[2025 Shanghai Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhenru Temple (Updated Mar)

In the Zhenru Town Street of Putuo District, Shanghai, there is the historic Zhenru Temple. It is a rare Yuan Dynasty building in the Jiangnan area, and it was once called Wanshou Temple and Baohua Teaching Temple in the early Ming Dynasty. Its common names include "Big Temple" and "Great Temple". After surviving wars, only the main hall remains, and the ink marks from the renovation during the Guangxu period are still visible on the main beam of the hall. The existing beams, columns, brackets, and most of the components are original from the Yuan Dynasty. The main hall features a gray tile single-eave hip-and-gable roof style, with beautiful curves and deep eaves. Zhenru Temple is not very large, and along the central axis, there are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Yuantong Treasure Hall, the Zhenru Pagoda, the Zhenru Abbot's Room, and the Sutra Depository. To the left and right of the Hall of Heavenly Kings are two-story bell and drum towers, and next to them are the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Sangharama Hall, the Samantabhadra Hall, the Manjusri Hall, the Reclining Buddha Hall, the Medicine Buddha Hall, the Zen Hall, the Chanting Hall, and the East and West Corridors. Zhenru Temple has many unique features: first, inside the Hall of Heavenly Kings, there are statues of the Heng Ha Er Jiang and the Four Heavenly Kings, totaling 6 figures, which is slightly different from other temples; second, around the walls of the Mahavira Hall, there are rubbings of 16 Arhats drawn by the Tang Dynasty's Guanxiu, which differs from the 18 Arhats commonly seen in temples; third, the overall color scheme of the temple is black, gray, and white, because the Yuan Dynasty revered white, which is starkly different from most temples that are predominantly red and yellow. Between the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the main hall, there is an ancient ginkgo tree, said to be as old as the temple itself, with a history of over 700 years. Inside the main hall, there are three Burmese jade Buddha statues donated by Singaporean monk Xing Ren. Inside the Yuantong Treasure Hall, there is a 5.2-meter-tall white marble Guanyin statue with four faces, and the ceiling's caisson is shaped like the Thousand-Handed Guanyin. The Zhenru Pagoda was completed in 1999, and it is rumored that the underground palace enshrines the only Buddha relic in Shanghai. There are 108 prayer wheels around the pagoda, and remember to turn them clockwise. In front of the pagoda, there are many plump and fearless pigeons, and there is also a pigeon feed vending machine available for purchasing. Taking photos with the pigeons and the pagoda as a backdrop is very impressive. Temple-related information: 🎫Ticket: 10 yuan, available for purchase on-site. 🚇Transportation: Take subway line 11 or 14, get off at Zhenru Station exit 6, and walk for 10 minutes to arrive. 🍲Nearby: There is a Zhenru Mutton Restaurant nearby. 📒Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, the temple is not big, and it is enough to take a leisurely tour for 2 hours. If there is time after the visit, you can also take a stroll in the nearby Zhenru Ancient Town. 📍Address: No. 399 Lanxi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai.

Let's talk about Zhenru Temple in Shanghai and how incredible the place is. This hidden gem stole my heart with its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture… so far is my favorite temple in the city. A must-visit for anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the bustling city, you find a pagoda right in the end of the temple, surrounded by gardens and a hallway along the river next to it with koi fish you can feed. You can also participate in feeding the pigeons living permanently in there, is also a popular thing to do while in the temple and food is being sold there as well. #Shanghai #ZhenruTemple #shanghaitrip

It's my first time visiting Shanghai's hidden gem, Zhenru Temple, after its renovation Actually, it was the photographer who thought it was so beautiful and wanted to come But I have to say, it really is stunning after the renovation I was amazed by the sunlight Sisters who love taking photos in new Chinese-style Hanfu can come Finally, I wish everyone a prosperous Year of the Snake in 2025, may everything be perfect! Zhenru Temple

Zhenru Temple is a great place to visit No crowds Pigeons have leisure time Slowly look at the various Bodhisattvas And make your own wishes You can put cash and coins in the merit box No need to scan the code The offerings are also relatively simple and traditional Not so commercial Zhenru Pagoda has a circle of prayer wheels No need to go to Tibet You can also turn mountains, lakes, and towers There are mountains in the heart No sect All for good wishes

❤Recommendation reason: Zhenru Temple, comes from the explanation in "Cheng Weishi Lun": "True means real, which is not false; as it is, it means normal, which means no change." The main building - the main hall faces south, is three bays wide and three bays deep, with eight rafters, a single-eaved hip roof, a steep roof and beautiful curves. The main hall was built in 1320 and is the oldest existing wooden structure in Shanghai. ✅Must experience: There is a double-hooked inscription in black on the bottom of the inner pillar in the front of the main hall: "The tripod was built on the 21st day of the summer month of the seventh year of Yanyou in the Gengshen year of the Yuan Dynasty, at the time of Xun in the Yisi year." "旹" is an ancient character for time. The seventh year of Yanyou was 1320, the year of Gengshen; the sixth month was the last month of summer; the twenty-first day, Xun was originally a direction of the Eight Trigrams, and according to the Postnatal Eight Trigrams, it was the southeast, corresponding to between Chen and Si, exactly eight o'clock. 👍Most recommended: This means that this temple was built at 8:00 on June 21st of the lunar calendar in 1320 AD. Dingjian means new construction. The Book of Changes says: "Ding takes the new", and it is the time for the beam-raising ceremony. 🌟Highlights: Behind the main hall is the Yuantong Hall, which was built in the same style as the main hall of the Yuan Dynasty. In the center of the hall is a four-faced white marble statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Behind the Yuantong Hall is the newly built Zhenru Pagoda. The Zhenru Pagoda is over 50 meters high and was built in imitation of the Songjiang Square Pagoda. It is a traditional wooden structure pavilion-style pagoda commonly seen in the Jiangnan region. 📍Detailed address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 🚉Transportation strategy: Metro Line 11, 14 Zhenru Station 🕙Business hours: 8:00 to 16:00 📝Note tips: Tickets are 10 yuan per person

