Shanghai isn’t just skyscrapers and neon. Tucked between the high-rises and leafy lanes, you’ll find temples that have stood for centuries — some since before the city itself existed.
Here are 5 temples in central Shanghai worth visiting:
Jing’an Temple sits right in the middle of Shanghai’s busiest shopping district — golden roof tiles gleaming against glass towers. It’s been here for over 1,700 years, though the current building was rebuilt in the 1990s.
What to expect: A 15-ton, 8.8-meter pure silver Buddha in the main hall. A 3-ton Ming Dynasty bell. And a 160-ton granite pillar carved with the Diamond Sutra. If you’re lucky, you might spot the ancient ginkgo tree turning golden in autumn.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Ticket: 50 RMB
2. Longhua Temple (龙华寺)
Longhua is the oldest temple in Shanghai — locals say it was founded by Sun Quan of the Three Kingdoms for his mother over 1,700 years ago. It’s also the most “lived-in” temple in the city: people come not just to pray, but to eat the famous vegetarian noodles, sit in the courtyard, and watch monks go about their day.
What to expect: A 40-meter Song Dynasty pagoda (the only one of its kind in Shanghai). A free-to-enter temple with real community energy. And a bowl of mushroom noodles that locals swear by. You can also try free calligraphy copying in the hall — a peaceful way to spend an afternoon.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Ticket: Free
3. Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛寺)
This one is famous for a reason: two jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar in 1882. The seated Buddha is carved from a single piece of white jade, 1.95 meters tall, with gemstones inlaid in the robe.
What to expect: A temple that feels like a quiet retreat despite being in the middle of the city. The main hall has a peaceful, reverent atmosphere. There’s also a vegetarian restaurant on-site (try the 双菇面 — double mushroom noodles).
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Ticket: 20 RMB
4. Zhenru Temple (真如寺)
This one is different. No gold leaf. No crowds. Just a 700-year-old wooden hall that has survived wars, fires, and urban development. It’s the oldest wooden structure still standing in Shanghai.
What to expect: A quiet, unflashy temple with a genuine sense of history. The main hall is a rare Yuan Dynasty building — the brackets (dougong) are carved with animals and flowers, and the ceiling has intricate lattice work. It’s small enough to explore in under an hour, but the calm lingers.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ticket: 10 RMB
5. Ningguo Temple (宁国禅寺)
Rebuilt in 2010 after centuries of destruction, Ningguo Temple is a rare gem in Shanghai’s modern southern suburbs. The architecture is classic Ming-Qing style — yellow walls, dark tiles, and courtyards that feel a world away from the city.
What to expect: A peaceful, well-maintained temple with beautiful gardens. The vegetarian restaurant inside is excellent — try the 16 RMB 吉祥什锦面 (auspicious assorted vegetable noodles) or the 2 RMB vegetable buns. You can also walk to nearby Huajing Park and the Huang Daopo Memorial Hall to make a half-day outing of it.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Ticket: Free
FAQ:
1️⃣ Are there dress code requirements for visiting temples in Shanghai?
Dress respectfully — cover your shoulders and knees. Remove your hat and sunglasses when entering the main prayer halls. Keep your voice down and avoid pointing at Buddha statues.
2️⃣ Can I take photos inside these Shanghai temples?
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas and courtyards. Inside the main prayer halls, it is often prohibited or discouraged. Look for signs or ask staff.
3️⃣ Do I need to bring my own incense, or can I buy it at temples in Shanghai?
You don’t need to bring your own. Most temples in Shanghai provide free incense at the entrance.
4️⃣ What is the proper way to offer incense at a temple in Shanghai?
In most temples you will receive three free incense sticks. Hold them with both hands, light them at the candle, then gently fan the flame out (don’t blow it). Face the main hall, bow three times, and make your wish. Place them in the incense burner.
5️⃣ Which temple in Shanghai is best for first-time visitors?
Jing’an Temple is the most central and visually impressive — it’s right in the middle of the shopping district and easy to combine with a day of exploring. Longhua Temple is a more authentic, lived-in experience with great vegetarian food.
🚴Want to see more than just temples? Explore Shanghai beyond the skyscrapers on our bike tour — through local neighborhoods, past hidden temples, with street food stops you won’t find in any guidebook.🚴
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