Qiang Huang
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I've lost count of how many times I've brought guests to Jing'an Temple. The first thing they always ask: "Where is the map?" Not literally a paper map — they want a mental picture of what's around, how to move, where to eat, and what to skip. So here it is — my personal Jing'an Temple map, built from hundreds of trips.
What Exactly Is the "Jing'an Temple Map"?
Think of it as a curated snapshot of the Jing'an Temple area — not just the temple itself, but the surrounding streets, hidden eateries, shopping hubs, and transport links. When I say "Jing'an Temple map" to my clients, I'm showing them how to spend a half-day or evening here without wasting time. It's the difference between queuing for a mediocre noodle spot and walking two minutes to a local favorite.
Getting to Jing'an Temple: Your Fastest Route
Located right at the intersection of West Nanjing Road and Huashan Road, the temple is ridiculously accessible. But first-timers often get off at the wrong metro exit — let me fix that.
By Metro
Line 2 or Line 7 — get off at Jing'an Temple Station. Here's the trick: use Exit 1 for the temple's main gate. Exit 2 puts you at the Kerry Centre side, which is fine if you want to eat first. But if you're coming in the morning, Exit 1 gives you the best first view of the golden statues.
Cost: About 4 RMB (0.55 USD) from People's Square. A 10-minute ride.
By Taxi
From the Bund or East Nanjing Road, it'll cost around 25–35 RMB (3.5–5 USD) depending on traffic. Show the driver this in Chinese: 静安寺. Avoid rush hour (8–9am, 5:30–7pm) — the crossroad can be a nightmare. I once sat 15 minutes just to turn left.
By Bus
Several buses stop right outside: routes 15, 45, 49, 71, 127, 315. Bus 71 runs a dedicated lane, so it's actually faster than a taxi during peak hours. Get off at Huashan Road Nanjing West Road stop.
Jing'an Temple Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
| Category | Price (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 50 | Includes incense (3 sticks) |
| Child (3–18) | 25 | Must show passport or ID |
| Senior (65+) | Free | Need to show passport |
| Opening Hours | 7:30 – 17:00 | Last entry at 16:30. Closed on no fixed days, but important Buddhist holidays (like Lunar New Year) have extended hours until 18:00. |
Top 5 Things to Do Near Jing'an Temple
1. Explore the Temple Grounds
You can't miss the 28-meter tall golden Buddha statue inside the main hall. Photography tip: The courtyard gets crowded after 10am. Come at 7:30 when gates open. The light hits the gold just right. Also, note the bronze bell tower on the left — you can pay 10 RMB to ring it for good luck. I always tell my guests: ring it an odd number of times (3 or 5). Even numbers are associated with funerals in Chinese culture.
2. Shop at Reel Mall & Kerry Centre
Right across the street. Reel Mall is one of my least favorite shopping centers — it's too upscale and boring. But Kerry Centre next door has a cool design and a good food court on B2. The uniqlo there is huge if you need essentials. For something unique, walk to Jululu Road (5 minutes) — it's full of boutique designer stores.
3. Stroll Through Jing'an Park
The park connects to the temple's south side. It's small but lively. Early morning you'll see tai chi groups, afternoon it's full of office workers napping on benches. I love sitting on the lawn near the statue of Cai Yuanpei. There's a small lotus pond in summer — parched tourists often miss it.
4. Visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum
It's a 10-minute walk east along Yan'an Road. The building itself looks like a giant snail shell. Tickets are 30 RMB for adults, and it's air-conditioned — perfect escape on a hot afternoon. The dinosaur skeletons are impressive, but the real highlight is the African savanna diorama. My guests always spend an hour longer than planned here.
5. Enjoy Nightlife on Tongren Road
If you're around after 7pm, skip the fancy cocktail bars. Walk to Tongren Road (off Nanjing West Road) — it's a narrow alley with small beer pubs and street food. The place feels like old Shanghai. Try the grilled squid skewers from Uncle Zhang's cart (look for the red lantern). He only accepts cash, so keep some 10 RMB notes handy.
Where to Eat Around Jing'an Temple
| Restaurant | Address | Must-Try Dish | Price per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Din Tai Fung (Kerry Centre) | B1, Kerry Centre, 1515 Nanjing West Rd | Pork xiaolongbao | 80–120 RMB | Reliable, English menu, but always a 20-min queue. Go at 11am sharp. |
| Noodle Bull (Jululu Rd) | 346 Jululu Road | Beef noodle soup | 35 RMB | My go-to. Hand-pulled noodles, spicy broth. Pay by WeChat only (I help my guests scan). |
| Lost Heaven (nearby) | 17 Yan'an East Road (just 5 min taxi) | Yunnan mushroom hotpot | 200–300 RMB | Beautiful decor, great for a splurge. International credit cards accepted. Book ahead. |
| Street stall near Jing'an Park south gate | South gate of Jing'an Park on Beijing West Road | Jianbing (Chinese crepe) | 12 RMB | Only open 7-9am. Cash only. A real local breakfast. |
One more thing: There's a hidden vegetarian restaurant inside the temple itself — entrance on the left behind the bell tower. They serve Buddhist-style mock meat. I personally find it bland, but if you're vegetarian and want a quiet lunch, it's the only option. Open 11:30–13:30, 35 RMB for a set meal.
Where to Stay Near Jing'an Temple
| Hotel | Address | Price Range (RMB/night) | Best For | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Shanghai (next to temple) | 399 Nanjing West Rd | 1200–2000 | Luxury travelers | Direct view of the temple pagoda, rooftop bar. English-friendly. |
| Urbn Hotel (5-min walk) | 288 Tongren Road | 400–700 | Budget–midrange, young couples | Boutique style, solid Wi-Fi, staff speak basic English. No elevator though. |
| Jin Jiang Oriental (a bit further, 10-min walk) | 250 Yan'an West Rd | 500–800 | Families | Larger rooms, indoor pool, and a Chinese restaurant with good dim sum. |
Jing'an Temple Map: Insider Tips to Save Time & Money
- Morning vs. evening: The temple itself is best in early morning (before 9am). The area around it comes alive after 5pm — the neon lights, street food, and shopping streets. I often tell clients to split their visit: temple at 8am, then come back for dinner and stroll.
- SIM card & payment: Without a Chinese phone number, you can't use WeChat Pay. Get a prepaid SIM at the airport (China Unicom at Pudong arrivals). Many restaurants here don't take international cards. I always carry 500 RMB in cash just for food stalls.
- Watch your step: The temple courtyard has uneven stone slabs. I've seen two tourists trip and drop their phones. Wear flat shoes.
- Photography inside: No flash allowed in the Buddha hall. Guards are strict — they'll blow a whistle at you. Be discreet.
FAQ: Your Jing'an Temple Map Questions Answered
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