What makes Jade Buddha Temple special compared to other Shanghai temples?

It is a functioning monastery rather than a museum, with robed monks living and chanting on site daily. Its centerpiece is two Buddhas carved from Burmese jade, brought to Shanghai by a Chinese monk: a 1.95-meter seated figure and a smaller reclining one. The seated jade Buddha sits in a separate hall and is the reason most visitors come.

How much does Jade Buddha Temple cost and do I need to book?

No booking is needed; buy tickets at the gate. General entry is around 30 RMB, with the Jade Buddha Hall costing an extra 10 RMB. Payment is cash only here, so bring small notes. The hall ticket is worth it, as the jade Buddhas are the highlight of the whole complex and not visible without it.

Can I take photos and eat at Jade Buddha Temple?

Photography is restricted inside the Jade Buddha Hall itself but encouraged everywhere else across the three-hall complex. There is also a vegetarian dining area open to visitors on the side, serving a clean, quiet meal of monastic cooking. Allow one to two hours overall, and expect bigger crowds on Buddhist holidays.

Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Active monastery housing two carved Burmese jade Buddhas — one reclining, one seated.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 玉佛寺 (Yù Fó Sì)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, before 10 AM
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 170 Anyuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai · 普陀区安远路170号

See Jade Buddha Templetickets & tours

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Built in 1882 to house two jade Buddhas brought from Burma by a Chinese monk, this is a functioning monastery rather than a museum. Robed monks live and chant here daily. The complex spans three halls; the Jade Buddha Hall (separate ticket) protects the 1.95-meter seated jade figure and a smaller reclining version. Vegetarian dining is open to visitors on the side — a clean, quiet meal of monastic cooking. Entry 30 RMB, jade hall an extra 10 RMB. Crowds peak on Buddhist holidays. Photography is restricted in the jade hall itself but encouraged everywhere else.

Highlights

Seated Jade Buddha (坐佛)1.95m tall, housed in Jade Buddha Hall (separate 10 RMB ticket)
Reclining Jade Buddha (卧佛)Smaller figure in same hall; photography restricted
Monastic Vegetarian DiningClean, quiet meal of monastic cooking on side of complex
Three Hall ComplexActive monastery with daily chanting; entry 30 RMB

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Visit on a weekday before 10am; the temple fills fast on Buddhist holidays and the first and fifteenth of the lunar month.
▸Pay the extra 10 RMB for the Jade Buddha Hall; skipping it means missing the seated jade Buddha that defines the visit.
▸Bring cash, as this temple is cash-only at the ticket window unlike many Shanghai attractions.
▸Put your camera away before entering the jade hall; photography is barred inside but welcome across the rest of the grounds.
▸Stay for the monastic vegetarian lunch on the side of the complex; it is a calm, authentic meal most guides overlook.
▸Remember this is an active monastery, so lower your voice and step aside when monks are chanting or processing.
▸It sits in Putuo District away from the central sights, so build in metro time rather than treating it as a quick add-on.

Photos

Ornate golden Buddha statue in a Shanghai temple with intricate decorations.

Detailed close-up of a golden Buddha statue's foot, highlighting intricate design and craftsmanship in Shanghai.

Golden Buddha statue with intricate carvings in a Seoul temple.

Ornate golden Buddha statues on display at a temple in Busan, South Korea.

Golden Buddha statue in a temple in Seoul, South Korea, showcasing spiritual serenity and artistic craftsmanship.

Close-up of an ornate golden Buddha statue in a Seoul temple, showcasing intricate detail.

A stunning golden Buddha statue in a Seoul temple, reflecting serenity and artistry.

Beautiful traditional Chinese temple gate in Shanghai, captured during sunset, highlighting cultural architecture.

A detailed Buddha statue at an ornate Buddhist temple, symbolizing peace and spirituality.

A serene golden Buddha statue inside a Seoul temple, representing peace and spirituality.

Group of people in a courtyard at Jingan Temple, Shanghai, enjoying the cultural ambiance.

Elegant golden Buddha statues in a Busan temple showcasing intricate details and religious art.

A serene golden Buddha statue surrounded by vibrant lotus flowers inside a Seoul temple.

Serene golden Buddha statue against detailed carved backdrop in a Seoul temple.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Maria R.·TripAdvisor·5/5

An active monastery, not a museum. The chanting monks and incense made it incredibly atmospheric.

2026-03-22

Kevin T.·Google Maps·4/5

The vegetarian restaurant on site is excellent. Try the mushroom hot pot.

2026-04-18

禅意人生·Ctrip·4/5

玉佛是真正的瑰宝。值得专程一拜。建议工作日上午来。

2026-02-14

Watch creators visit Jade Buddha Temple

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

shanghai vlog 💌 life in china, cute cafes, jing'an district

Via LiStarts at 2:06

Heading to Jade Buddha Temple, explicit mention at 2:06

Videos

Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai - China

Walid Haddad

Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai, China ᴴᴰ ● 玉佛禅寺上海⎮SUPERGENKI in China

SUPERGENKI

上海的玉佛寺你一定去过，今天我再带你逛一逛

北大老杨说文博

Frequently asked questions about Jade Buddha Temple

What makes Jade Buddha Temple special compared to other Shanghai temples?: It is a functioning monastery rather than a museum, with robed monks living and chanting on site daily. Its centerpiece is two Buddhas carved from Burmese jade, brought to Shanghai by a Chinese monk: a 1.95-meter seated figure and a smaller reclining one. The seated jade Buddha sits in a separate hall and is the reason most visitors come.
How much does Jade Buddha Temple cost and do I need to book?: No booking is needed; buy tickets at the gate. General entry is around 30 RMB, with the Jade Buddha Hall costing an extra 10 RMB. Payment is cash only here, so bring small notes. The hall ticket is worth it, as the jade Buddhas are the highlight of the whole complex and not visible without it.
Can I take photos and eat at Jade Buddha Temple?: Photography is restricted inside the Jade Buddha Hall itself but encouraged everywhere else across the three-hall complex. There is also a vegetarian dining area open to visitors on the side, serving a clean, quiet meal of monastic cooking. Allow one to two hours overall, and expect bigger crowds on Buddhist holidays.