Jing'an Temple, Buddhist temple in central Shanghai, China
Jing'an Temple is a Buddhist temple in central Shanghai with three large halls including the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Three Saints Hall. The grounds occupy a central block surrounded by busy streets and contain courtyards, decorated roofs, and a six-story tower visible from the surrounding roads.
The temple was founded in 247 as Hudu Zhongyuan and received its current name in 1008 during the Song Dynasty. Closed during the Cultural Revolution, it reopened in the 1980s and underwent extensive restoration over the following decades.
The temple maintains the Tang Dynasty tradition as the only active center for Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, preserving ancient Buddhist practices and ceremonies.
Jing'an Temple Station on lines 2, 7, and 14 brings visitors directly to the entrance, with most halls and courtyards accessible on foot. Mornings tend to be quieter, while Buddhist holidays and Chinese New Year attract many worshippers.
A large silver Buddha statue sits in the Mahavira Hall, surrounded by carved wooden columns and gilded decorations. The copper roof tiles catch the light on sunny days, giving the buildings a warm metallic glow.
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