Jing'an Temple

Absolutely loved this place. I’m a Buddhist practitioner and I was so moved by the chanting ceremony that happened during my visit at 10am. The monks were incredibly welcoming, and you could feel the energy. The Jade Buddha statue is a must-see. Worth every yuan. If you’re looking for a genuine spiritual moment in the middle of Shanghai’s hustle, this is it. I’ll come back every time I’m in town.

Great location right next to the metro, so super convenient. The temple is smaller than I imagined, but the golden rooftop is iconic. I liked that they have English explanations for the history and architecture. The only downside: the vegetarian canteen was closed when I visited around 2pm, which was a bummer because I’d read good things. Would still give it a solid 4 stars for the cultural value and easy access.

Visited on a rainy weekday and it was magical. The pagoda roof dripping with rain, the incense smoke curling up in the mist — pure zen. The main Buddha hall is breathtaking. I lit a few incense sticks for good luck and just sat in the side courtyard for 20 minutes. One of the most authentic temple experiences in Shanghai. Highly recommend pairing it with a walk around Jing'an Park afterward.

Honestly a bit disappointed. The temple itself is beautiful from the outside, but once you’re in, it’s super crowded and feels more like a tourist trap than a sacred site. The souvenir shops inside are loud and pushy. For 50 kuai you’d expect a little more serenity. I’d only go if you’re already in the area and have time to kill.

I’ve lived in Shanghai for years but never actually went inside until last weekend. Gotta say, it’s a peaceful escape from the frenzy of Nanjing Road. The golden statues and the faint smell of incense really ground you. The entry fee is a bit steep for locals (50 RMB), but the architecture is stunning. Would recommend going early morning to avoid the tour groups.