![]() ![]() today,” said scholar Zhang Sheng from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences who has researched the urban and architectural history around Jing’an Temple.Īfter researching a Songjiang record named Yun Jian Zhi or Record among the Clouds, published in the 1190s, Zhang traced the temple’s history back more than 1,600 years, which made Jing’an Temple the oldest Buddhist temple in the southern region of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. After that the temple was moved to the bank of Bubbling Well Creek, which is the present site of 1686 Nanjing Road W. “The temple formerly perched on the bank of old Wusong River (today’s Suzhou River), which was constantly attacked by river waves, finally crashed in a flood in 1216. And within the vicinity there is a pure vegetarian restaurant with quality food and service that really seals the deal on an authentic Buddhist experience.Some scholars trace the history of Jing’an Temple back more than 1,600 years, which made it the oldest Buddhist temple in the southern region of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Once a person has had their fill of the temple, there are shops inside the courtyard that sell things from mooncakes to tea sets which are often attractive to tourists. And various statues in the elaborate halls and corridors of the premises dating back to different dynasties. Other things that prove awe-inspiring to take in are the various artworks by master artists of their time and their depth of detail a copper bell, known as Hongwu, which dates from the Ming Dynasty. With a height of 12 feet and weighing a staggering 11,000 kgs, the tranquil expression does wonders to offset the otherwise intimidating statue. And across from this is the Jade Buddha Hall which is home to one of the largest sitting jade Buddha statues in the country. Within the Guanyin Hall, there rests a statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy made out of a thousand-year-old Camphor tree and weighing 5 tons. Of particular interest is the enormous silver Sakyamuni statue in the Mahavira Hall, which is about 15 tons heavy. People (specially kids!) also throw in coins for luck. Upon entering the temple, tourists come upon a tall shrine in the courtyard, perched on three elaborate legs, where they light incense sticks and say prayers. ![]() All structures have golden tiled, slanting roof which provides a delightful contrast with the dull concrete of the modern high-rise buildings of the business district. The main imposing buildings are known as the Hall of Virtuous Works, the Hall of Three Saints and the Hall of Heavenly Kings. There are three main structures with many other halls within, each with their own significance. Once a year for 3 days, in memory of the first festival of the Buddha’s birthday celebrated by a Qing emperor, a Temple Fair is held in which the main market is for handicrafts, novelty items and local agricultural produce. Visitors can also get a little stack of incense sticks for RMB5 to light for prayers. The timings are from 07:30 to 17:00, though by coming early guests can see the monks at worship. And for the 1st and 15th day of the 11 other lunar months, admission is free. However, during the first 15 days of the first lunar month, the entry ticket costs RMB100. With easy access from its name-sake metro station at West Nanjing road, visitors can gain entrance for RMB50. It is renowned as one of the most important temples in Shanghai. With further restoration work, in 1990 the temple was open to all in its current splendor. Almost 8 centuries old, the temple was originally built during the Song Dynasty, before it burnt down in 1972 during the cultural revolution and was resurrected in 1984. Like an oasis in a desert, the Jing’an (meaning ‘Peace and Tranquility’) Temple is a quite sanctuary in the midst of buzzing Shanghai. Jing'an Temple Shanghai, China Book Tickets
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |