Jing'an Temple

Overview

Jing'an Temple is a striking Buddhist temple whose gilded roofs and pillars gleam against the glass towers of Shanghai's commercial center. Originally founded in 247 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, it is one of the oldest temples in the Yangtze Delta.

Highlights

• Mahavira Hall: Houses a 3.87-meter silver-seated Buddha weighing 15 tons, cast from a single piece of jade.
• Bell Tower: Contains a Ming dynasty bronze bell weighing 3,175 kilograms.
• Teak Pagoda: The Ashoka Pagoda is constructed entirely from Burmese teak with no nails.

History

Originally located on the banks of Suzhou Creek, the temple was moved to its present site on Nanjing Road in 1216 during the Song Dynasty. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times; the current structures date to a major 2010 restoration.

Visitor Tips

• Metro Access: Directly above Jing'an Temple metro station.
• Nearby Park: Combine with adjacent Jing'an Sculpture Park.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.