Wherever I travel in the world, one of my hobbies is to visit places of worship. I like to go inside and get a sense of the “lightness or darkness” of the particular location/building that I am visiting. History typically plays into that “sense” like it would at any site, not just a religious site, but it “anchors” me as I start exploring a city or region. In Shanghai, one of my favorite temples is the Jing’an Temple in the region that shares the same name. The Jing’an Temple was built in 247 AD and actually predates the existence of Shanghai itself…as in, like a 1,000 years prior!
The Jing’an Temple was originally located on the Suzhou Creek and was relocated to its current site in 1216. It was during this time that the country of China’s first Buddhist organization was established at this site. Despite its legacy and current state as a home for Buddhism, it served as a plastics factory for a brief period during the Cultural Revolution in China. Perhaps that’s a factor in the “sense” of this site that I get, which is light and lively!
While the name of the Jing’an Temple literally translates into the Temple of Peace and Tranquility, it’s hardly a place for quite meditation and contemplation. Oh, there is an undercurrent of peace but it’s an active moving peace. It’s a peace that connects visitors from around the world, fashionistas from Nanjing road, business people from the high rises near the temple and pious Buddhists, all lighting up prayers in the midst of their busy days.
The Jing’an Temple is home to the largest sitting Jade Buddha in China. It also hosts a rare hall dedicated to female Buddha, the goddess of Mercy. Overall, it’s a stunning collection of structures and halls that will introduce you to the history and nature of Buddhism coupled with the buzz and energy of the Shanghainese culture.
Access is only 10 Yuan and free on the 1st and 15th of each month according to the lunar calendar.