Jade Buddha Temple Tourism

Cultural Site4.0(1,593 reviews)

About Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is a serene sanctuary that provides visitors with a glimpse into Chinese Buddhist practices and culture. Founded in 1882, the temple houses two magnificent jade Buddha statues, which were imported from Burma by sea. These precious statues are not only religious icons but also artistic treasures. The temple was rebuilt at its present location in 1928 following the original Song Dynasty architecture with symmetrical halls and courtyards, providing a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere amidst the bustling city life. The Sitting Buddha is housed in the Jade Buddha Chamber and portrays Shakyamuni meditating on a lotus flower, while the smaller Reclining Buddha is displayed in a separate hall and represents the Buddha's entry into nirvana. The complex includes the Grand Hall, and the Hall of the Kings of Heaven. Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to this spiritual site to observe traditional rites, admire the intricate carvings, and seek a moment of reflection.

Top 5 Reviews on Jade Buddha Temple

mariakX1968XP
4.0
Wrote on 19 May 2024
Gorgeous! Just go.
Beautiful temple in Shanghai: don’t skip. It’s really pretty. With a couple of gorgeous courtyards and multiple temples you can visit. Highly recommended. In the middle of the city. You can’t photograph the Jade Buddha itself, but all other altars you can. Everything is so calm, and pretty and manicured and worthy of a photo.
Jo-AnnKYTan
4.0
Wrote on 2 Aug 2021
Great temple!
Surprisingly this temple is nice, a good size and historical. Just walking distance from the Changshou metro station line 7. There’s a variety of statues of gods and goddesses to be admired snd prayed (if you are a Buddhist). There are 2 Jade buddhas, one reclining and one sitting upright. Both in different parts of the temple. The reclining buddha is in white jade and the sitting buddha is in green jade. Sitting buddha sits in an airconditioned room where no photography is allowed. Pretty cool visit!
bowie0923
5.0
Wrote on 5 Feb 2021
Amazing!
You are surrounded by history and beauty here. Multiple buildings with multiple Buddhas, two of which are carved from single (giant) pieces of jade. Tourists mingle with observant Buddhists and Monks.
taqqie
5.0
Wrote on 7 Nov 2020
Impressive!
This is a very active temple, with loads of Buddha's and undoubtedly lots of stories and anecdotes. Unfortunately I ended up without guide to explain to me what was going on, but nevertheless this was a very impressive experience. Despite its fame, still very much in use by locals and I felt slightly intrusive. Definitely something you wouldn't want to miss if you;re exploring Shanghai for the first time.
LoveTravelling1116
4.0
Wrote on 12 Jul 2020
Delicious vegetarian meals
This is not the most awe-inspiring monastery which I’ve ever visited. In fact, I think it is slightly over rated. I had this attraction pinned in my to-visit itinerary as it was highly recommended by Lonely Planet. Though I did not regret visiting this newly-renovated monastery, I would probably not be returning in the future. This temple is small enough to complete the entire sight-seeing within 1-2 hours, and most of the Buddha statues look dignified in shiny gold – an attestation to its newly renovated state. Each Buddha statue is housed in its own altar room, whose maximum capacity is around 20 people, and is largely dimly-lit. There is a donation box with QR code for digital donation in each altar room, with a room having small group of people reciting sutra (if I remember correctly). The Chinese name of the Buddha is written on wooden board in gold hanged above and outside the room. The general architecture of this monastery resembled that of any typical Chinese traditional ones, thereby preserving its historic style and taste. While the general ambience is serene and quite suitable for spiritual cultivation, we did not bump into any monks nor nuns in this monastery to our curiosity. Generally, the people who visit this attraction seems to be foreigners, as I did see some Caucasians strolling around, photographing leisurely. It was not crowded at the time of my visit. The volunteers who seated outside the altar room, were guarding this place while quietly reciting. There is a small entrance fee imposed at 20 Yuan per person. There is a small corner which dispenses free map of this monastery, and one cannot get lost in this tiny space. The souvenirs sold in their shops (there are 2 of such) were largely overpriced, and limited in variety and appeal. Fortunately, one can never go hungry leaving this place without lunching in their cosy and modest vegetarian restaurant serving a variety of mouth-watering and affordable dishes. The restaurant’s location is slightly obscure and is “hidden” behind the monastery. One can ask for general direction by asking the volunteers within the monastery. The trip to this monastery is never complete without indulging in their sumptuous paid vegetarian meals. Outside the eating place, the restaurant also sells a variety of biscuits and other vegetarian food. The nearest train station to this monastery is Jiangning Rd, and one can ask around as it is quite easy to locate. On our way back outside the monastery, we bumped into an old lady who is a fortune teller and she insisted on predicting my future. We were force to pay her a minimum sum to get some prediction (which is neither insightful nor completely true), so that we can continue our journey, in peace again.