Yan Zhou
What’s Inside This Guide
I’ve been taking guests to Jing'an Temple for over 8 years. First-timers always make the same mistakes — showing up at noon, paying full price, or missing the quiet courtyards. Let me fix that.
Why This Tour is Different
Most guides repeat the same boring info. I’ll tell you exactly where to stand, when to go, and how to avoid the chaos. Because I’ve done this dozens of times — and I’ve learned what works.
Tickets & Timing – Get It Right
First, the basics. Jing'an Temple (1686 Nanjing West Road) is a working Buddhist temple, not just a tourist spot. The entrance fee is 50 RMB for adults (free for children under 1.3m). No online pre-booking needed — just buy at the gate. But here’s the catch: they only accept cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay. No international credit cards. I’ve seen tourists have to run to the convenience store across the street to withdraw cash. Save yourself the trouble.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai |
| Opening Hours | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM); closes at 4:00 PM in winter (Nov–Feb) |
| Metro | Line 2 or 7, Jing'an Temple Station, Exit 1 (3-min walk) |
| Best Time to Visit | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM (weekdays are ideal); avoid 10 AM–2 PM |
| Suggested Duration | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Wheelchair Access | Main hall accessible; some side halls have steps |
Pro tip: Arrive right when it opens at 7:30 AM. The morning light is golden, the incense smoke is thin, and you’ll have the main hall nearly to yourself. By 9 AM, busloads of tourists start pouring in.
Best Walking Route Inside the Temple
Don’t just wander. Follow my route for the best experience:
- Start at the Bell Tower – On the left as you enter. Ring the bell for good luck (small donation appreciated).
- Main Hall (Mahavira Hall) – The giant Buddha statue is stunning. Note: No photos inside the hall.
- Jade Buddha Hall – Tucked to the right. Houses a small but exquisite white jade Buddha.
- Three Saints Hall – Behind the main hall. Quiet and peaceful; most tourists skip it.
- Pagoda – The 9-story pagoda is the backdrop for your best photos. Climb to the 3rd floor for a great view over the temple grounds.
- Tea House – Near the exit. A hidden gem. I always stop for a cup of jasmine tea (30 RMB) and watch the monks.
Money-Saving Tips You Won’t Find in Guidebooks
Here’s the thing: Jing'an Temple is surrounded by a massive shopping complex and luxury malls. Don’t be tempted. The food inside the temple is overpriced and mediocre. Instead, walk 5 minutes to Wujiang Road Food Street for real Shanghai street food (shengjian bao, xiaolongbao) at half the price.
Another trick: Buy your incense outside the temple. Vendors at the metro exit sell the same bundle for 10 RMB, while inside it's 30 RMB. I always tell my groups this.
Photography Spots That Actually Work
Most people snap a photo of the pagoda from the front and leave. Waste of potential. Let me give you two spots:
- The Reflection Pond – On the west side of the main hall. Early morning, the pagoda reflects perfectly in the water. No crowd.
- Side Alley near the Drum Tower – Around 3 PM, the sun streams through the trees and creates gorgeous shadows on the red walls. Perfect for portraits.
One thing I always warn: Don’t take photos of monks without permission. It’s considered disrespectful. Just ask with a smile; some will nod yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Honestly, I left feeling a bit let down. Our guide rushed through the explanations and seemed more focused on keeping to the schedule than actually connecting with us. The 'hidden gems' turned out to be a few ordinary stone steles behind a locked gate that we could barely see. For the premium price, I expected at least some exclusive access or a deeper story. On the bright side, the temple itself is beautiful and the incense smell is lovely. But I wouldn't book this tour again.
A solid 4 stars. The guide was knowledgeable and the crowd-dodging strategy worked perfectly — we never felt rushed or packed in. The hidden gems included a small courtyard with a well and some older stone carvings, which were nice but not mind-blowing. The main disappointment was that the tour felt a bit short (just over an hour) for the price. Still, if you hate queuing and want context, this is a good choice.
I'd been to Jing'an Temple before on my own and found it overwhelming. This guided tour completely changed my perspective. We visited during a lull between tour bus arrivals, and the guide's explanations were so engaging that even my 10-year-old son stayed interested the whole time. Loved the behind-the-scenes stories about the artisans who restored the golden Buddha. Only wish we'd had more time in the gift shop! Highly recommended.
Best decision I made in Shanghai. The 'skip the crowds' promise is real — we entered right when it opened and had the main hall almost to ourselves. The hidden gem for me was a small scripture library tucked behind the monks' quarters, completely silent except for the distant chanting. Our guide even taught us the proper way to light incense and bow, which made the visit feel much more meaningful. Worth every yuan.
Absolutely loved this tour! We skipped the long ticket line and entered through a tiny side gate that most tourists miss. Our guide pointed out a 600-year-old ginkgo tree in a quiet courtyard, and the way the morning light filtered through the leaves was magical. She also shared stories about the temple's surviving relics after the Cultural Revolution that I'd never read in any guidebook. If you want to experience Jing'an Temple without the chaos, this is the way to go. 10/10.