance and Visitor Experience
While the temple is a place of serenity, it's also a popular tourist destination, meaning it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours and holidays. Some visitors note that the crowds can sometimes detract from the peaceful ambiance they seek. However, many still find the experience to be calm and relaxing, appreciating the opportunity to connect with traditional beliefs amidst the modern city. The presence of monks available to answer questions further enhances the visitor experience, offering insights into Buddhist practices and temple life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit