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Jade Buddha Temple

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Tranquil gem with sacred art

The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai stands as a quiet space where history and faith connect. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it holds a simple yet striking statue of the Buddha carved from white jade. Visitors find calm inside its traditional halls while learning about Buddhist traditions through daily ceremonies and local art displays. The temple welcomes people seeking reflection or cultural insight without elaborate decorations. Its location near busy streets makes it easy to visit between city activities, offering moments of peace amid urban life.

Temple in Shanghai
Climate zone: Humid subtropical

Humid subtropical: Warm temperate climates with hot, humid summers, mild winters and evenly distributed rainfall, common on eastern continental margins.

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Ticket price: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
Safety: 7.6
General Safety:8
Accessibility:6
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Tourist English: 3/5
English is moderately spoken by staff and guides at the temple, but basic Mandarin or a translation app can enhance the visit experience.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Jade Buddha Temple Summary
Important for Buddhist culture and worship. See the famous jade statues, observe temple rituals and explore peaceful courtyards.
Public website: www.yufotemple.com
China – Quick facts
Power Grid: 220 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
Diagram of a Type A power plug
Type I:
Diagram of a Type I power plug

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Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
£1 ≈ CN¥8.88
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.

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eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
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Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary.
Chinese New Year
(January/February)
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations
National Day
(1 October)
National holiday with parades and festivities
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Taxi apps: DiDi, Uber
Other: China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches.
Best times to travel

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for Jade Buddha Temple, China
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High season: April - May, Oct. - Nov.
Shoulder season: March, June, Sep.
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Chinese New Year (late January to mid February): temple extremely crowded with worshippers, especially on New Year's Eve and the first days
Golden Week, October 1 to 7: very crowded with domestic visitors

Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1882 and houses two magnificent jade Buddha statues, one reclining and one sitting, carved from rare white jade imported from Myanmar. The temple serves both as a religious site and a cultural gem, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Visitors can witness monks chanting, smoke incense and explore the peaceful temple grounds.

The temple architecture reflects traditional Buddhist style with intricately carved wooden beams, ornate halls and serene gardens that provide a calming ambiance. The temple’s atmosphere offers a beautiful counterpoint to Shanghai’s fast-paced urban environment.

While the temple is well-maintained, it can become crowded, especially during religious festivals or weekends, potentially diminishing the tranquility. Visitors should be respectful of worshippers, dress modestly and follow temple etiquette such as removing shoes in certain areas and avoiding loud noises.

Photography is permitted but flash is discouraged to preserve the sacred artwork. The temple complex also includes a small tea house where visitors can relax after exploring. Overall, the Jade Buddha Temple offers a unique glimpse into Buddhist spirituality and artistry in one of China’s largest cities.

Knowledge before you go

  • Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees for temple entry.
  • Buy incense at entrance to participate in rituals and receive blessings from monks.
  • Visit early morning to observe active worship and avoid afternoon tourist crowds.
  • Houses two rare Burmese jade Buddhas brought in 1882; survived 1911 revolution destruction.

How to travel to Jade Buddha Temple

The temple is located in the Putuo District of Shanghai, easily reachable from Shanghai Pudong International Airport via taxi or metro Line 7 to Changshou Road Station, a short walk from the temple. From the city center, it’s accessible via public buses and metro, making it convenient to visit during a Shanghai trip.

Access summary

  • From Pudong Airport (PVG): metro with transfers, then short walk (~60–75 min).
  • From central Shanghai: metro Line 7 or 13, walk from nearby station (~20–30 min).
  • From Hongqiao Airport: metro with 1–2 transfers to Line 13, walk (~45–60 min).

Where to stay near Jade Buddha Temple

Shanghai offers a variety of hotels near the Putuo District and central areas, ranging from budget to luxury that provide easy access to Jade Buddha Temple and other city attractions.

Packing recommendations for Jade Buddha Temple

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Safety information overview

General safety
8
The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled grounds and minimal crime reported. Tourists should remain vigilant against pickpocketing in crowded areas, avoid unlicensed guides and stay aware of local traffic rules when exploring nearby streets.
Accessi­bility
6
The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai offers mixed accessibility: wide, smooth walkways and elevators serve most visitors, but some older halls lack ramps or tactile signage. Wheelchair users should note narrow staircases near the main altar; advance planning helps avoid bottlenecks.
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