Filled with incense smoke and the sound of constant chanting and praying, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most important working temples in Shanghai. Despite its classical design reminiscent of the ancient Song Dynasty (960–1279), the building you see today is a relatively recent construction. The temple is renowned for its two jade Buddhas, which were brought to Shanghai by a Burmese monk in the late 19th century. The temple contains many other spiritual treasures and gives visitors a window into the lives of local worshippers.
Situated in the city’s west, the walled temple complex consists of seven halls and a tower. Enter the Grand Hall to see the Three Golden Buddhas. In the Jade Buddha Tower, stand before one of the temple’s stars, the Sitting Buddha. This gleaming jade statue is encrusted with agate and emerald and is said to portray the Buddha at the moment of his enlightenment. Explore the rest of the tower where more than 7,000 Dazang sutras, or scriptures, are kept.
Make your way to the Recumbent Buddha Hall to see the temple’s other star, a white jade statue of Buddha laying on a mahogany couch in a position known as the “lucky repose.” Notice the sedate facial expression, said to portray Buddha’s peaceful mood when he left this world. Don’t confuse this jade Buddha for the other, larger Recumbent Buddha in the hall, donated by the Singapore Buddhists in 1988.
The temple also includes a gift shop stocking Buddhist charms and souvenirs and a restaurant famed for its double mushroom noodles. Photography is forbidden within the temple walls, and do beware of unscrupulous touts ready to take advantage of your better nature.
The temple, which has an admission fee, is a short stroll from Changshou Park. The closest subway station to the temple is Changshou Lu.
Jade Buddha Temple Tours





Visit Jade Buddha Temple
Plan a trip to see Jade Buddha Temple

Dayin Hotel (Shanghai People's Square & Suzhou River Branch)
Reviewed on Dec 31, 2024
Reviews of Jade Buddha Temple
5/5 - Excellent
Go get lost in the city
5/5 - Excellent
A must-see. Can spend a tranquit couple of hours there.
Popular places to visit

Shanghai Centre
During your trip to Shanghai, you can do some window-shopping at Shanghai Centre. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or experience its fascinating museums.
1918 Art Space
You can study the exhibits at 1918 Art Space, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Shanghai. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Jing'an Science & Technology Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Jing'an Science & Technology Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Shanghai. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Image Tunnel
You can study the exhibits at Image Tunnel, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Shanghai. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.
M50 Arts Community
You can browse the exhibits at M50 Arts Community, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Shanghai. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Moganshan Road
You can study the exhibits at Moganshan Road, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Shanghai. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Best Lodging Options Near Jade Buddha Temple
Check availability on hotels close to Jade Buddha Temple









Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Jade Buddha Temple
- Other Hotels near Jade Buddha Temple, Jing'an
- Hotels near popular Shanghai Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Jade Buddha Temple
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
- Shangtex Hotel
- Amara Signature Shanghai
- Swissotel Grand Shanghai
- Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai
- Jin Jiang Park Hotel
- Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
- Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
- InterContinental Shanghai Jing’ An by IHG
- Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
- Neobridge Hotel
- Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai by IHG
- Hotels near The Bund
- Hotels near Nanjing Road Shopping District
- Hotels near People's Square
- Hotels near Shanghai New International Expo Centre
- Hotels near Oriental Pearl Tower
- Hotels near Jing'an Temple
- Hotels near Yu Garden
- Hotels near National Exhibition and Convention Center
- Hotels near Former French Concession
- Hotels near Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre
- Hotels near Shanghai Tower
- Hotels near West Nanjing Road
- Hotels near Shanghai Centre
- Hotels near Shanghai World Expo Center
- Hotels near Zhongshan Park
- Hotels near Shanghai Exhibition Center
- Hotels near Yuyuan Garden
- Hotels near Shanghai International Convention Centre
- Hotels near Xujiahui Shopping District
- Hotels near Tianzifang