Temples of Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang: spiritual heritage of Eastern China

From ancient 3rd‑century temples to gems of Buddhist architecture – over 12 famous temples in Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. All within 1–3 hours of the metropolis.

Did you know? The Yangtze River Delta region (Jiangnan) was a centre of Buddhist dissemination in China for one and a half thousand years. Temples founded as early as the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century) and even earlier are preserved here. Shanghai is home to the oldest wooden building (Zhenru Temple, 1320), Hangzhou houses one of China's most revered temples, Lingyin Temple (328 AD), and Nanjing has Linggu Temple (512 AD), associated with imperial dynasties. Most temples are accessible for day trips from Shanghai.

Famous temples of Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛寺)

Most famous in Shanghai City centre Easy

Jade Buddha Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai, built between 1911 and 1918. The main relics are two white jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in 1882. The largest statue (1.9 m, weight 1 ton) is on the second floor of the Jade Buddha House. The temple also houses 7,000 Buddhist sutras.

Jade Buddha Unique two‑meter statue made of solid white jade with precious stones.
Architecture Saffron‑coloured walls, classic Chinese style, Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas.
Relics Three gilded Buddhas in the main hall, fearsome Dharma‑protecting deities.
Location Jin'an District, Changshou Rd metro station (line 7).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 7, Changshu Rd station (not Changshu Rd! – careful), exit 5.
  • Entrance: 20 yuan + 10 yuan for the Buddha hall.
  • Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00.
  • Time for visit: 1–1.5 hours.

Longhua Temple (龙华寺) – Shanghai's oldest temple

Founded in 242 AD Southern Shanghai Easy

Longhua Temple is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Shanghai, founded in 242 AD (Three Kingdoms period). The seven‑storey pagoda, closed to visitors, was completed in the 10th century. The grounds include five main halls, a library, a Hall of Thousand Arhats with hundreds of golden statues of arhats, and a fair with souvenirs.

Age Over 1,770 years of history – the oldest temple in the city.
Pagoda 7‑storey pagoda from the 10th century – a symbol of the temple, visible from afar.
Hall of Thousand Arhats Hundreds of golden statues of Buddhist saints (arhats).
Park Beautiful park area around the temple.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 3, Longcao Road station, then 10 minutes walk.
  • Entrance: 10 yuan.
  • Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00.
  • Guide tip: Combine with a visit to the fair and park.

Jing'an Temple (静安寺) – amid skyscrapers

247 AD Central Shanghai Easy

Jing'an Temple (Jing'an Temple) is one of the most visited temples in Shanghai, located in a bustling business district amidst skyscrapers. Founded in 247 AD, later moved to its current location during the Song dynasty. Destroyed in 1851, rebuilt in 1983. A unique combination of ancient Song‑dynasty architecture and modern high‑tech.

Contrast Ancient temple against the backdrop of skyscrapers – the best photos of Shanghai.
Architecture Authentic Song dynasty elements, golden roofs.
View From the second floor, a panorama of the Jing'an district.
Metro Jing An Temple station right at the temple.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 2/7, Jing An Temple station, exit 1.
  • Entrance: 50 yuan.
  • Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:00.

City God Temple (城隍庙)

Taoist temple Old city Easy

City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao) is a popular Taoist temple built in 1403. Dedicated to the city's guardian deity. Connected to Yu Garden and the Old City market. In the rear hall is an image of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming dynasty.

History Founded in 1403, restored in the 1990s.
Location Heart of the tourist district, next to Yu Garden and bazaars.
Atmosphere Bustling market, food stalls, souvenirs, old architecture.
Faith Taoism – a unique experience among Buddhist temples.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Bus to the Chenghuang Temple stop, walk from the Bund.
  • Entrance: 20 yuan.
  • Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30.

Confucius Temple (文庙) – the only one in Shanghai

1294 Huangpu District Easy

Confucius Temple is the only temple complex in Shanghai dedicated to the great thinker. Built in 1294, originally used as an educational institution. Its current appearance dates from reconstruction in 1995. In front of the Dacheng Hall stands a large statue of Confucius; the Kuixing Pavilion houses many Buddha sculptures. Surrounding it are quiet gardens.

