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Explore the ancient architecture of Zhenru Temple, visit the main halls, and take part in a peaceful meditation session. The temple's serene environment offers a chance for reflection. Don’t miss the beautiful garden surrounding the temple for a quiet retreat from the busy city.
Zhenru Temple, formerly known as Wanshou Temple and commonly known as the " Big Temple ," is located in the northern part of Zhenru Town, Putuo District . It is one of the four major Buddhist temples in Shanghai and one of the few, and even fewer, surviving, Yuan Dynasty structures among Chinese Buddhist temples.
The main buildings of Zhenru Temple include the mountain gate, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, and the Guanyin Hall. The Main Hall, built in the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty's Yanyou reign, has survived over 600 years and still retains the architectural style of a Yuan Dynasty temple. Its historical value has earned it a designation as a national cultural relic. The statue and relief carvings of Guanyin in the Guanyin Hall are both exquisitely crafted and majestic.
The remaining beams, columns, rafters, brackets, and most other components of Zhenru Temple's main structure are originals from the Yuan Dynasty. This makes the temple's Yuan-era main hall all the more valuable, as it is one of the few remaining Yuan Dynasty structures among Buddhist temples in my country. The temple houses various versions of the Tripitaka, including the Taisho Tripitaka and the Yaji Tripitaka, as well as other Buddhist texts.
There is also an ancient ginkgo tree in the temple, which is about 700 years old. Its old trunk is swaying and hidden among the Buddhist temples, which is a beautiful sight.
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Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
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Zhenru Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai, with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (7th-9th centuries). It has played a key role in the spiritual life of the local community and remains an important place for Buddhist worship and ceremonies in the region.
Zhenru Temple is located in the Putuo District of Shanghai. You can reach the temple by taking Metro Line 7 to Zhenru Station, which is a short walk from the temple entrance. Taxis and buses are also convenient options for reaching the site.
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds, especially on weekends or during Buddhist festivals when the temple may be busier.
The entrance fee is typically around 10 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. It’s usually not necessary to buy tickets in advance unless during a special event or festival.
It is not generally necessary to book tickets in advance. However, during Buddhist holidays or festivals, it may be advisable to check for any special ticketing requirements in advance.
A visit to Zhenru Temple typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend exploring the main halls, praying, and walking through the surrounding gardens.
Must-see areas include the main hall with its golden Buddha statues, the peaceful gardens, and the ancient pagoda. The atmosphere is perfect for a quiet walk and spiritual reflection.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. If you require an English-speaking guide, it's best to request one in advance or use a mobile app for translation and information. Audio guides are not commonly available, but local guides are often available.
Photography opportunities are plentiful within the temple grounds, especially near the main hall, the pagoda, and the surrounding gardens. The pagoda offers a great vantage point for photos of the temple complex.
Start by entering through the main gate, visit the main hall to admire the Buddha statues, then explore the temple's other halls. Take a walk through the garden and finish your visit with a peaceful moment near the pagoda.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. However, special tours or events may be arranged during Buddhist festivals, so it is worth checking the temple's schedule for any evening events.
The temple is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Weekends and public holidays can get busier, so visiting on weekdays is ideal if you prefer a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the temple. There are no large restaurants inside, but you will find local food vendors nearby offering snacks and refreshments. The surrounding area also has a few shops selling Buddhist items and souvenirs.
The temple is generally accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with paved pathways around the main areas. However, some of the more intricate areas, like the pagoda, may require navigating stairs, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Both cash and mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at the temple. It's still a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially if you are purchasing items from small vendors outside the temple.
While there are no cafes inside the temple, there are several local restaurants in the area that serve Chinese cuisine, including vegetarian and Buddhist-style meals. A few tea houses nearby offer a quiet spot for a break after your visit.
Yes, several restaurants near the temple offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals. Some local eateries also offer Buddhist-style meals, which are vegetarian by default. Halal food is also available in nearby areas, though less common.
Nearby accommodations include the Zhenru Hotel, Jinjiang Inn, and several budget hotels in the Putuo District. There are also more luxurious options a little further away in central Shanghai.
Nearby attractions include the Shanghai Changfeng Park and the Shanghai Natural History Museum. Both are easily accessible by taxi or metro and can be combined with a visit to Zhenru Temple for a day of cultural and natural exploration.
There are a few small shops near the temple selling Buddhist-themed souvenirs such as incense, prayer beads, small Buddha statues, and traditional Chinese crafts. These make for meaningful gifts or keepsakes from your visit.
After visiting Zhenru Temple, you can easily continue your journey by taxi or Metro Line 7. The temple is well-connected to other parts of the city, and taking a metro is a convenient option for exploring other districts like Jing'an or Xujiahui.
