Jing'an Temple静安寺
Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temple, founded in 247 in the Three Kingdoms era and the city's oldest; red walls and golden roofs against the Jing'an skyline.
Shanghai · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Jing'an Temple worth visiting?
Shanghai's oldest and most famous temple, Jing'an Temple, founded in 247 in the Three Kingdoms era; the 50 yuan ticket includes three incense sticks, open 7:30-17:00.
Quick facts
| Ticket | CNY 50 (includes three incense sticks) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 07:30-17:00 |
| Recommended duration | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; busiest at Chinese New Year |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 or 7 to Jing'an Temple station, then a 5-minute walk |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| History | Founded in 247 (Three Kingdoms era) |
| Location | Heart of the Jing'an shopping district |
| Deity | Jade Buddha of Sakyamuni |
| Architecture | Ming-Qing style |
| Nearby | Jing'an Park, Jiuguang department store |
| Status | Shanghai's oldest temple |
What to expect
Facing south behind red walls and golden roofs, Jing'an Temple follows the classic layout of a Chinese Buddhist monastery. Its main halls — the Mahavira Hall, the Medicine Buddha Hall and the Amitabha Hall — rise on upturned eaves and carved brackets, and the jade Buddha of Sakyamuni enshrined inside is the temple's priceless treasure.
The temple stands in one of Shanghai's busiest commercial districts, hemmed in by towers. The contrast between the ancient monastery and the surrounding skyscrapers has made it a symbol of the city, and on holidays the square in front fills with worshippers.
Next door, Jing'an Park is a rare patch of green in the middle of the city; its small Bajing Garden recreates a classical scholar's garden. The Jiuguang department store and Jing'an Kerry Centre nearby cover any shopping or dining needs — a good place to rest after visiting the halls.
How to get there
Metro Line 2 or 7 to Jing'an Temple station Exit 3, then a 5-minute walk along Nanjing Xi Lu
Best photo spots
- The red temple wall with skyscrapers rising behind
- The Mahavira Hall
- The plaza in front of the temple
- The shopping-district lights at night
Tips
- Come in the morning to avoid the worship crowds
- Incense is included in the ticket — no need to buy extra
- Photography is not allowed inside the halls
- Plenty of malls and food options surround the temple
Scams to avoid
- Watch out for fortune-tellers outside the gate
- Do not trust self-styled monks offering blessings for a fee
Frequently asked questions
What do people pray for at Jing'an Temple?
Folk tradition holds it especially efficacious for safety and career
Is there vegetarian food in the temple?
Yes, a vegetarian restaurant serves meals, but reserve ahead
Is it the same place as the Jing'an district?
The temple gave the surrounding district its name — temple and district share one place
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