Unique The only Confucian temple in Shanghai.
Atmosphere Quiet, well‑kept gardens, few tourists due to distance from metro.
Kuixing Pavilion The most interesting room with a collection of Buddhist sculptures.
Wenmiao Street Pedestrian street with vendors and street food at the entrance.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: By taxi or bus to Laoximen stop.
  • Entrance: 10 yuan.
  • Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00.

Zhenru Temple (真如寺) – Shanghai's oldest building

1320 (Yuan dynasty) Zhenru District Easy

Zhenru Temple is a unique architectural monument from the Yuan dynasty (1320). The main hall is the oldest wooden ground structure in Shanghai. The temple houses a stupa with a Buddha relic, a gift from Myanmar. An atmosphere of genuine antiquity without tourist crowds.

Antiquity The only surviving Yuan‑era wooden hall in Shanghai.
Relic A sacred stupa containing Buddha's relics.
Quiet Virtually no foreign tourists.
Small garden A neat, well‑kept courtyard with a pagoda.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 11, Zhenru station, 10 minutes walk.
  • Entrance: Free or 10 yuan.
  • Time for visit: 1–1.5 hours.

Famous temples of Zhejiang Province

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) – Temple of the Soul's Retreat

Jewel of Hangzhou 2.5 hours Easy

Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous and largest Buddhist temples in China, founded in 328 AD by the Indian monk Huili. Located at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, among bamboo groves and cliffs with ancient stone carvings (more than 340 sculptures from the 10th–13th centuries). The main hall houses a 24‑meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of camphor wood.

History Over 1600 years, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Feilaifeng Grottoes A cliff with over 300 Buddhist sculptures, including a smiling Maitreya.
Structure Four main halls rising up the slope: from the Heavenly Kings to the Three Saints of the Western Paradise.
Legend The name is associated with the Feilaifeng Mountain that "flew" from India.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 2.5 hours by car or high‑speed train to Hangzhou + taxi.
  • Entrance: 45 yuan (temple) + 45 yuan (Feilaifeng).
  • Opening hours: 7:00 – 18:00.

Yuanjin Monastery (圆津禅院) – above Zhujiajiao's canals

1341 AD 1 hour Easy

Yuanjin Monastery is one of the main spiritual landmarks of the water town Zhujiajiao. Founded in 1341 (Yuan dynasty) by monk Huiji to bless trading ships. The three‑storey wooden pagoda, 18 meters high, rises above the confluence of the Central Canal and the Dianpu River, offering panoramic views of the canals, bridges and covered boats.

Thousand‑armed Guanyin 3.2‑meter gilded statue with 1058 miniature hands – a symbol of boundless compassion.
Four Heavenly Kings Unique statues with attributes: sword, pipa, mongoose with pearl, snake.
Underground Dragon Altar A rare altar with a black jade dragon and 108 niches with miniature Buddhas.
View From the top floor, the best panorama of the water town, especially at sunset.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 1 hour by car to Zhujiajiao, the temple is at the confluence of canals.
  • Entrance: Included in the Zhujiajiao ticket (approx. 80 yuan).
  • Guide tip: Come at sunset and ring the Clear Mind Bell (3 strikes).

Guoqing Temple (国清寺) – cradle of Tiantai Buddhism

Founded in 598 AD 3.5 hours from Shanghai Easy

Guoqing Temple (Temple of National Purity) is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, located in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province. Founded in 598 AD by decree of Emperor Wen of Sui and became the birthplace of the Tiantai school (one of the earliest Chinese Buddhist schools). Here lived and preached the great teacher Zhiyi (538–597), who systematised the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

Age Over 1800 years old (founded in 598) – one of the oldest temples in China.
Sui Pagoda A nine‑storey pagoda 59.3 metres high, built in 594 (the only surviving Sui‑dynasty pagoda in the region).
Relics Stone steles with imperial calligraphy, Buddha statues, ancient manuscripts.
World significance The temple is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from Japan and Korea, where schools based on Tiantai also originated.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 3.5 hours by car from Shanghai (about 280 km) or high‑speed train to Taizhou, then taxi (~40 min).
  • Entrance: Free! (passport required for registration).
  • Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:00.
  • Guide tip: Be sure to climb to the Sui Pagoda and visit the hall where Zhiyi's relics are kept. The best time to visit is in the morning when there are few tourists.