🧚‍♀️Autumn weekends in Shanghai are the perfect time to catch the tail end of ginkgo season.💕 See 100-year-old ginkgo trees alongside a 100-year-old church and a 100-year-old temple! Here are two places to visit and take photos. Miss it and you'll have to wait a year!‼️ . 1️⃣ Zhenru Temple: ✨ This ancient temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty. The black-tiled temple with white walls has an ancient style. Compared to Longhua Temple, this place is more peaceful. . 🍃 Ancient Ginkgo Tree: 🧡 The temple has a nearly 700-year-old ginkgo tree. The golden leaves are falling this time of year, creating a beautiful scene. 📷 Take photos of the ginkgo tree with the ancient temple in the background. Try a low-angle shot. The light and shadows create a special beauty. . 🐦 Pigeon Square: 🎉 There are many pigeons here. You can feed them and they will fly to you. They are very interactive. . ⏰ Bell Corridor: This long, quiet corridor by the river has a great sense of depth. There is also a koi pond by the corridor. Get some good luck! . 🌉 Tongchuan Road Bridge: There are other ginkgo trees in the temple. You can see this one from the bridge outside the temple. Don't miss it. . 2️⃣ Holy Trinity Church: ⛪️ The church has red brick walls inside and out. It is known as the "Red Chapel." When I visited, the staff were doing maintenance. Thank you for your hard work!🥹 . 📷 The 100-year-old ginkgo tree is like a waterfall. The ground is covered with fallen ginkgo leaves. This scene only happens at this time of year! 👉 For a panoramic view, go to the 8th floor of the Hanting Hotel across from the church! . ⏰ The church is currently only open for visits on Sundays. There are two services. 🧡 Entry time: 7:30–8:00 for the first service, 9:30–10:00 for the second service 💛 Service time: 8:00–9:00 for the first service, 10:00–11:00 for the second service ‼️Tips: Line up at the entrance on Jiujiang Road 30 minutes before the service.

🌟Zhenru Temple, Shanghai, China Built during the Jiading period of the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhenru Temple is home to the oldest wooden hall in Shanghai and the oldest ginkgo tree in Putuo District, which is nearly 700 years old. The temple's beams, columns, and brackets are mostly original Yuan Dynasty structures, making it one of the few Buddhist temples in China with Yuan Dynasty architecture. 📍Address: No. 399 Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai 🚉Transportation: Zhenru Station on Metro Line 11/14, Exit 7 Parking lot🅿️: Navigate to "Difuyuan Internal Parking Lot," CNY 10/hr 💰Admission: CNY 10 (incense not included) 🕙Hours: 6:00–16:00

📍Address: No. 339, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Street, Putuo District, Shanghai 🚗Transportation: Take Metro Line 14 or Line 11 in Shanghai and get off at Zhenru Station (Exit 7), then walk for 650 meters. 👍️Must-visit: Buy a bag of pigeon food and a flock of pigeons will fly over. It's a spectacular sight.

‼️Zhenru Temple is arranged from south to north along the central axis, with the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Perfect Wisdom, the Zhenru Pagoda, the Sutra Library, and the Abbot's Room. On both sides are side halls and other rooms, with four courtyards between the Buddha halls and pagodas. The Mahavira Hall of Zhenru Temple is the only remaining Yuan Dynasty wooden building in Shanghai and an important cultural relic in ancient Chinese architecture. 📍339 Lanxi Road, Zhenru Subdistrict, Putuo District, Shanghai. 🚇Subway: Take Line 14 or Line 11 in Shanghai and get off at Zhenru Station (Exit 7). Walk 650 meters. 🎫Admission: CNY 10. ⏰Opening hours: 6:00–16:00 all year round.

Zhenru Temple covers nearly 20 acres with a building area of 1,370 square meters. It is a famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai, originally named 'Wanshou Temple' and commonly known as the 'Great Temple'. The name of the temple is derived from the Buddhist scripture 'Cheng Weishi Lun', which explains: 'Zhen means real, indicating non-illusion; Ru means as usual, indicating no change. This Zhenru, in all positions, is always as its nature, hence called Zhenru.' 📍Address: No. 399 Lanxi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 🚇Transportation: 10-minute walk from Zhenru Station on Metro Line 11 🕒Time: 8:00-16:00 🎫Incense Flower Ticket: 10💰 🧨Incense: 30💰 🍛Vegetarian Meal: 20💰 (three vegetables and one soup) ✅Zhenru Pagoda Courtyard: The temple's backyard houses the nine-story Zhenru Buddha Pagoda. Inside the courtyard, there is a Xiangyun Avenue and two Dharani Sutra Pillars. The base of the pagoda is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, and you can also see the 'Seeing Buddha Brings Joy' plaque hanging on the back wall of the Yuantong Hall. ✅Zhenru Main Hall: One of the few remaining Yuan Dynasty buildings in the Jiangnan region, featuring a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with dragon-head ridges. The beam of the main hall is inscribed with 'Built on the twenty-first day of the sixth month of the seventh year of Yanyou in the year of Gengshen of the Great Yuan Dynasty'. ✅Millennium Ginkgo: There are two ginkgo trees in the courtyard of the temple, one of which is said to have been planted during the Yuan Dynasty. It was struck by lightning and died, but a Quercus tree grew inside it, bringing new life. Now, it is surrounded by yellow peace charms and prayer ribbons. ✅Buddhist Culture Corridor: The north section features stone tablets rich in Buddhist charm, while the south section has thirteen ancient bells from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China period. The corridor is adorned with calligraphy and paintings by many famous artists from ancient to modern times, making it a distinctive feature of Zhenru Temple.

