The Jade Buddha Temple, known as "Yu Fo Si" in Chinese, is a tranquil Buddhist sanctuary amidst Shanghai's bustling urban landscape. Founded in 1882, this active monastery is renowned for its exquisite jade Buddha statues and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into China's spiritual traditions.

Address

170 Anyuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China

Basic Facts

Founded: 1882
Rebuilt: 1928 (after destruction in 1911)
Architecture: Song Dynasty style
Area: Over 8,000 square meters
Active monks: Approximately 70

Jade Buddha Temple

What to See and Do at Jade Buddha Temple

• Admire the Jade Buddha statues
  - Sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall)
  - Reclining Buddha (1 meter long)
• Explore the main halls
  - Grand Hall of the Great Sage
  - Hall of the Heavenly Kings
  - Jade Buddha Hall
• Observe Buddhist ceremonies and rituals
• Browse Buddhist artifacts in the Treasure Hall
• Visit the on-site vegetarian restaurant
• Purchase Buddhist souvenirs and incense

Jade Buddha Statues

The layout of Jade Buddha Temple

• Central Axis (South to North)
  - Devajara Hall (Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings)
  - Mahavira Hall (Grand Hall)
  - Jade Buddha Tower
• Eastern and Western Sides
  - Kwan-yin Hall (Guanyin Hall)
  - Amitabha Hall
  - Zen Hall
  - Recumbent Buddha Hall
  - Cultural Relic Room
  - Dining-Room
• Specific Locations
  - Jade Buddha Chamber: Located in the northern section of the temple, on the second floor
  - Public Restaurant: On the second floor at the eastern edge of the temple, with its own street entrance
• Main Buildings
  - Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings: Located on the southern edge of the temple
  - Grand Hall: Contains statues of the Three Golden Buddhas and 18 Arhats
  - Jade Buddha Chamber: Houses the famous Jade Buddha statues

The temple covers about 77 acres and follows a classical layout and architectural style of the Song Dynasty. It has a neat and strict composition with over 200 rooms and halls in total. The layout is designed to create a serene and spiritual atmosphere, typical of Buddhist temples.

Highlights

• The Seated Jade Buddha: A 1.95-meter-high statue carved from a single piece of white jade, adorned with precious gems
• The Reclining Buddha: A smaller white jade statue depicting Buddha's death
• The Grand Hall: Houses three golden Buddhas and intricate wood carvings
• The Guanyin Hall: Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy
• The Buddhist Library: Contains over 7,000 Buddhist sutras

The Reclining Buddha

Ticket Prices

General admission: 20 CNY
Jade Buddha Chamber: Additional 10 CNY

Opening Hours

Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Last admission at 4:00 PM

How to Get There

• By Metro
  - Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station, Exit 4
  - 10-minute walk to the temple
• By Bus
  - Lines 19, 206, 316, 328, 738 to Jiangninglu Anyuanlu Station
• By Taxi
  - Show the address: 上海市普陀区安远路170号

Top View of  the Jade Buddha Temple

Nearby Attractions

• Jing'an Temple: 3 km
• Shanghai Natural History Museum: 2.5 km
• People's Square: 4 km
• Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: 4.5 km
• The Bund: 5 km

Practical Information

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds
Dress code: Modest clothing recommended
Photography: Allowed in most areas, but not of the Jade Buddha statues
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps available

The Jade Buddha Temple offers a serene retreat from Shanghai's urban hustle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and admire priceless artifacts. Its central location makes it an easy addition to any Shanghai itinerary, providing a spiritual counterpoint to the city's modern attractions.