Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple is a lavishly rebuilt Buddhist temple whose gilded halls and golden rooftops sit surrounded by shopping malls and skyscrapers in the heart of downtown, making for a striking old-meets-new photo. Inside are impressive silver and jade Buddha statues and a soaring main hall. Purists note it was heavily reconstructed and feels more polished than ancient, and there is an admission fee unlike some other temples.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it a working temple or a tourist site?

Both - it is an active temple with worship and a resident community, but its central location and gleaming reconstruction give it a polished, tourist-facing feel. Expect a mix of pilgrims and sightseers.

How long should I spend?

Around 45 minutes to an hour covers the courtyards, the main halls, and the silver-and-gold Buddha inside. It is compact, so you will not need longer unless you sit to meditate.

What are the opening hours?

Daily from about 7:30am to 5:00pm. Hours can shift during temple-fair periods around the lunar new year, so check ahead if you visit near a major festival.

Is Jing'an Temple worth the ticket?

It is small, so 50 yuan feels steep for the size - but the gilded halls and the surreal juxtaposition against downtown high-rises are memorable. Worth it if you value the setting and photos; skippable if you have already seen Jade Buddha or Longhua.

How do I get to Jing'an Temple?

You genuinely cannot miss it - Metro Line 2 or 7 to Jing'an Temple Station, Exit 1, puts you right at the door. It is one of the most transit-convenient sights in the whole city.

What is nearby afterward?

You are steps from Jing'an Kerry Centre malls, Nanjing West Road luxury shopping, and plenty of cafes - plus a short walk to the Shanghai Natural History Museum in Jing'an Sculpture Park.

When is the best light for photos?

Early morning or the golden hour before closing, when low sun hits the gilded roofs against the glass towers behind. Midday sun flattens the effect and the crowds peak.

How much is admission to Jing'an Temple?

The current ticket is 50 yuan per person, bought on-site by scanning the QR code at the entrance (same price as online). Admission is free on incense days - the 1st and 15th of each lunar month - though those days are crowded.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• Jing'anNeighborhood0.04 km · 1 min walk
• Tailor BarBar0.11 km · 1 min walk
• Jing'an Bao (静安包)Restaurant0.23 km · 3 min walk
• Fisheye CoffeeCafé0.47 km · 6 min walk
• Manner CoffeeCafé0.74 km · 9 min walk