Jing’an Temple (静安寺) is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, known for its rich history, cultural significance, and architectural splendor. The temple’s origins trace back to the Three Kingdoms period in 247 AD, making it over a millennium old. Initially named Hudu Chongxuan Temple (沪渎重玄寺), it was later renamed Jing’an Temple in 1008 to avoid the taboo of the Song Emperor Zhao Kuangyin’s name. The current temple, located in the heart of Shanghai, serves as a prominent Buddhist site and is one of the city’s only Vajrayana Zen temples. With its striking blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, Jing’an Temple is often likened to a royal palace or a miniature city, showcasing an intricately designed Mandala structure that is vibrant and awe-inspiring.
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 50 RMB on regular days; 100 RMB during holidays.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Light-Up Timing: The temple is beautifully illuminated after 6:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Location: No. 1686 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai.
How to Get There
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 7 and get off at Jing’an Temple Station.
- By Bus: You can also take several bus lines, such as 21, 37, 62, 825, and others, which stop at or pass by Jing’an Temple.
Visiting Jing’an Temple: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Offering Incense: Upon entering the main gates of Jing’an Temple, you will notice incense offerings available on the left side, much like at Chenghuang Temple. The custom is to first pay respects by bowing before proceeding to the incense burner to insert your incense stick. Be aware that the air can become thick with smoke, and if you’re sensitive to it, it’s advisable to hold your breath momentarily.
2. The Fuhui Baoding Incense Burner: Inside the temple complex, you will find the Fuhui Baoding Incense Burner (福慧宝鼎香炉), a towering 15-meter-high structure. It is a remarkable sight, as visitors often toss coins into the burner while making wishes. When the wind blows, small copper bells surrounding the burner produce a soothing sound, adding a serene ambiance to the temple. The act of tossing coins into the incense burner symbolizes hope and prayers for a better future.
3. Silver Buddha: Next, take time to admire the Silver Buddha, an impressive 8.8-meter tall, 15-ton statue crafted entirely from pure silver. It is one of the most significant treasures in the temple. Be sure to walk around the statue three times, as it is believed to bring blessings to those who do so.
4. Thousand-Year-Old Camphor Guanyin: On the left side of the Silver Buddha is the Thousand-Year-Old Camphor Guanyin, a striking and lifelike statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin. On the right, you will find another stunning Buddha statue, but this one is crafted from white jade, adding to the temple’s collection of sacred and symbolic treasures.
5. The Golden Buddha Tower: After viewing these significant relics, head towards the northwest corner of the temple. Here, you will see the Golden Buddha Tower, a grand structure with hundreds of gold-plated Buddha statues and valuable relics. This tower houses the sacred relics (Sarira) of the temple. The area is restricted to visitors, as these relics are extremely precious and are kept in a highly protected environment.
6. The Bell Tower: Your visit would not be complete without a stop at the Bell Tower, which houses a magnificent 3.3-meter-tall bronze bell. Every time the bell is struck, its resonance can last for up to three minutes, filling the air with a deep and calming tone.
The Ten Greatest Treasures of Jing’an Temple
- The Golden Roof (金顶): A dazzling golden roof made of copper alloy that is resistant to tarnishing and has a brilliant golden hue.
- The “Zhengfa Jiu Zhu” Banner (正法久住): This massive banner is 18 meters long, 2.1 meters in diameter, and weighs 160 tons. It is carved from granite and is topped with four lion sculptures made from white copper and gold plating.
- The Fuhui Baoding (福慧宝鼎): This 15-ton white copper incense burner is the tallest incense burner in the world, standing at 10.23 meters.
- The Silver Buddha (银佛): As mentioned, this 8.8-meter statue weighs 15 tons and is made entirely of silver.
- The Gemstone-Inlaid Murals (百宝镶嵌壁画): These intricate murals are made from coral, turquoise, jade, and other precious materials, creating a breathtaking visual experience.
- The Thousand-Year Camphor Guanyin (千年香樟观音): The massive Guanyin statue carved from an entire camphor tree. Standing at 6.2 meters tall and weighing 5 tons, this statue is incredibly lifelike and conveys a sense of serenity and compassion.
- The Jade Buddha (玉佛): This majestic jade Buddha stands at 3.87 meters tall and weighs 11 tons, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
- The Buddhist Scripture Vessel (聚宝大缸): This container is engraved with Buddhist scriptures, and it is believed to house the teachings of the Buddha.
- The Maitreya Buddha (弥勒像): Known for its joyful and welcoming smile, this statue of Maitreya is said to bring happiness and positive energy to those around it.
- The Jing’an Pagoda (静安宝塔): A complex structure featuring five golden pagodas with 868 small Buddha statues, which shine brightly under the sunlight.
Fascinating Legends of Jing’an Temple
The Iron Bell Legend: According to this tale, the large iron bell in Jing’an Temple could not be melted by traditional methods. A wise craftsman suggested that the artisans add their own sweat to the mix, which allowed the iron to melt and be cast into the bell. It is said that this bell holds magical powers, symbolizing the purity and dedication required to achieve enlightenment.
The White Snake Legend: The nearby Jing’an Pavilion is rumored to be the site where the famous Chinese legend of the White Snake and Xu Xian took place. In this story, the White Snake, disguised as a woman, falls in love with Xu Xian, but they are opposed by the monk Fa Hai, leading to a tragic battle.
The Guanyin Bodhisattva Legend: The main deity of Jing’an Temple is Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. According to local legend, Guanyin once took the form of a beautiful woman and saved the people from a plague by using incense to purify the air and remove the disease. This act of mercy and compassion made her a central figure of worship in the temple.
Food Recommendations Near Jing’an Temple
After your visit to the temple, you can indulge in some local delicacies nearby. Right next to the Jing’an Pagoda, there is a vegetarian restaurant offering delicious dishes like “Vegetarian Assorted Noodles” and “Double Mushroom Soup.” If you’re craving something more indulgent, head outside to find a variety of restaurants. Some popular choices include “Gu Xiang Chen Ji (古香陈记传统菜)” for traditional red-braised pork and their famous “Squirrel Fish.” For a more modern dining experience, check out “Miss Jiang’s Shanghai Restaurant (简小姐·上海餐厅).”