Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛禅寺 Yùfó Chánzì) – Shanghai's Sacred Buddhist Sanctuary

The Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛禅寺) is Shanghai's most celebrated Buddhist monastery, drawing both devout worshippers and curious visitors from around the world. Founded in 1882, it is named for its two magnificent jade Buddhas brought from Burma (Myanmar) by the monk Huigen — treasures that survived the Cultural Revolution hidden beneath layers of whitewash.

The Two Jade Buddha Statues

Seated Jade Buddha (坐佛) – Housed in the Jade Buddha Chamber on the second floor, this 1.9-metre seated figure is carved from a single piece of pure white Burmese jade weighing 3 tonnes. It is adorned with precious gems and represents the Sakyamuni Buddha in meditation.
Reclining Jade Buddha (卧佛) – A 96-cm reclining figure depicting the Buddha entering parinirvana. Carved from a separate piece of jade, it glows with a translucent greenish hue.

Temple Grounds

The temple complex follows a traditional Chinese Buddhist layout along a north-south axis, with successive prayer halls leading to the main Grand Buddha Hall (大雄宝殿). Worshippers burn incense, present offerings, and perform prostrations throughout the day. The atmosphere is deeply reverent and spiritually charged.

Vegetarian Restaurant

The temple's popular vegetarian canteen serves authentic Buddhist cuisine — no meat, onions, garlic, or other pungent vegetables. A nourishing meal for under CNY 30.

Opening Hours & Tickets

Daily 08:00–17:00
Admission: CNY 20 (includes general temple); Jade Buddha Chamber: CNY 10 extra
Metro: Line 7, Changshou Road (长寿路) Station, 10-min walk; or Line 13, Jiangning Road Station

Visiting Etiquette

Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered out of respect
Photography of the jade statues may be restricted — follow posted signs
Do not touch the statues or altars