Zhenru Temple, a national key cultural relic protection unit, is located at 399 Lanxi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai. Driven by curiosity, I visited Zhenru Zen Temple, which is both a tourist attraction and a Buddhist sanctuary. Stepping through the mountain gate of the Buddhist land, the temple is solemn and serene, with the sound of chanting echoing continuously. Devotees and believers are seen burning incense and worshipping Buddha, each engrossed in their own activities. Their silent prayers and focused devotion are a tribute to the Buddha. There is no casual chatter here, only the sincere chanting of 'Buddha'. For thousands of years, Buddhist faith has deeply rooted in the hearts of Chinese believers. They firmly believe in the principles of good and evil, cause and effect, and practice them diligently. I do not believe in Buddhism, but I am fascinated by the majestic temples and shrines with a long history; I do not believe in Buddhism, but I am amazed by the power of the Buddha! How is it that so many devout men and women are obsessed with religion, worshipping Shakyamuni, Guanyin, and other Buddhas with such fervor? What kind of spiritual world is this? Zhenru Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty, but most of the original Buddhist halls within the temple have been destroyed. The towering Zhenru Pagoda and the Yuantong Hall are all contemporary structures, aesthetically pleasing but lacking historical value. Only the Mahavira Hall, where the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sits, is an ancient relic from the Yuan Dynasty. This main hall's ancient artifact has earned Zhenru Temple the title of a national key cultural relic protection unit, securing its place in history. In the past, Zhenru Zen Temple was built earlier than Zhenru Old Street and was famous far and wide. Later, the old street was named after the temple. Today, the urbanization process has long swallowed up Zhenru Old Street, leaving it nonexistent. Only Zhenru Zen Temple, this piece of religious pure land, remains, standing proudly amidst the concrete jungle of Shanghai's urban sub-center. All things in the world undergo cycles of reincarnation; the journey of the universe is bound by the way of heaven. Amitabha!

#familytrips2024 The visit to Zhenru Temple in Shanghai was a profound journey into the heart of Buddhist spirituality and ancient wisdom. As we entered the temple complex, we were greeted by the soothing sounds of chanting monks and the fragrance of burning incense, immediately enveloping us in a sense of peace and reverence. The intricate architecture of the temple buildings, adorned with colorful decorations and ornate carvings, spoke to centuries of devotion and tradition. We wandered through the tranquil gardens, pausing to admire the graceful statues and tranquil ponds that dotted the landscape. Inside the main hall, we offered prayers and lit incense, feeling a deep connection to something greater than ourselves. Zhenru Temple became a sanctuary of introspection and mindfulness, offering us a glimpse into the profound teachings of Buddhism and a moment of spiritual renewal. As we reflect on our time at Zhenru Temple, our thoughts turn to our next family adventure: a journey to the ancient wonders of Petra, Jordan. Just as Zhenru Temple provided us with a space for reflection and spiritual contemplation, Petra promises to awe us with its breathtaking beauty and rich history. From marveling at the iconic Treasury carved into the rose-red cliffs to exploring the ancient ruins and rugged landscapes of the Jordanian desert, Petra beckons us on a journey of discovery and adventure. Like our visit to Zhenru Temple, our expedition to Petra will be a testament to the power of exploration and the enduring allure of ancient wonders, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Shanghai attractions always include a visit to Zhenru Temple to feed the pigeons. Zhenru Temple, compared to the splendid Jing'an Temple and the bustling Longhua Temple, is like a sage who keeps a low profile, profound and restrained. The architecture of Zhenru Temple is very distinctive, with a rich hall style. Apart from the several main halls at the entrance, the most eye-catching feature is its Zhenru Pagoda. The exterior has a total of nine floors, with an additional mezzanine on the first floor plus an underground palace, making it eleven floors in total. Around the outside of the Zhenru Pagoda is a ring of metal prayer wheels, with the Sanskrit six-syllable mantra inscribed on them, which is very impressive. In front of the pagoda is a pigeon loft, where there are many pigeons. You can get up close with the pigeons, and you can also buy pigeon feed to feed them. It's also a great spot for taking photos! Many people come here specifically to see the pigeons! Name: Zhen Temple

🙏 In the hustle and bustle of the magic city, there lies a serene and quaint place called Zhenru Temple. 🌳 Here, there is none of the city's noise, only the peaceful atmosphere of an ancient temple that calms the soul. 👀 The architectural style of the ancient temple is filled with rustic charm, and every brick and tile tells a story of the years gone by. 📜 Stepping into the temple is like entering another world, where time seems to slow down. 🌸 Here, you can: 💧 Listen to the chanting of the monks and feel the power of the Buddhist teachings. 💧 Savor the aroma of tea, nourishing your spirit amidst its fragrance. 💧 Sit in quiet meditation, engaging in a dialogue with your inner self. 💧 Admire the artistic treasures within the ancient temple and appreciate the allure of Buddhist culture. 🌳 Zhenru Temple is a place where you can forget your troubles and return to a state of inner peace. 🙏 If you seek a spiritual retreat, consider visiting here to find the tranquility and strength within.

