A Community Hub with a Spiritual Heart

#chinatravel
Qingpu Baoguo Temple (报国寺) is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a vital community hub with a deep spiritual heart. As a functioning Buddhist temple, it is a place where local residents come to pray, offer incense, and participate in religious ceremonies. The peaceful grounds often host a mix of elderly residents enjoying a quiet moment, young families lighting incense, and dedicated practitioners engaged in prayer. This blend of tourists and locals gives the temple an authentic and lively feel, a living example of traditional Chinese spirituality in the modern age.
Reason to Recommend: I recommend Baoguo Temple for cultural explorers who want to witness and feel the pulse of authentic local spiritual life. It's perfect for observing traditional religious practices and experiencing the peaceful communal spirit of the city. It offers a more genuine and less tourist-centric view of Shanghai's culture.

Tips:
Observe Quietly: Maintain a respectful silence and observe the local practices without intruding.
Learn a Little: Read a bit about Buddhist practices beforehand to better understand what you are seeing.
Take a Walk: The gardens are a great place to see locals enjoying a peaceful moment.
Entry Fee: Be aware there is an entry fee, which is around KRW 4,600 as of now.
#travel #myitinerary

Post by HoangDinh | Aug 12, 2025