[2025 Shanghai Attraction] Travel Guide for Yuanjin Buddhist Temple (Updated Feb)

#favouriteitinerary Yuanjin Zen Temple offers a serene and meditative space, perfect for unwinding and clearing the mind. This peaceful sanctuary, with its traditional architecture and calming atmosphere, invites visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The gentle sound of wind chimes and the soothing scent of incense enhance the tranquil experience. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Yuanjin Zen Temple is an ideal place for reflection and finding inner peace. The serene surroundings and meditative environment provide a much-needed respite from the chaos of modern life. Whether you're walking through the lush gardens or participating in a meditation session, the temple offers a unique opportunity to connect with your inner self and achieve a sense of clarity and calm.

📍Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Shanghai 🚇: Zhujiajiao Station, Metro Line 17 🎫: The ancient town is open all day for free, but some attractions in the town charge admission (Kezhi Garden, Hexin Garden, Helong Art Museum). Tickets for paid attractions can be purchased on the "Le You Zhujiajiao" WeChat account or on site. [Attraction Introduction] Kezhi Garden: A private garden villa that combines the essence of Jiangnan gardens with Western elements. Hexin Garden: Smaller than Kezhi Garden, but the pavilions and towers in the garden are exquisite and elegant, with a view at every step. Fangsheng Bridge: The largest and longest five-hole stone arch bridge in Shanghai, known as the "First Bridge in Shanghai". Helong Art Museum: The exhibition area covers a total of 800 square meters and is said to be the art museum with the largest collection of works by Haipai masters in Shanghai. Yuanjin Zen Temple: The temple offers a wide view of the boats coming and going. It's very pleasant to have a cup of tea at the teahouse on the opposite bank. City God Temple: Don't miss the theater, the big abacus, and the ginkgo tree. Qing Dynasty Post Office: The former site of a Qing Dynasty post office, with some small items such as notebooks, refrigerator magnets, and bookmarks.

I've been to Zhujiajiao many times, but I've never been to Yuanjin Zen Temple. This weekend, I took my parents to Zhujiajiao again. We had lunch at a restaurant by the river. I looked up and saw a temple on the west side of Taian Bridge on the opposite bank. I asked the restaurant owner and found out that it was Niangniang Temple (the local name for Yuanjin Zen Temple). We went to visit it after lunch. Yuanjin Zen Temple is located at No. 193, Caohe Street. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and originally enshrined the statue of the Holy Mother of Chenzhou, so it is commonly known as Niangniang Temple. Yuanjin Zen Temple was rebuilt during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and it was gradually expanded during the Shunzhi and Kangxi periods of the Qing Dynasty, and its scale became larger and larger. Now this temple has Maitreya Hall, Three Saints Hall, Yuantong Bao Hall, Qinghua Pavilion and other halls. The structure is small, there are not many Buddha statues enshrined, but it is well-known. What sets Yuanjin Zen Temple apart is that, starting from the third abbot, Yushi, several abbots were monks who were good at poetry and painting, and often interacted with literati and ink guests, and recited gatherings in the temple. There are still relics such as the "Yongyue Well" and Qinghua Pavilion with the stone inscription "Yongyue" handwritten by Zhao Mengfu in the temple.

#chinatrip Zhujiajiao Water Town, often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” is a picturesque ancient town located just outside of Shanghai. With its quaint canals, stone bridges, traditional houses, and narrow lanes, Zhujiajiao offers a delightful escape into the past. A boat ride along the waterways is a serene experience, allowing visitors to soak in the charming scenery and the town’s unique architectural style. The town is also home to several historical sites, such as the Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden, and the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple. For those looking to experience a slice of traditional Chinese life and culture, Zhujiajiao Water Town is a perfect day trip destination that captures the essence of old-world China.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located in Qingpu District, Shanghai, adjacent to Dianshan Lake. It is a historic water town. You can come to watch a sunset in the summer evening, and then take a boat ride in the breeze at night to see the bright lights on both sides of the bank. There are many snack shops along the coast, and it is very comfortable to stroll with friends and family. 🚗Transportation: Parking lot 20 yuan/day. Subway: Exit 1 of Line 17, about 20min walk. You can take a boat directly to Fangsheng Bridge at the subway station. ⏰Recommended play time 3～4h. 🎫Tickets: Free, you can make a reservation at 'Le You Zhujiajiao' or scan the code on site. Some attractions charge separately, 20 yuan each, you can buy a joint ticket. Snack shops are open until 8/9 o'clock. ✅Fangsheng Bridge It is the largest five-hole stone bridge in the Jiangnan area. You can stand on the top of the bridge to watch the passing boats. There are many teahouses on both sides for rest. 📷This place has a wide view and is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts. ✅Yuanjin Zen Temple 20 yuan Another view, close to the pier, you can also watch the sunset of the ancient town here, it's very photogenic. ✅Dongjing Pavilion Bridge There are relatively fewer tourists here, it's quieter, and there are several teahouses and cafes. ✅North Street Similar to a snack street, lacks characteristics, there are many teahouses and restaurants, you can sit by the river window to watch the boats come and go. ✅Kezhi Garden 20 yuan The garden is named 'Kezhi', which means 'don't forget to farm while studying', so there is a book city in the garden, and a rice fragrance village is opened to match the garden name. Worth a visit. 📝Tips： ▪️The ancient town is heavily commercialized, just enjoy the scenery, there are more people on weekends, try to avoid peak travel. You can come over around three or four in the afternoon, watch the sunset and night view. ▪️There are many alleys in the ancient town that can lead to the river, don't miss the unique view. ▪️The ancient town is very close to Dianshan Lake, you can arrange to play together.