Jade Buddha Temple: A Journey to a Pure Land of White Jade in the Urban Jungle

The Legend of the Jade Buddha - The Divine Spark Crossing Borders
The name "Jade Buddha" stems from a sincere faith that transcends mountains and seas. In the eighth year of the Guangxu era (1882), the monk Hui Gen from Mount Putuo in Zhejiang Province made a vow to undertake a pilgrimage. He traveled through Wutai Mountain, Mount Emei, entered Xizang, and finally reached Myanmar. He was deeply impressed by the beautiful jade in Myanmar. With the donations from overseas Chinese and the special permission of the Burmese king, it took several years to obtain five large and small jade Buddhas. During his journey back to China, when passing through Shanghai, he left one seated and one reclining Buddha statue. The remaining three were sent to Mount Putuo. To worship these two jade Buddhas, the believers donated funds to build a temple in Jiangwan, initially named "Jade Buddha Temple". These two jade Buddhas are made of a single piece of Burmese jade, with a clear and lustrous color, exquisite craftsmanship, and a solemn appearance. Since then, they have become the symbol of Buddhism in Shanghai. 

The site of the temple has been relocated three times - a century-long foundation witnessing the changes of the city.
The history of the Jade Buddha Temple is a story of continuous relocation and rebirth along with the development of Shanghai.
- Initial establishment in Jiangwan (1882-1918): The first abbot, Hui Gen, built the temple in Jiangwan, laying the foundation for the worship of the Jade Buddha.
- Relocation to Mai Gen Road (1918-1928): Due to the dilapidation of the temple, the second abbot, Hong Fa, moved the temple to Mai Gen Road (now Huai'an Road), expanding its scale.
- Fixed location at An Yuan Road (since 1928): As the popularity of the temple grew, the original site was no longer sufficient. The third abbot, Ke Cheng, raised funds to purchase the An Yuan Road site and completed the construction of this new temple, which integrates Song Dynasty architecture and Jiangnan gardens, preserving its layout to this day.
- Contemporary restoration and opening (2014-2017): To eliminate safety hazards and better serve the community, the temple underwent the largest-scale protective restoration in its history. The project was based on the concept of "ancient temple with a new look, the brilliance restored", using modern technology to achieve the engineering miracle of moving and lifting the main hall of the Great Buddha Statue by 30.66 meters. After the restoration, the temple's space became more spacious and its functions more complete, and it reopened in 2017. 

In-depth Understanding: Discover More Famous Buddhist Temples in China >> [Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou: The Zen Footprint of a Millennium-old Monastery] | [Huangshan Temple in Suzhou: The Pure Land of Melodic Chimes and Poetic Sounds]

The Charm of Nature: Zen Vitality in Urban Courtyards
Although the Jade Buddha Temple is located in a bustling city, it has created a tranquil and harmonious natural Zen environment through its meticulous garden design.

The courtyard in front of the palace: the artistic conception of pine, bamboo, plum, and orchid.
- Upon entering the mountain gate, the temple courtyard, though small, is exquisitely laid out. Ancient bonsai trees and rugged lake stones adorn the space, while plants rich in traditional cultural symbolism, such as pine, bamboo, plum, and orchid, are ubiquitous, offering beauty in every season. In particular, the spacious front courtyard, after renovation, features a lotus sculpture at its center, creating an atmosphere of "lotus blossoms at every step," instantly transporting visitors from the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquility of the temple.

Skywalks and courtyards
The temple's architecture features a "回" (hui) shaped layout, naturally enclosing multiple courtyards. Sunlight streams down from the sky corridors, illuminating the greenery and moss in the courtyards, creating a tranquil space of light and shadow—a perfect corner to pause, rest, and reflect on one's inner self.

Humanistic Ingenuity: Priceless Jade Buddha and Architectural Wonders
Every Buddha statue and every hall here embodies devout faith and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Twin Jade Buddhas of the Temple: Treasures of Oriental Art
- Seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the Enlightenment: Enshrined in the Jade Buddha Hall, it stands 1.95 meters tall and is carved from a single piece of jade. The jade is exquisite, crystal clear, and the Buddha's face is full, with slightly open eyes, conveying a solemn and compassionate expression. The flowing lines of the robes make it a masterpiece of Buddhist sculpture art. The Buddha's head and body are also inlaid with gemstones, further enhancing its magnificence.
- Reclining Buddha Statue of Shakyamuni in Nirvana: Enshrined in the Reclining Buddha Hall, it is 0.96 meters long. The Buddha statue lies on its side, its right hand supporting its head, in a serene posture, vividly depicting the tranquil state of mind of the Buddha at the time of Nirvana. These two jade Buddhas are the soul of the temple and are also national cultural relics.

The engineering marvel of moving and lifting the main hall
The temple's greatest architectural marvel is not its ancient remains, but rather a masterpiece of modern technology. In 2015, the 2,000-ton Qing Dynasty wooden Mahavira Hall was moved 30.66 meters northward and simultaneously lifted 1.05 meters upward in 14 days using 59 jacks. This classic case of "ancient building relocation" not only preserved the cultural relic intact but also expanded the temple's valuable space, serving as a model of combining modern engineering with cultural heritage preservation.

A Song Dynasty-style architectural complex: a model of Buddhist temples in Jiangnan.
The main halls of the temple (Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Sage, and Hall of Guanyin) are all in the style of Song Dynasty palace architecture, with double-eaved hip roofs, flying eaves and brackets, exuding a majestic aura. Especially after the renovation, the architectural paintings adopt the style of Tang Dynasty, with calm and elegant colors that complement the warm luster of the jade Buddha. The overall architectural complex is solemn and dignified, with a strong visual impact.

Photography Tips:
Important Notice for Photography of the Jade Buddha: Photography of the Buddha statues is strictly prohibited inside the Jade Buddha Hall and the Reclining Buddha Hall. Please be sure to abide by the temple's regulations to show respect. Photography of the exterior of the buildings is permitted.
Architectural Panoramic View: The spacious front square after renovation offers panoramic views of the majestic Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and other buildings, which are especially spectacular on a clear day.
Courtyard details: Pay attention to the architectural details of the palace, such as the brackets, paintings, and carvings, as well as the bonsai and stone carvings in the courtyard. These can all be excellent subjects for photography.
Humanistic Documentary: Scenes that reflect the tranquil atmosphere of a temple, such as believers devoutly worshipping Buddha and monks walking slowly, can be filmed (with permission and without disturbing others).

Five things you must do to unlock the complete Jade Buddha Temple
1. Pay homage to the temple's prized possession with reverence.
- Core Experience: With a reverent heart, ascend the Jade Buddha Hall to admire the world-famous jade seated Buddha up close. Observe the warm luster of the jade, the exquisite craftsmanship, and the solemnity of its appearance, and feel the spiritual awe brought about by the combination of art and faith. Afterwards, proceed to the Reclining Buddha Hall to admire the reclining Buddha statue.
2. Exploring the "Walking National Treasure"—the Mahavira Hall
- A Modern Miracle: Standing before the main hall, learn how this ancient building was moved entirely using modern technology. Touch the stone railings in front of the hall and feel the fusion of the charm of traditional wooden architecture and modern engineering ingenuity.
3. Experience a "City Meditation" Session
- Moments of Tranquility: The temple regularly hosts "Urban Meditation" experiences open to the public, such as seated meditation, sutra copying, tea ceremony, and lectures. Participating in these activities, under the guidance of the monks, and learning to calm one's busy mind is the best way to deeply experience the temple's culture.
4. Enjoy a "merit-giving vegetarian meal".
- A Culinary Journey: Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the temple's vegetarian restaurant. The food here is not only delicious but also embodies the philosophy of "pure heart and pure conduct." Through food, experience the Buddhist culture of compassion and non-violence, and a healthy and simple lifestyle.
5. Please consider receiving a "Jade Buddha Cultural and Creative Product" as a gift.
- Wise Souvenirs: At the Buddhist goods store, you can purchase books, cultural and creative products, amulets, and other items related to jade Buddhas or temple culture. These are not only wonderful travel souvenirs, but also a way to bring wisdom home through objects that embody Buddhist principles.

Suggested tour routes
Half-day "Quiet Reflection" Tour (Core Experience):
Arrive at 9:00 AM → Enter through the mountain gate and visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings → Pay homage to the Buddha in the Mahavira Hall and learn about its miraculous relocation → Proceed to the Jade Buddha Hall to admire the Jade Seated Buddha (the core) → Then proceed to the Reclining Buddha Hall to admire the Nirvana Reclining Buddha → Afterwards, you are free to visit the Guanyin Hall, Bronze Buddha Hall, Master Hongyi Library, etc. → Finally, have lunch at the vegetarian restaurant or sit quietly in the courtyard for a while → End around noon.

A one-day in-depth tour of a "Zen-inspired city" (highly recommended):
- Morning: Focus on Jade Buddha Temple, experience it in depth according to the above route, and you can sign up to participate in the temple's meditation experience activities on the same day (advance inquiry and reservation are required).
- Lunch: Enjoy a vegetarian meal at or near the temple.
- Afternoon: Choose any of the following directions to experience Shanghai's diverse culture:
- Option 1 (History and Culture): Take the subway to "Jing'an Temple" and visit this ancient temple with a history of over a thousand years, located in a prime location, to experience the stark contrast between modern commercial centers and ancient faith.
- Option Two (Natural History Exploration): Visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum (Jing'an New Building) to shift from the macroscopic worldview of Buddhism to the scientific understanding of the evolution of natural life, creating an interesting exchange of ideas.
- Direction 3 (Art District): Head to the nearby M50 Creative Park, an art district in an old factory building on the banks of the Suzhou River, and experience the freedom and avant-garde of contemporary art.

IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.
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How to get there: Convenient access to the city center area
The Jade Buddha Temple is located within the inner ring road of Shanghai, making it extremely convenient to access.
- Rail transit (preferred):
- Take Metro Line 13 to "Jiangning Road Station", exit from Exit 3, and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the east gate of the temple. This is the most convenient route.
- Alternatively, take Metro Line 7 to "Changshou Road Station" and walk for about 10-15 minutes after exiting the station.
- By bus: Many bus routes (such as 19, 36, 63, 68, 76, 112, 738, etc.) stop at "Jiangning Road Anyuan Road" or "Yufo Temple".
Driving tips: The temple has its own parking lot, but spaces are very limited. The surrounding area is residential, and the roads are narrow, making parking difficult. Public transportation is strongly recommended.

Best time to visit
The Jade Buddha Temple is open year-round, but offers a more unique experience at certain times.
- Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November): The climate is comfortable and there are relatively few tourists, making it suitable for quiet visits, pilgrimages and strolls in the courtyard.
- On the first and fifteenth of each lunar month and on major Buddhist festivals (such as the Buddha's Birthday on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month and the Buddha's Enlightenment Day on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month), temples are bustling with worshippers and hold Dharma assemblies, creating a rich atmosphere, but also attracting many tourists.
- Weekend mornings: If you want to experience a quieter temple, Saturday or Sunday mornings when it first opens (usually 8:00 am) are a great option.
- Summer and Winter: Shanghai has hot summers and damp, cold winters. The temple's indoor halls are air-conditioned, but the outdoor walking areas connecting the halls may be affected by the weather. Please make the necessary preparations accordingly.

Tickets and Etiquette Guidelines
- Ticket price: 20 yuan/person on weekdays (incense and flower voucher), free admission on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar and Buddha's Birthday (subject to the temple's announcement for details).
- Opening hours: Usually 8:00-16:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:00), but may be adjusted during religious ceremonies.
- Important etiquette:
1. Dress neatly: Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing (such as shorts, tank tops, and slippers).
2. Maintain silence: Do not make loud noises or answer phone calls inside the hall.
3. Photography of Buddha statues is prohibited: Photography of Buddha statues is strictly prohibited in halls such as the Jade Buddha Hall and the Reclining Buddha Hall, where the main deity is enshrined. Please be sure to comply.
4. Etiquette for entering and exiting the hall: Please use the side doors on both sides when entering and exiting the hall, and do not step on the threshold.

IntoTravelChina Service Recommendations:
The Jade Buddha Temple boasts a cultural depth far exceeding that of ordinary tourist attractions. Through us, you can not only book your visit but also arrange for a professional guide with in-depth knowledge of Buddhist culture and temple history to explain the story behind the Jade Buddha, the artistic value of its architecture, and basic Buddhist etiquette, elevating your visit from mere observation to a deeper understanding. We can also assist with inquiries and reservations for guests wishing to participate in a meditation retreat. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

The Jade Buddha Temple serves as a window into Shanghai's diverse religious culture and can be connected with attractions representing different faiths and art forms.

- A one-day cultural tour of Shanghai's "Three Great Temples": Jade Buddha Temple (Jade Buddha and urban Zen) → Longhua Temple (Shanghai's oldest temple, pagoda and temple fair) → Jing'an Temple (a magnificent, thousand-year-old temple in the city center). Experience the different styles and histories of Shanghai's Buddhist temples in one day.
- Suzhou Creek Art and Faith Walk (One-Day Route): M50 Creative Park (Contemporary Art) → Walk along the Suzhou Creek → Jade Buddha Temple (Traditional Religious Art) → Shanghai Textile Museum (Industrial History). Experience the cultural layers along the Suzhou Creek, from modern industry to contemporary art and then to traditional faith.
- A two-day in-depth look at Shanghai culture:
- Day 1: Yu Garden and City God Temple (Taoism and Folk Customs) → Shanghai Museum (Ancient Art) → The Bund.
Day 2: Jade Buddha Temple → Xujiahui Catholic Church (Catholic) → Xujiahui Academy (Modern Reading Space). Experience Shanghai's inclusive and diverse cultural atmosphere.>>Contact us to customize the above related itinerary

The story of the Jade Buddha Zen Temple is about the piety of a beautiful jade across thousands of mountains and rivers, the rebirth of an ancient temple with the help of modern technology, and the moment of inner peace that countless urbanites have found here. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese cultural travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Design an in-depth cultural tour of Shanghai that focuses on Buddhist culture, ancient architectural art, or urban meditation according to your interests.
- One-stop service: Get transportation, professional explanations, special vegetarian vegetarian reservations and meditation experience reservations.
- Exclusive Experiences: Arrange exchanges with monastic masters (if chance permits) to gain in-depth insights into the monastery's architecture and history.

Let your trip to the Jade Buddha Zen Temple be more than just a visit, but also a spiritual journey to wash away dust and enlighten wisdom.
> Start planning your journey today
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