💡Pick a day with good weather, go out and let the sunshine melt away the chill of Shanghai; The atmosphere of the entire temple is very good, the chanting upon entering brings great peace to the heart, every angle is picture-perfect, there's also a vending machine for feeding many pigeons, the statues and carvings in the temple are exquisite, and there is a more than 700-year-old ancient ginkgo tree, which is absolutely beautiful in autumn, I'll go back in September or October to add more! 📍Address: Zhenru Temple - 399 Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai ⏰Opening Hours: 6:00-18:00 🎫Ticket: 10 yuan 🚗Transport: Metro lines 11, 14 Zhenru Station, then walk 500 meters Self-driving: Parking is available in nearby residential areas or along the roadside

💢China’s traditional buildings are mostly made of wood and are difficult to preserve. And where is the oldest house in Shanghai? The answer is: the Main Hall of Zhenru Temple. 🌟Temple Highlights 🔶The Main Hall of Zhenru Temple is the main building of the temple. It was built in the seventh year of Yanyou of the Yuan Dynasty (1320) by the monk Miaoxin. It is the only well-preserved main hall of the Yuan Dynasty Buddhist temple in Shanghai. ✅The bottom of the main beam of the main hall is engraved with the words "The Ding was built at Sunda time on the 21st day of the summer month Yisi in the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty, Gengshen Yanyou, the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty", which accurately records the year of construction. ✅There are 16 wooden pillars in the main hall, including ten cypress and six fir. It is said that the foundation of each wooden pillar is made of loess and iron slag rammed in layers. It is 1.8 meters wide, 3 meters long and 1.8 to 2 meters deep. 💢There are very few Yuan Dynasty buildings in the Jiangnan area. In addition to Zhenru Temple, there are only 3 Sanqing Hall in Suzhou, Xuanyuan Palace in Wuxian County and Tianning Temple in Jinhua. ✅The initial scale of the Main Hall was not large, but due to the strong incense and the emergence of markets around the temple, many side halls and pavilions were expanded around the Main Hall, gradually forming a larger temple complex. When the Taiping Army marched eastward in the 10th year of Xianfeng's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1860), most of the buildings except the Main Hall were destroyed. After that, various dynasties repaired it many times. ✅It was restored again in 1991 to form the current temple complex. 🔶In 1999, another Zhenru Pagoda was built in the north, becoming a landmark building in the Zhenru area. ✅The tower is 53 meters high, with a total of nine floors, plus the underground palace and the first mezzanine, a total of eleven floors. The underground palace enshrines the relics of the real body of Shiying Muni. ✅Surrounding the pagoda, there is also a circle of prayer wheels. If you touch it lightly, it will fly lightly, which is very spectacular. 🌲There is an ancient ginkgo tree in the temple, which is said to have been planted by the Yuan Dynasty and is more than 700 years old. Due to being struck by lightning, the tree body is hollow, the bark is dark, and the old trunk is whirling, hidden among the Buddhist temples. ✨✨Walking into Zhenru Temple, it is an antique building with green tiles, gray bricks and white walls, wooden structure, and simple tones. There are no splendid halls and dazzling painted beams and columns, which makes people calm and feel normal. 📝Note tips: ❗️The Buddhist halls on the east and west sides of the temple are currently undergoing protective repairs. The Buddhist hall in the middle is open to the public, and the temple is also open normally. 📍Detailed address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Putuo District 🚉Transportation: 🚇Take Metro Line 11/14 Zhenru Station, exit from Exit 7, and walk for 10 minutes. 🎫Ticket: 10 yuan/person 🕐Opening hours: 6:00-16:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:00), the door opens half an hour in advance during the incense period.

