Shanghai Chenghuang Temple is a Taoist temple in Huangpu District, Shanghai, with a profound historical and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed introduction:

Shanghai Chenghuang Temple is a Taoist temple in Huangpu District, Shanghai, with a profound historical and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed introduction:

- History: Originally built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424 AD), it was initially known as Jinshan Temple, dedicated to General Huo Guang of the Han Dynasty, and later dedicated to Qin Yubo, the City God of Shanghai. During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, the temple repeatedly suffered damage from wars and fires, and was rebuilt many times. In 1966, religious activities at Shanghai Chenghuang Temple were suspended, and all statues were destroyed. After 1994, the Shanghai Chenghuang Temple Restoration Committee was established, gradually restoring and opening it.
- Architectural Style: The temple buildings belong to the Southern grand architectural style, retaining the layout of the Ming Dynasty. They face south from the north, and inside, buildings such as the main gate, second gate, opera stage, and main hall are arranged sequentially along the central axis. The temple features upturned eaves, towering ridges, colorful rafters, painted beams, green tiles, and vermilion eaves, presenting a majestic appearance.
- Deities Worshipped: Historically, General Huo Guang of the Western Han Dynasty, Qin Yubo (a local worthy from Shanghai during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties), and Chen Huacheng (a national hero from the late Qing Dynasty) were successively enshrined as City Gods, forming the unique pattern of "one temple, three City Gods" at Shanghai Chenghuang Temple.
- Cultural Activities: Major religious activities include the "Three Patrols" held annually on Qingming Festival, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, and the first day of the tenth lunar month. In addition, cultural activities such as sacrifices, incense offerings, and scripture copying are held at different times each year. The Yuyuan Lantern Festival is one of its important cultural activities, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, and in 2011, it was listed as part of the third batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Surrounding Commercial Area: The area around Chenghuang Temple is a famous commercial district in Shanghai, with numerous snack restaurants, antique shops, and small commodity markets, such as famous eateries like Lubolang, Ningbo Tangtuan Restaurant, and Songyuelou, as well as specialty foods like Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, Pear Paste Candy, and Wuxiangdou, attracting a large number of tourists.

Post by _1999_Alex_22 | Aug 18, 2025