Jade Buddha Temple

Visiting Information

Overview

The Jade Buddha Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Shanghai, China. It is famous for housing two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in the late 19th century. The temple serves as an active monastery and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Chinese Buddhist culture and architecture.

Historical Background

The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 during the Qing Dynasty. It was originally built to house two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, but was rebuilt at its current location in 1928. Since then, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, becoming one of Shanghai’s most important Buddhist sites.

Architectural Features

• Hall of Heavenly Kings: This is the first hall visitors encounter upon entering the temple. It features statues of the four heavenly kings and a laughing Buddha, showcasing traditional Chinese Buddhist architectural elements.
• Grand Hall: Also known as the Great Hall or Daxiong Baodian, this central hall houses three golden Buddhas representing the past, present, and future. The hall’s intricate wooden carvings and decorations exemplify classical Chinese temple architecture.
• Jade Buddha Chamber: This two-story building houses the temple’s centerpiece – a 1.9-meter-tall sitting jade Buddha. The chamber’s design focuses on highlighting the beauty and sanctity of the jade statue.
• Reclining Buddha Hall: This hall contains a smaller reclining jade Buddha, depicting Buddha entering Nirvana. The hall’s architecture complements the serene atmosphere surrounding this sacred statue.

Cultural Importance

The Jade Buddha Temple holds significant cultural importance as a center of Buddhist worship and Chinese religious art. It represents the integration of Buddhism into Chinese culture and serves as a vital link to Shanghai’s spiritual heritage. The temple not only preserves ancient Buddhist artifacts and practices but also continues to be an active monastery, playing a crucial role in the contemporary practice of Buddhism in Shanghai. Its unique jade Buddha statues are considered national treasures, attracting both devotees and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Surrounding Attractions

• Jing’an Temple: Located about 2 kilometers east of the Jade Buddha Temple, Jing’an Temple is another important Buddhist site in Shanghai. It features stunning golden roofs and offers a contrast between ancient architecture and the modern cityscape surrounding it.
• Shanghai Natural History Museum: Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers north of the Jade Buddha Temple, this modern museum houses extensive exhibits on natural history and is known for its unique architecture resembling a nautilus shell.
• Changde Road Food Street: Just a short walk from the temple, this street is famous for its local Shanghai cuisine and street food, offering visitors a taste of authentic Shanghai flavors after their temple visit.

Photography Opportunities

• Jade Buddha Statues: The centerpiece jade Buddha statues offer unique photography subjects, showcasing intricate jade carving and Buddhist iconography. Note that photography of the Jade Buddha is typically not allowed, but the Reclining Buddha may be photographed.
• Temple Architecture: The traditional Chinese architecture of the temple, including its ornate roofs, detailed woodcarvings, and colorful decorations, provides excellent opportunities for architectural photography.
• Buddhist Ceremonies: If you’re fortunate to visit during a Buddhist ceremony, you may capture atmospheric shots of monks and devotees in prayer, offering a glimpse into living Buddhist traditions.
• Courtyard Scenes: The temple’s courtyards, with their incense burners, prayer wheels, and peaceful gardens, offer serene settings for capturing the essence of a Chinese Buddhist temple.

Modern Importance

• Religious Center: The Jade Buddha Temple continues to function as an active monastery and an important center for Buddhist worship in Shanghai, playing a crucial role in maintaining and promoting Buddhist traditions in a modern urban setting.
• Cultural Preservation: As a repository of Buddhist art and architecture, the temple serves as a vital institution for preserving and showcasing traditional Chinese culture and craftsmanship in the rapidly modernizing city of Shanghai.
• Tourist Attraction: The temple has become one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist destinations, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural tourism industry and helping to promote intercultural understanding.
• Educational Resource: The Jade Buddha Temple offers valuable educational opportunities for both locals and visitors to learn about Buddhist philosophy, Chinese religious practices, and traditional art forms, serving as a living classroom for cultural studies.

FAQ

• What is Jade Buddha Temple famous for?
  Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two jade Buddha statues, brought from Burma in the late 19th century, and for being one of Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temples.
• What’s inside Jade Buddha Temple?
  Inside Jade Buddha Temple, you’ll find the famous jade Buddha statues, several halls with Buddha statues and intricate decorations, a monastery, and various Buddhist artifacts and artworks.
• Is Jade Buddha Temple free?
  No, Jade Buddha Temple is not free. There is an entrance fee of 20 CNY.
• Is Jade Buddha Temple worth visiting?
  Yes, Jade Buddha Temple is worth visiting for its historical significance, beautiful architecture, and the opportunity to see the famous jade Buddha statues and experience Chinese Buddhist culture.
• What to do in Jade Buddha Temple?
  In Jade Buddha Temple, you can admire the jade Buddha statues, explore the various halls and their decorations, observe Buddhist ceremonies, light incense, and learn about Chinese Buddhist culture and practices.
• How do I get to Jade Buddha Temple in the local city?
  In Shanghai, you can take Metro Line 7 to Changshou Road Station and use Exit 3 or 4. Alternatively, you can take buses 13, 19, 24, 36, 54, 67, 113, 138, 213, 768, or 830 to the Jade Buddha Temple Station.
• How to visit Jade Buddha Temple?
  To visit Jade Buddha Temple, purchase tickets at the entrance. It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds. Dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide to learn more about the temple’s history and features. Remember to be quiet and respectful, especially during prayer times.