When it comes to famous temples in Shanghai, Zhenru Temple is somewhat understated. Located in Putuo District of Shanghai, the temple covers an impressive area of 1,370 square meters. Originally named 'Wanshou Temple' and commonly referred to as 'Da Miao,' it is a national heritage conservation site. Zhenru Temple is the earliest built and most influential in the Shanghai area. During the Jiading era of the Southern Song Dynasty, the monk Yong'an founded the Zhenru Academy in the official quarters. In the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty's Yuanzhen period, the monk Miaoxin relocated it to the northeast side of the intersection of Taopu and Liyuanbang, its current location, and renamed it Zhenru Temple. The name of the temple is derived from the Buddhist scripture 'Cheng Weishi Lun,' which explains: 'Zhen means truth, revealing no falsehood; Ru signifies constancy, indicating no change. This truth is constant in all aspects, always true to its nature, hence the name Zhenru.' ✅ Must Experience: The most characteristic Yuan Dynasty structure in the Jiangnan region Tang Dynasty sixteen arhats rubbings 800-year-old ginkgo tree Jade statue of Sakyamuni A 5-meter tall white marble statue of the four-faced Guanyin A joyful pigeon paradise The Zhenru Mutton Restaurant that you can't miss just a step away 🗓 Itinerary: 1⃣️ Entering from the mountain gate on Lanxi Road leads to a long and narrow plaza, where incense offerings are concentrated. Open flames are not allowed inside the temple. 2⃣️ Continuing forward, you will sequentially pass the Bell Tower (Ksitigarbha Hall), the Heavenly King Hall, and the Drum Tower (Jialan Hall), and then officially enter from the Heavenly King Hall. The east side of the Bell Tower has a vegetarian dining hall available from 11:00 to 11:30. 3⃣️ Exiting the Heavenly King Hall, there are two ginkgo trees on the north side, with the ancient one on the left being over 800 years old. Besides the ginkgo trees, there are also large areas of potted green plants, with the Puxian Hall and Sakyamuni Hall to the west, and the Manjusri Hall and Medicine Buddha Hall to the east. 4⃣️ The second is the Mahavira Hall, a brick-and-wood structure characteristic of the Yuan Dynasty in the Jiangnan region, with 'Dharma Realm Zhenru' hanging high on the hall door. The bottom of the main beam is carved with the inscription 'Jia Da Yuan Sui Ci Geng Shen Yan You Qi Nian Gui Wei Ji Xia Yue Yi Yi Er Shi Yi Ri Xun Shi Ding Jian,' which accurately records the year of construction, the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty's Yuanzhen period (1320), a nationally protected cultural relic. The central statue of Sakyamuni seated is carved from Burmese jade. The walls of the hall are adorned with rubbings of the sixteen arhats painted by Tang Dynasty's Guanxiu. 5⃣️ The third is the Circular Hall. In the center is a 1.2-meter-high circular bluestone lotus pedestal, with a vajra as the pillar, accompanied by deep relief carvings of the eight celestial dragons. Atop the lotus pedestal is a 5.2-meter-tall, approximately 35-ton white marble statue of the four-faced Guanyin. The crown is sculpted with the Five Dhyani Buddhas, and the center of the chessboard-patterned ceiling has a caisson with a thousand-armed and thousand-eyed figure. Around the caisson, thirty-two wooden carved images serve as hanging ornaments, forming a canopy. The walls of the hall are inlaid with stone carvings of twenty-eight followers of Guanyin; above is Zhao Puchu's inscription of 'The Universal Gate Chapter of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.' 6⃣️ After the Guanyin Hall is the Zhenru Pagoda. The central open space, besides a pond for releasing creatures, also has a pigeon house, where auspicious pigeons are released by devotees. This area is a joyful paradise for pigeons, where the atmosphere shifts from solemn and respectful to harmonious and joyful. Pigeon food is available for self-service purchase. 7⃣️ The Zhenru Buddha Pagoda stands 53 meters tall and is the first Buddhist pagoda built in Shanghai in nearly a hundred years. The pagoda has nine floors, plus the first floor with a double-eave hidden mezzanine and an underground palace, totaling eleven floors. The underground palace enshrines the true relics of Sakyamuni. The base of the pagoda is inlaid with bluestone reliefs of the eight great bodhisattvas, surrounded by a five-meter-wide corridor for devotees to admire, worship, and circumambulate. The bottom floor of the pagoda houses statues of Maitreya Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, and Medicine Buddha in the four cardinal directions. From the third floor to the top, the walls are adorned with wood carvings of the fifty-three visits of Sudhana, and the side walls house a total of three thousand statues of Sakyamuni Buddha. Around the base of the pagoda are copper prayer wheels. 8⃣️ The last two floors house the abbot's quarters and the scripture repository, which are not open to the public. The corridor near the Taopu River on the west side has many famous inscriptions, offering a place for riverside relaxation. 🚉 Transportation Tips: Take Metro Line 14 to Zhenru Station and exit from Gate 7, then walk about 500 meters 💰 Average Spending: Entrance and incense offering fee: 10 yuan

Life moves too quickly, with heavy work pressure, so on the first and fifteenth day, I like to eat vegetarian food to calm my mind. I recently discovered this place, which isn't crowded on my first visit. Built in 1999, it's very beautiful, with a bit of Tang Dynasty architectural style. When I went there, I happened to encounter the monks reciting sutras, and the weather was also very good, suitable for worship. 🍃Environment Inside, it's roughly divided into three areas, with a nine-story pagoda at the very back, pigeons to feed below, and large halls in the middle and on both sides. 🍚Vegetarian You can go for a vegetarian meal on weekdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Shanghai Buddhist Holy Land | Zhenru Temple This is the most secluded and peaceful Zhenru Temple I have seen in Shanghai! It has a history of hundreds of years and was established during the Jiading era of the Southern Song Dynasty! Special recommendations: Come to Zhenru Temple to feel the peaceful atmosphere √ Along the white walls, green tiles, and wooden pavilions, every step is a view! It was built during the Yuan Dynasty, with the main hall being three bays wide and deep, and has been repaired repeatedly. The main structural components, including the horizontal beams, columns, square brackets, and arches, are said to be the original materials from the Yuan Dynasty. The blue lotus auspicious clouds, various patterns on the blue stone road, have a unique style without losing solemnity. The century-old ginkgo in the center of the temple is a highlight, with yellow ribbons tied to the tree for making wishes. 2. Turning prayer wheels, Zhenru Pagoda, pigeons, calligraphy corridor The Zhenru Pagoda is surrounded by one hundred and eight sutra scrolls, made of metal, with Bagua and Sanskrit carvings. The first floor is open, with Buddha figures on all sides guiding with different hand gestures. Turning the prayer wheels around the pagoda, listening to the bell sounds, and hearing the chanting from afar, one can feel the peace of devout worship. √ To the left of the Zhenru Pagoda, there is a large meadow with hundreds of pigeons leisurely roaming, where you can get up close to them, take photos, and daydream. Watching the adorable creatures with clean, curious eyes, they even pose for pictures, making one forget the dust and toil of life. Tip: The free-range pigeons are fed by monks, and if you wish to feed the pigeons, you can buy corn in advance and give it to the monks. √ Out of the meadow, into the hundred-meter riverside corridor The riverside corridor, with stone carvings full of text. The roof is decorated with ink landscape calligraphy and paintings. The summer breeze is cool, greeted by the fragrance of lotus, accompanied by koi in the stream. After praying, it's the most serene place to go! Temple admission: 10 yuan Business hours: 6:00-16:00 Detailed address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai Transportation strategy: Subway, bus, self-driving Subway line: Metro Line 10 → Metro Line 11, the whole journey is about 12.5 kilometers. Zhenru Temple subway station (Line 2), walk 810 meters, if you don't want to walk, there are shared bicycles at the subway station. Bus lines: 01, 62, 63, 105, 106, 129, 136, 223, 516, 550, 551, 706, 708, 717, 724, 740, 742, 743, 754, 766, 768, 807, 838, 852, 858, 860, 866, Tourist Line 6, Airport Line 6, Bei'an Line.

