Jade Buddha Temple

Filled with incense smoke and the sound of constant chanting and praying, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most important working temples in Shanghai. Despite its classical design reminiscent of the ancient Song Dynasty (960–1279), the building you see today is a relatively recent construction. The temple is renowned for its two jade Buddhas, which were brought to Shanghai by a Burmese monk in the late 19th century. The temple contains many other spiritual treasures and gives visitors a window into the lives of local worshippers.

Situated in the city’s west, the walled temple complex consists of seven halls and a tower. Enter the Grand Hall to see the Three Golden Buddhas. In the Jade Buddha Tower, stand before one of the temple’s stars, the Sitting Buddha. This gleaming jade statue is encrusted with agate and emerald and is said to portray the Buddha at the moment of his enlightenment. Explore the rest of the tower where more than 7,000 Dazang sutras, or scriptures, are kept.

Make your way to the Recumbent Buddha Hall to see the temple’s other star, a white jade statue of Buddha laying on a mahogany couch in a position known as the “lucky repose.” Notice the sedate facial expression, said to portray Buddha’s peaceful mood when he left this world. Don’t confuse this jade Buddha for the other, larger Recumbent Buddha in the hall, donated by the Singapore Buddhists in 1988.

The temple also includes a gift shop stocking Buddhist charms and souvenirs and a restaurant famed for its double mushroom noodles. Photography is forbidden within the temple walls, and do beware of unscrupulous touts ready to take advantage of your better nature.

The temple, which has an admission fee, is a short stroll from Changshou Park. The closest subway station to the temple is Changshou Lu.