Yanggu Temple and Monkey Xingxing
Yanggu Temple is an ancient temple in the mountains of Ninghai, famous for the heart‑warming story of friendship between a nun and a rescued monkey named Xingxing. The monkey lost a hand in a trap, but the nun nursed her back to health, and now they are inseparable. Xingxing is very calm, obeys the nun, and gladly poses for visitors. This place is a true island of kindness and peace.
What else can be seen along the way: In the Ninghai area there are many interesting places: Qiantong Ancient Town with its canal system (try the famous "three treasures" tofu), the fantastic Wushan Quarries with turquoise water, the "Red Dowry" Museum, and a waterfall.
Attractions
What to expect
- Meeting and transfer — we will pick you up from a metro station in Shanghai and drive to Ninghai by car.
- Visit to Yanggu Temple — you will find yourself in an ancient mountain temple where the famous monkey Xingxing lives.
- Heart‑warming story — we will tell you how the nun rescued Xingxing from a trap and nursed her back to health, and how they became inseparable.
- Interaction with the monkey and photo session — with the nun's permission, you can treat Xingxing to fruit and take unique pictures.
- Lunch at an authentic farm‑to‑table restaurant — try local delicacies: "three treasures" tofu, seafood noodles, and fresh vegetables.
- Qiantong Ancient Town (optional) — walk through a labyrinth of canals, stone bridges and centuries‑old houses.
- Wushan Quarries (optional) — see fantastic landscapes with turquoise water in abandoned quarries, perfect for photos.
- Yancangshan Waterfall (optional) — a short walk to a picturesque waterfall surrounded by mountain forest.
- "Red Dowry" Museum (free) — if time allows, we will stop at a museum dedicated to the region's traditional wedding culture.
- Flexible itinerary — the guide will adjust the programme to your interests so you can see exactly what you want.
- Return to Shanghai — after a full day we will take you back to a convenient metro station.
- Photos and tips as a keepsake — the guide will help with the best angles and give recommendations for further travel in China.
Sample daily itinerary from Shanghai
*The route is designed for a car trip (main option). For those travelling by train, times and logistics are adjusted – see notes for details.
| Time | Program stage | Details and important notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Departure from Shanghai in a comfortable car with the guide. | Meeting at the metro. The drive to Ninghai takes ~3.5 hours with one stop. |
| ~10:30 | Arrival at Yanggu Temple. | MAIN: We are greeted by mountain silence and, if lucky, see monkey Xingxing right away. The guide tells the story of the temple and the monkey's rescue. |
| 10:30 - 12:30 | Exploring the temple, interacting with Xingxing, photo session. | Time for quiet acquaintance. You can treat the monkey to fruit (only with the nun's permission). The guide will help you capture the best shots. |
| 12:30 - 13:30 | Lunch at a farm‑to‑table restaurant at the foot of the mountain. | Try local cuisine: Qiantong "three treasures" tofu, seafood noodles, fresh vegetables. Vegetarian options available. |
| 13:30 - 15:30 | Additional programme (optional) – visit one of the nearby attractions. | Options: Qiantong Ancient Town (30 min drive, canals, old houses), Wushan Quarries (40 min, fantastic landscapes) or a waterfall. The guide will help choose a suitable option based on your interests. |
| 15:30 | Meeting and start of the return journey to Shanghai. | We leave to have a comfortable return time. |
| ~19:00 - 19:30 | Arrival in Shanghai. | You will be dropped off at the meeting point or the nearest metro station. |
💡 Important notes about the route:
- Alternative option – train + taxi: Depart Shanghai at 07:41, arrive in Ninghai at 10:21. Then taxi to the temple (40 min). After the temple – lunch in town and visit the "Red Dowry" Museum or a walk along the waterfront. Return train at 18:05. This option requires prior arrangement with the taxi driver.
- Comfortable footwear is essential: The temple grounds and surroundings have uneven terrain and stairs.
- Respect for the animal: Xingxing is a wild animal, though friendly. Do not make sudden movements, do not shout, feed only with the nun's permission.
- Donation: Temple entry is free, but it is customary to leave a small amount for the temple's upkeep and animal care (10-20 yuan).
- Additional expenses: Entrance tickets to Qiantong (~70¥) or Wushan (~80¥) are paid separately if you choose those places.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyMeeting at the station, help with taxi, accompaniment. Guide services for the whole day.
By car
ComfortCar (sedan) with driver from Shanghai and back, all transfers according to the programme.
Additional expenses (paid on site)
- Entry to Qiantong Ancient Town 70¥ (~10$)
- Wushan Quarries 80¥ (~11$)
- Lunch (farm‑to‑table restaurant) 80¥ (~11$)
- Taxi in Ninghai (for train option) ~200¥ (~28$ per car)
- Train tickets Shanghai–Ninghai (round trip) ~345¥ (~48$)
Duration
Additional services
Additional points
Ready for a touching encounter?
Book your tour to Yanggu Temple and monkey Xingxing right now
⏱️ We recommend booking 3-5 days in advance to guarantee transport and guide availability.
💳 Payment: 50% deposit upon booking, 50% the day before the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time the offer is made for private individuals. The cost and availability of transport, interpreter and guide services may change.
Booking of services is made only after receiving a prepayment. The exchange rate is calculated at the current central bank rate on the payment date.
If the booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the start of the event, the payment is not refundable.
If force majeure makes the tour programme fully or partially impossible (national holidays, official events, etc.), the organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme and its duration.
The basic cost of services does not include and is paid additionally: entrance tickets to optional sites, meals, personal expenses and other services listed in the “Additional expenses” section.