I really enjoy the tranquility of Zhenru Temple and often come here to stroll and visit. With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, friends who come to the Magic City can, while experiencing the glittering lights of the Bund, the hustle and bustle of Nanjing Road, and the lively excitement of Disney, also come here to see and experience a moment of peace in the noisy metropolis. ⛳️ The name Zhenru Temple is derived from the Buddhist scripture 'Cheng Weishi Lun', which explains: 'Zhen, meaning truth, reveals non-illusion; Ru, meaning constancy, signifies unchanging. It is said that this true suchness, in all aspects, is always constant in its nature, hence the name Zhenru.' 📍Detailed address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai

Zhenru Temple is considered a very niche attraction in Shanghai. Compared to the splendor of Jing'an Temple and the bustling incense of Longhua Temple, Zhenru Temple is like a wise man who keeps a low profile, deep and introverted. The architecture of Zhenru Temple is very distinctive, with a strong Tang Dynasty style. Apart from the main halls at the entrance, the most eye-catching is its Zhenru Pagoda, which has nine floors on the outside, plus a mezzanine on the first floor and an underground palace, totaling eleven floors. The outside of the Zhenru Pagoda is a circle of metal prayer wheels, with Sanskrit six-word mottos on them, which is very shocking. In front of the tower is a pigeon loft, there are many pigeons here, you can have close contact with the pigeons, you can also buy pigeon food to feed, and the photos are very beautiful! Many people come here just to see the pigeons! Name: Zhenru Temple Address: 399 Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town Street, Putuo District, Shanghai Time: 8:00-16:00 Ticket: 10 yuan Incense: 30 yuan for three sticks, multiple styles to choose from, same price. Precautions: 1 Although the weather is hot, girls try not to wear shorts or skirts into the temple. 2 Although the temple is very exquisite, be careful to only take pictures of the architecture. 3 Do not take pictures of Buddha statues. 4 When feeding pigeons, do not scare the pigeons, feed them in a civilized manner.

🌟Zhenru Temple was originally named "Wanshou Temple" and is a national cultural relic protection unit. There have been many temples in Putuo District in history, but most of them have been destroyed. Among the remaining temples, Zhenru Temple was the earliest built and had the greatest influence. 🌟There are wooden structures from the Yuan Dynasty in the temple, which are simple and elegant, and you can feel the weight of history. The main buildings in the temple include the mountain gate, Tianwang Temple, Main Hall, Guanyin Hall, etc. The building structure is mainly made of wood, with black tiles and white walls, which looks solemn and dignified. 🌟There are many pigeons pacing in the backyard of the ancient temple. They are not afraid of strangers and peck at the food in the hands of tourists. 🌟The temple is surrounded by water, and there is a long corridor by the water. There are many stone statues engraved with Buddha statues and Buddhist scriptures on the corridor. At the end of the corridor, there is a pond for releasing animals, which is full of koi. I hope it can bring good luck to everyone~ 🌟The temple is relatively small, so there are very few tourists, it does not make people feel crowded and noisy, the commercial atmosphere is very low, the environment is quiet and peaceful, and you can hear the sound of chanting from time to time in the temple, which makes people feel peaceful physically and mentally. It's a good place to relax, calm down and be cool. 🌟Zhenru Temple The only temple with white walls and blue tiles among the four ancient temples in Shanghai. The oldest wooden structure in Shanghai The main structure and most of the components of the main hall are originals from the Yuan Dynasty and are listed as the fourth batch of key cultural relics protection units in the country 👩Highlights ✅️Zhenru Hall: There are very few Yuan Dynasty buildings in Jiangnan area. It has blue tiles, white walls, single-eaved hip roof and dragon head ridge style. The title says: "The time was the seventh year of Yanyou in the year of Gengshen in the Yuan Dynasty, the last month of the summer of Guiwei. The words "Twenty-first day of Si, Xun time, Ding Jian" were inscribed on the stone, which means 8:00 on June 21 of the lunar calendar in 1320 AD, more than 700 years ago. ✅️Dead Trees Come Back to Life: There are two ginkgo trees on each side of the temple courtyard. One of the ancient ginkgo trees is said to have been planted in the Yuan Dynasty. It was struck by lightning and died. Later, an oak tree grew inside and it was reborn. Now it is surrounded by yellow amulets and blessing belts. ✅️Zhenru Pagoda Courtyard: In the backyard of the temple is the nine-story Zhenru Pagoda. In the pagoda courtyard, there is an auspicious cloud avenue, two Dharani Sutra Pillars, and 108 prayer wheels around the base of the pagoda. You can also see the plaque of "Seeing the Buddha with Joy" hanging on the back wall of the Yuantong Hall, which is full of Zen. ✅️Buddhist Cultural Corridor: Because Taopu River is on the west side, there is no gable on the west side of Zhenru Temple. Instead, a Buddhist Cultural Corridor was built. The northern section is a stone tablet full of Buddhist rhyme, and the southern section is thirteen ancient bells from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China. The corridor is decorated with calligraphy and paintings by many famous artists from ancient and modern times, which is a major feature of Zhenru Temple❗ 📍Address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District ⌚Time: 6:00-16:00 🎫️Tickets: 10/person (incense in the temple needs to be purchased separately)

