Jade Buddha Temple in western Shanghai is one of the city’s most important working temples and spiritual communities. It is famous for the two large statues of Buddha caved from delicate white jade that are found within its halls. Visit this atmospheric complex to witness traditional prayers and chants, and to admire historic artefacts of great importance to the local culture.
The temple was first built in the 1880s to house two statues of Buddha brought back by the monk Huigen following his pilgrimage to Tibet and Burma. This original temple was tragically destroyed during the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty, but the statues remained unharmed, and a new temple was erected in 1928.
Seven halls and a tower make up this walled temple complex. Despite its 20th-century construction, the temple is modelled on traditional Song Dynasty architectural design, dating back to between 960 and 1279.
Step into the Jade Buddha Tower to admire the Sitting Buddha, the larger of the two jade statues. Carved out of a single piece of this precious stone, it reaches almost two metres high. The beauty of the white jade is set off by the many emeralds and agates set onto the surface of the figure, said to represent Buddha reaching enlightenment through meditation. This tower also houses a collection of 7,000 Dazang sutras, or scriptures.
The second statue is to be found in the Recumbent Buddha Hall. You’ll see a figure of Buddha reclining on a mahogany bed, in the position known as the “lucky repose”. The serene expression on the statue’s face depicts Buddha’s peaceful mood as he left this world to enter Nirvana. Opposite this piece, you’ll find a larger Recumbent Buddha which was donated to the temple in 1988 by the Singapore Buddhist Friendship Association.
The Jade Buddha Temple is open every day, and a small visitor admission fee is payable. Please remember that photography is prohibited within the temple walls. The closest metro station is Changshou Lu.
