Shanghai Temple of the Town God - Important Taoist Temple in Shanghai
Last Update: 8th October 2020
Shanghai Temple of the Town God is located in the Chenghuang Temple Tourist Area at the center of Shanghai. It was originally built between 1403 and 1424. Famed across Shanghai and even around China, the temple is a historic blessing sacred place to locals. The Town God is one of the most important gods in the ancient Chinese religious culture.
Shanghai Temple of the Town God Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Shanghai Chenghuangmiao (上海城隍庙)
- History: Built between 1403 and 1424
- Things to do there: Photography, Architecture, Taoism
- Who visits: Photographers, Taoism Believers, Ancient Chinese Art Lovers
- Time required: 1 – 2 x Hours
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Shanghai Temple of the Town God, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at the Shanghai Temple of the Town God
During the “Cultural Revolution” period, Shanghai Temple of the Town God was severely damaged and it was restored later. Nowadays, there are nine halls at the temple, the main hall, Jiazi Hall, Fortuna Hall, Cihang Hall, Chenghuang Hall, Niangniang Hall, Parent Hall, Guan Sheng Hall and Wenchang Hall.
On the main entrance of the main hall, you could find horizontal inscribed board on which “Chenghuanmiao” is carved. The hall is dedicated to the statue of the Jinshan god in the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), General Huoguang. On the left of the statue is the literary official, the right is the military officer.
Yuanchen Hall is also well known as the 60 Jiazi Hall. The Taisui God is worshiped at the hall. Believers often pray for peace and good luck there. At the Cihang Hall, the Cihang Master, and Goddess Matsu are worshiped; and the Fortuna Hall is dedicated to the God of Wealth. At the Guan Sheng Hall, the Guandi Emperor (Guan Gong) is worshiped. On the left and right are the two generals of Zhou Cang and Guan Ping. At the center of the Chenghuang Hall is the statue of the red-faced of the Town God of Shanghai.
Best time to visit Shanghai Temple of the World
The best time to visit the temple is in the morning except that during holidays and at weekends, the lunar 1st and 15th of every month.
How to get to Shanghai Temple of the World
As the temple is close to Yu Garden, you can arrive at Yu Garden by bus and then walk to the temple. Therefore, there are several options.
- Rent a vehicle to the Yu Garden. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 11, 26, 64, 71, 145, 581, 715, 730, 736, 801, 926, 929, 932, 969 and Bus 980 to the Stop of Yu Garden (豫园站).
- Take Metro Line 10 to the Stop of Yu Garden (豫园站).
- Opening hours: 08: – 21:00
- As at 8th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the temple is 10 CNY per person. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please keep quiet at the temple.
- Please do not wear shorts at the temple
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Shanghai Temple of the Town God, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.