Zhenru Temple, also known as Putuo Zhenru Temple, is located at No. 399 Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town Street, Putuo District, Shanghai. It covers an area of nearly 20 acres and has a building area of 1370 square meters. Originally named 'Wanshou Temple', commonly known as 'Da Miao', it is a national cultural relic protection unit. The main buildings of Zhenru Temple now include the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Hall of the Buddha, and the Guanyin Hall. The Great Hall of the Buddha was built in the seventh year of Yuan Yanxiu. After more than six hundred years of vicissitudes, it still maintains the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty temple, which is of great historical value and is listed as a national cultural relic. The Guanyin statue and bas-relief in the Guanyin Hall are beautifully carved and majestic. Ticket: Incense flower ticket 10 yuan Transportation: About 10 minutes walk from Zhenru Station on Metro Line 11/14

Hidden in the urban area of Shanghai is a Zhenru Temple, the main hall of which was built during the Yuan Dynasty and is a national heritage site. The temple is not crowded, and its incense is not as strong as that of Jing'an Temple. It is quiet and simple, yet extraordinary. What's more, it has a broad-mindedness that is different from other temples, truly embodying the compassion of Buddha, being true and constant, and living up to its name, Zhenru Temple. The reason will be explained later. Inside the main hall are 16 hexagonal cypress columns, including 3 golden columns. The columns in the main space all lean slightly inward, with the golden columns leaning 16 cm inward and the eave columns leaning 8 cm inward, the same as the famous Yuan Dynasty building, the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yongle Palace in Ruicheng, Shanxi. Among them, 10 are original from the Yuan Dynasty, and 6 of the stone column bases are from the Yuan Dynasty. The foundation is centered on the column bases, with a structure of alternating layers of iron slag and yellow earth. For indoor viewing, a one-story gable roof is built on the front and back golden columns. Although it has been renovated many times, most of the main structures such as beams, purlins, and bracket sets are still original from the Yuan Dynasty. In 1961, the roof of the main hall was leaking severely, some column bases lost balance and sank, and most of the rafters were dislocated. Emergency repairs were made in 1962. Since the original condition of the roof ridge, corner decorations, human figures, animal shapes, etc. could not be examined, the roof decoration of the stone house of Jijian Temple in Tianchi Mountain, Suzhou was adopted, and the Yuan Dynasty architectural drawings were referred to for molding. In 1986, the wooden structure inside the hall was painted with tung oil for protection. This is what it looks like now. During the renovation, it was found that at the mortise and tenon joints of the original Yuan Dynasty components, there were names of components and parts written by craftsmen with ink brushes. Some of them are the same as the names in the Song Dynasty 'Building Regulations' and commonly used names, such as columns, beams, following beams, three-frame beams, etc.; some use simplified characters or homophonic characters, such as the character for 'gold' in 'golden column' is written as 'today'; some are different, such as calling the eaves 'upper eyebrows', the forehead 'lower eyebrows', and the order beam 'horizontal base angle dan'. Therefore, Zhenru Temple carries important historical significance of ancient Chinese architecture, and many scholars including Liang Sicheng and later Japanese scholars have come to study. In 1958, the main hall was converted into a library for the Long March People's Commune. The bronze Amitabha built in the second year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty was sent to the Yangjiaqiao scrap station to be smashed and melted down. The Tathagata Buddha statue and its sandalwood rack were also pulled down and burned, so the Maitreya and Weituo seen now should be later creations. Next, let's talk about the most impressive part of Zhenru Temple. The temple raises many pigeons, with several rows of pigeon houses and a place for storing feed. Many children feed pigeons inside. This is not seen in other temples. It is also said that there is a white dog that comes and goes as it pleases. Unfortunately, I didn't see it. All beings are equal and live in harmony, which is truly embodied here. There are many Hanfu girls in the waterside corridor, and photographers taking pictures with reflectors. I guess other temples don't allow this, after all, temples are supposed to be quiet places. From many angles, Zhenru Temple doesn't look much like other temples, and it feels very photogenic. The corridor is full of calligraphy and paintings, almost like an art exhibition. The opposite corridor is hung with many calligraphy works the size of practice paper. Here, calligraphy and cultivation naturally become a part of life. Next to the corridor is a release pond, with flowers and green grass, and koi swimming, which is exceptionally beautiful. Near the mountain gate, there are two ginkgo trees, one of which is hundreds of years old. In autumn, there will be yellow leaves all over the ground. When the sky is high and the air is fresh, I will come again.

