Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is a sanctuary of peace, history, and breathtaking beauty. Whether you seek a deeper understanding of Buddhism, an appreciation for intricate art, or simply a moment of tranquility, this iconic temple offers an unforgettable experience.
If you ever visit Shanghai, China, you should not miss the Jade Buddha Temple. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai and a place full of beauty, peace, and history. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what makes the Jade Buddha Temple so special and why it is worth a visit.
The History of the Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple, located in the bustling city of Shanghai, China, is a significant landmark with a rich history. The temple was originally built in 1882 to house two jade Buddha statues that were brought from Burma (now Myanmar) by sea.
During the reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1875–1908) in the Qing Dynasty, a Buddhist monk named Huigen embarked on a pilgrimage to Tibet. After his journey through Tibet, he visited Burma.
While in Burma, an overseas Chinese resident named Chen Jun-Pu donated five jade Buddha statues to Huigen. Out of these five statues, Huigen transported two back to Shanghai.
Huigen used donated funds to build a temple in Jiangwan, on the southern outskirts of Shanghai, to house the jade Buddha statues. The temple was completed in 1882. However, during the 1911 revolution, the temple was occupied, and the statues were moved to Maigen Road.
In 1918, a Buddhist monk named Kechen took the initiative to construct a new temple on land donated by Sheng Xuanhuai, a senior official in the Qing imperial court. Sheng’s father and uncle were devout Buddhists and had built houses with thatched roofs at Yizhou Pond by the Zhuanghuabang River in the northeast of Shanghai. This area can be considered the predecessor of the current temple site.
The construction of the new temple took ten years, from 1918 to 1928. The temple was rebuilt at its present site in the Jing’an District of Shanghai. Kechen also invited Reverend Dixian from Mount Tiantai to come and lecture on Buddhism in a grand ceremony.
The Jade Buddha Temple has continued to play a significant role in the Buddhist community. In 1956, the Shanghai Buddhist Association held a ceremony at the temple to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment.
During the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the monks made a living by selling handicrafts. In 1983, the Shanghai Institute of Buddhism was established at the temple under the Shanghai Buddhist Association.
Today, the Jade Buddha Temple remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction. It houses not only the original jade Buddha statues but also a larger reclining Buddha made of marble, donated from Singapore.
The Jade Buddha Temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in China and continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and tranquility.
Cultural Significance
As Shanghai developed into a modern metropolis, the Jade Buddha Temple became one of the few places where visitors could experience traditional Chinese culture and spirituality. It attracted both pilgrims and tourists who came to admire its stunning architecture and the jade statues.
During the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s when China opened up to international tourism, the temple gained worldwide recognition. It became a popular destination for those interested in Buddhism and Chinese culture.
The Architectural Marvel of Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is not just a place for prayer, but it’s also a really cool building.
A distinctive feature of the temple is its curved rooflines, topped with golden tiles that gleam under the sun. These roofs are not just visually appealing; they also have a practical purpose.
The curves help to disperse rainwater more efficiently, protecting the temple from water damage. The upturned eaves, common in Chinese architecture, are believed to ward off evil spirits.
The design of the Jade Buddha Temple is based on the Song Dynasty, a time in China known for its simple and elegant style. The buildings are made with wooden beams and columns, and they have lots of detailed carvings and decorations.
The biggest room in the temple is the Grand Hall, also known as the Mahavira Hall. This room has many statues of Buddha, including one made of gold. The room is decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings that tell stories from Buddhist teachings. The room is really big and has lots of windows, so it’s filled with sunlight and feels peaceful.
The Jade Buddha Tower is another cool part of the temple. This tower is where the famous sitting jade Buddha statue is kept. The tower is designed to be a quiet place for thinking and relaxing. The statue itself is really special, it’s carved from a single piece of white jade and has precious stones on it.
The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings is a room dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings, who are thought to protect the temple. The statues of these kings are at the entrance of the room, each holding a different weapon to show their strength. The room is decorated with colorful paintings and detailed woodwork.
The Reclining Buddha Hall is where the reclining jade Buddha statue is kept. This statue shows Buddha peacefully entering Nirvana. The room is designed to feel calm and peaceful, with soft lights and soothing colors. The statue is surrounded by pretty flowers and incense burners, which add to the peaceful feeling.
The temple also has several courtyards and gardens that are a quiet break from the busy city. The courtyards have traditional Chinese lanterns, stone sculptures, and lots of plants. The gardens have pretty ponds, bridges, and small buildings, which make a nice mix of nature and buildings.
Even though the Jade Buddha Temple is old, it also has some modern parts. The temple has a restaurant that serves yummy and healthy vegetarian food. There’s also a gift shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and religious items.
Visiting Information
If you’re planning to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, here are some useful tips:
Location: The temple is located at 170 Anyuan Road in Shanghai.
Getting There by Metro:
You can take Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station and walk about 5-10 minutes to the temple.
Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 7 to Changshou Road Station, but this involves a longer walk.
Getting There by Bus: Several bus routes stop near the temple, including:
Bus routes 19, 206, 316, and 328.
You can tell the driver “Yu Fo Si” (玉佛寺), which means Jade Buddha Temple in Chinese.
Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Entrance Fee: There is a small fee to enter, usually around 20 RMB for general admission. An additional fee of 10 RMB is required to enter the Jade Buddha Chamber where the seated jade Buddha statue is located.
Dress Code: Since it is a religious site, wear respectful clothing. Avoid wearing shorts and tank tops.
Photography: You can take photos in many areas, but some rooms, especially where the seated Buddha is located, do not allow photography.
Special Events: Special events occur during Buddhist festivals, especially around Lunar New Year’s Day, making it a vibrant time to experience local traditions.
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Final Thoughts
The Jade Buddha Temple is a peaceful spot in the busy city of Shanghai. It’s not just a famous jade Buddha temple; it also allows visitors to dive into China’s rich Buddhist culture. This place serves as both a spiritual site and a quiet area for reflection.
The temple’s beautiful architecture and detailed designs are stunning. The jade Buddha statues are truly awe-inspiring and showcase the amazing art and spiritual importance of the temple. This makes it a favorite destination for many.
If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese culture or simply a quiet moment, the Jade Buddha Temple is the place to go. It offers serene beauty and spiritual depth. Discover the enduring traditions of this remarkable Shanghai landmark!