Famous temples of Jiangsu Province

Bronze Guanyin Temple (铜观音寺)

Bronze statue of the 7th century 1.5 hours Easy

Bronze Guanyin Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in the suburbs of Suzhou, founded during the Southern Dynasties (6th century). The main shrine is a unique 2.5‑metre bronze statue of Guanyin cast in the Tang dynasty (7th century). The temple is surrounded by a huge garden with 10,000 cherry trees, making it one of the best places to admire blooming cherry blossoms in the region.

Bronze statue A unique 7th‑century Guanyin statue cast in bronze – one of the oldest in China.
Sakura Over 10,000 cherry trees, blooming from late March to early April.
View of Taihu A panorama of Lake Taihu opens from the hills.
Antiquity The temple was founded more than 1400 years ago; steles and pagodas from various eras remain.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 1.5 hours by car from Shanghai or 30 minutes by taxi from central Suzhou (bus No. 552).
  • Entrance: 60 yuan.
  • Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30 (until 17:00 in summer).
  • Best time: Late March – early April (cherry blossom season).

Linggu Temple (灵谷寺) – Temple of the Valley of Spirits

512 AD 3 hours Easy

Linggu Temple (literally "Temple of the Valley of Spirits") is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Nanjing, which played a key role in the spread of Buddhism. Founded in 512 AD (Liang dynasty) by decree of Emperor Wu‑di on Doulongfu Hill. In 1376 it was moved to the foot of Purple Mountain because the original site was used for the Xiaoling Mausoleum. It changed names: during the Tang dynasty it was called Baogong Shenyuan.

Age More than 1500 years of history.
Imperial decree Founded by Emperor Wu‑di (Liang dynasty).
Location Picturesque slope of Purple Mountain, near the Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum.
Architecture A combination of ancient and restored buildings, a pagoda.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 3 hours by high‑speed train to Nanjing, then taxi.
  • Entrance: 35 yuan.
  • Guide tip: Combine with a visit to the Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum.

Daciyan (大慈岩) – hanging temple on the cliff

Unique 3 hours Moderate

Daciyan is a unique complex of temples, partly carved into a vertical cliff and connected by suspended walkways (Ming dynasty, 16th century). The main hall is literally "glued" to the vertical wall at a height of over 500 metres.

Uniqueness: One of the few hanging temples in China.
Ascent: Cable car or 40‑minute walk.
Statues: Ancient images in niches of the rock.
Glass platform: Viewing platform with a transparent floor.
  • How to get there: 3 hours by car or train to Quzhou + taxi.
  • Entrance: 80 yuan, cable car +50 yuan.

Frequently asked questions about temples in Shanghai and the surrounding area

Which temple is a must‑see in Shanghai itself?

Definitely the Jade Buddha Temple – the city's most famous temple with a unique two‑meter statue of Buddha made of white jade. Also worth seeing is the oldest temple Longhua (founded in 242 AD) with its seven‑story pagoda, and Zhenru Temple – Shanghai's oldest wooden building (1320).

What famous temples are located in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces?

In Zhejiang: Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou (328 AD) with cave carvings, Yuanjin Monastery in the water town Zhujiajiao (1341) offering panoramic views of the canals. In Jiangsu: Linggu Temple in Nanjing (512 AD) at the foot of Purple Mountain, and the Bronze Guanyin Temple in Suzhou with cherry blossoms.

Are there any special rules to follow when visiting temples?

Yes, it is recommended to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes before entering prayer halls, keep quiet, do not point at Buddha statues, and refrain from taking photos without permission in some areas.

🏯 Practical tips for visiting temples from Shanghai in 2026

Dress code & etiquette Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering prayer halls.
Visiting time It is best to arrive at opening time (usually 8:00) to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning service.
Offerings You can buy incense at the entrance (usually 5–20 yuan).
Transport For distant temples, it is convenient to book a private tour with a guide.

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