Once worried that deep emotions would impair my Buddhist practice, venturing into the mountains I feared would part me from the city's charm. How can one in this world find a way to fulfill both, not failing the Buddha nor the beloved? Zhenru, in Buddhist terminology, signifies the true suchness without self; without self, all is truly such. Mahayana Buddhism teaches to purify the mind, to be without mind, without self, teaching people to let go of the discriminating mind. Zhenru Temple was established in the late Southern Song Dynasty, and it preserves rare Yuan Dynasty wooden structures in the Jiangnan area. Inside the temple, there is a ginkgo tree dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, which has been struck by lightning. The tree is hollow inside, with another pavilion tree growing within. 🔖Zhenru Temple: No. 399 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, admission fee 10 yuan. 🌿Take Exit 7 of Metro Line 14, open from 8:00 to 16:00.

⛰【Tourist Guide】 📍Detailed address: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai 🚗Transportation Guide: Metro Line 11 Zhenru Station 🕙Opening hours: All year round from 6 am to 4 pm 💰Ticket price: 10 yuan 🌟Highlights: 1. In May 1959, Zhenru Temple was listed as a cultural relic protection unit in Shanghai; On November 20, 1996, the main hall of Zhenru Temple was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. 2. The main buildings of Zhenru Temple now include the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the main hall, and the Guanyin Hall, etc. 3. Ancient Ginkgo Tree: There is an ancient ginkgo tree in the temple, which is about 700 years old. The old trunk is twisted and hidden among the Buddhist temples, which is a beautiful scene. 4. Zhenru Temple is located in Zhenru Town, the northwest corner of Shanghai city. It is an ancient temple built in the Yuan Dynasty. The white walls and black tiles of the temple are full of ancient charm. The incense here has been prosperous for hundreds of years. Compared with other famous temples in Shanghai such as Longhua Temple, Zhenru Temple is more peaceful, and the solemnity of Buddhism is even better. For those who like quietness, this is a place to pray for blessings in the hustle and bustle, and it still retains the ancient style.

The main hall of Zhenru Temple in Shanghai, the date of its initial construction has not been verified. It was rebuilt in the seventh year of Yuan Yan You (1320), and underwent major repairs in the 1960s. It is a genuine Yuan Dynasty wooden structure in Shanghai city. The existing building is a single-eave hipped roof, nearly square in plan, which is a common three-room arrangement in the Jiangnan area. Among them, the three rooms in the width direction, the middle room is particularly wide, with six lattice doors, and a pot door window is opened between the two tips. In the depth direction, there are ten purlins, and the front and back four purlins are shaped like breasts with four osmanthus, presenting a horizontal 4+4+2 frame form, which enlarges the space for worshiping Buddha and the Buddhist altar, without losing the delicacy of the Jiangnan temple. Tip: No. 399, Lanxi Road, Zhenru Town, Putuo District, Shanghai City ⏰Opening hours: 6:00~16:00 🎫Ticket: 10 yuan 🚗Transportation: Get off at Zhenru Station on Metro Line 11, walk 900 meters.

When you have free time, visit Putuo Zhenru Temple. Here is the oldest wooden building on the surface of Shanghai, one of the six existing Yuan Dynasty wooden structures in Jiangnan. The main hall of the temple was built in the seventh year of Yuan Yanyou (1320) and is a national key cultural relics protection unit. It's a two-for-one deal to see ancient buildings and incense, and it's near the subway station, so it's convenient to check in. - Speaking of Yuan Dynasty wooden buildings, if it's in Shanxi, it's nothing, but for Shanghai, which is located in Jiangnan and has a humid climate, it's not easy to preserve it till now. The main hall of Zhenru Temple is not large, with brick and wood structure, the roof is a single eave hip roof, retaining the characteristics of Song Dynasty architecture, which is exactly the same as the roof in Song Huizong's 'Ruihe Map'. There are four statues in the hall, and there are 16 Tang Dynasty portraits hanging on the wall, as well as morning bells and evening drums. - Wandering inside and outside the hall for a long time, looking at the words carved on the beams of the main hall built in the Yuan Dynasty, touching the column base with a history of more than 700 years, although it is not enough to have a thrilling tide, but there are some waves generated by facing historical buildings. This main hall and the ginkgo tree planted by hand when the temple was built in front of the door have also witnessed hundreds of years of world vicissitudes, how many people have lingered here in the past 700 years... all are gone. _ Address: 399 Lanxi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai Time: 08:00-16:00 Tickets: 10

【Treasure Discovery】Must-visit attractions in Putuo District, Shanghai 【Citywalk Short Guide in Putuo District, Shanghai】First stop: Zhenru Temple The entrance fee is only 10 yuan, and the tour time is about 30 minutes to 1 hour. In addition to praying and feeding pigeons and fish, you can also take beautiful photos of this ancient building! Here, you can feel the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere and fully experience the unique charm of Buddhist culture. Second stop: Exit 9 of Caoyang Road Subway Walking straight out of Exit 9 of the subway station, you can admire the murals with European style and feel the strong literary atmosphere. Along the green track, you can stroll along the Suzhou River, appreciate the historical culture and urban landscape of Shanghai, and feel the unique charm of this city. Third stop: Exit 1 of Jiangning Road Subway With walking navigation, you can appreciate the art and culture exhibition of the mall's exterior, and feel the fashion and art atmosphere of this city. Then go to Jiushi Suzhou River, walk to Changhua Road Wharf, you will find the Shanghai font logo there, be sure to pick up the camera to record this unforgettable moment! Finally, you can return the same way and end this citywalk journey full of literary and fresh style.