Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai: Top Things to Do & Travel Tips

Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple, also known as the Yu Fo Si Temple, is a beautiful and refreshing oasis in the center of one of China's most exciting cities. It holds some of the country's finest and most unique treasures. This temple was established in 1882 and dates back to the later part of the Qing Dynasty. It is a lovely example of elegant structures and natural space in the form of front and rear courtyards.

Inside, visitors will find treasures from many of China's most influential dynasties, such as the Qing, Yuan, Ming, Wei, Song, and Tang. The dominant treasure and the temple's namesake are two white jade Buddhas.

Overview of Jade Buddha Temple

A close shot of a white jade Buddha

This temple is famous for its white jade Buddhas, including a reclining Buddha that measures just over three feet long and a large seated Buddha weighing 452 pounds. These Buddhas were a gift from Master Huigen and originally came from Myanmar.

While the temple's historical and artistic aspects are sure to attract visitors, it's also a bustling place of worship, especially on holidays like New Year's Eve. While this temple complex is comprised of many halls, pavilions, and courtyards, there are a few that are of particular note. We can help you map out a good itinerary to make the most of your journey to Jade Buddha Temple.

Jade Buddha Statues

Jade Buddha Temple

The impressive jade statues are located in two places: the Reclining Buddha Hall and the Jade Buddha Tower. The Jade Buddha Tower statue spans nearly two meters high and is carved out of pale green jade. Decorated with precious jewels and gold leaf, this statue is bound to take your breath away. The Jade Buddha Tower also contains hundreds more smaller golden Buddha statues. There is an extra fee of 10 RMB to visit this room.

The Reclining Buddha Hall hosts the second statue, a handsome three-foot reclining Buddha carved from a single piece of jade.

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Important Halls in the Jade Buddha Temple

People pray for good luck in Jade Buddha Temple

There are several significant halls in the Jade Buddha Temple, each bestowing special blessings on those who enter. Understanding the significance of these halls will allow you to fully appreciate the place's importance.

Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿): Peace and Safety

Honoring the four heavenly kings that face south, west, north, and east and containing a Maitreya Buddha and Skanda, this hall is a sacred space that offers security and protection to all who pass through its doors.

Ksitigarbha Hall (伽蓝殿): Wealth and Prosperity

This hall is adorned with the intricate calligraphy of Tianheng Hang and full of ornate plaques that encourage visitors to keep the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in mindful thought. You'll find a stone representing Earth and an inviting presence that welcomes you to meditate and find peace in the space.

Hall of Medicine Buddha (药师殿): Health and Well-Being

A white Buddha statue

A hall of healing and restoration where visitors can find the Medicine Buddha, also commonly known as the Buddha of 12 Wills. Depicted with a mudra and a medicine bowl, the purpose of this hall is to deliver visitors from any mental or bodily anguish.

Samantabhadra Hall (普贤殿): Career Advancement

Located in the western part of the temple, this spacious hall contains the triumphant figures of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Shakyamuni Buddha. The two Bodhisattva figures are riding a white elephant and a lion, and the central Buddha exudes knowledge and clarity.

Manjushri Hall (文殊殿): Wisdom and Intelligence

On the eastern part of the temple complex, Manjushri Hall is a masterpiece of Ming and Qing styles and contains an elegant bronze and golden statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva holding a Ruyi, which signifies luck.

Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿): Official Career Success

Mahavira Hall

Mahavira Hall is one of the temple's most central spaces. It's an impressive two-story structure containing three Buddhas perched on golden lotuses and a fantastic ceiling mural that tells the story of the Shakyamuni Buddha's early life.

Suggested Travel Route

Enter through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, then explore the halls east and west of the entrance, including Ksitigarbha Hall, Reclining Buddha Statue, and Manjushri Hall. Walk through the Grand Hall on the other end of the courtyard and towards the incense-burning zone, where you will find the Jade Buddha Tower at the far end of the temple complex. You can explore the halls right of the temple, then head back towards the Hall of Heavenly Kings to see the four-faced Buddha statue and enjoy a meal at the vegetarian restaurant on your way out.

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Essential Information for Visiting the Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai

You can easily see all of the temple complex within one to two hours, traveling at a leisurely pace. This timeline gives you enough room to linger a little longer in some halls and meditate or relax as needed.

The Jade Buddha Temple is in Shanghai's Putuo District and is very close to other major attractions like the Shanghai Museum in People's Square. You can easily combine it with other attractions in the city. It's also easy to get to by taxi, bus, or subway. If you're traveling by bus, get off at Jiangninglu Anyuanlu and enter through the East Gate. Visitors arriving by metro will use Line 13 and exit at Jiangninglu Station.

Location: Jiangning Road No. 1017, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai

Opening hours: Generally 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although it may open earlier for holidays or religious days.

Entrance Ticket: Free to visit

Travel Tips to Maximize Your Experience

Exhibits at the Jade Buddha Temple

Although there is no strict dress code at the Jade Buddha Temple, modest clothing is appreciated in this religious and sacred space. Additionally, if you're visiting during the warmer season, you will want to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Visitors are welcome to take pictures of the buildings outside of the temple, but no photography is permitted in the temple itself.

The Jade Buddha Vegetarian Food Canteen is also an excellent restaurant serving traditional Shanghai-style foods. It's a lovely way to finish your experience in the temple complex. Reservations are accepted and suggested if you're visiting during a busier time. There is also a nearby coffee shop and Zen tea stall.

You'll also find several donation boxes around the temple, and you can contribute as you'd like. Animal lovers will also want to visit the Medicine Buddha Hall to catch a glimpse of the friendly temple cats. Unfortunately, this temple attracts fortune tellers, and it's best to firmly but kindly reject their offers to help you see your future.

See Shanghai's Cherished Jade Treasures

The Jade Buddha Temple is a beautiful and deeply significant part of Shanghai's culture. Its halls and treasures will surely restore your peace and delight your senses. Let us help you enjoy it with our customized ideas. Contact China Odyssey Tours by email at trip@odynovotours.com to start planning your itinerary.