Zhenru Temple

Historical Overview

• Founding & Renaming: Built in 1320 (Yuan Dynasty) by monk Miaoxin, the temple was renamed Zhenru Temple in the 14th century and became a regional Buddhist hub.
• Ming-Qing Expansions: Expanded during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and repaired in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), though damaged during the Opium Wars and Japanese occupation.
• Post-1949 Restoration: After 1949, the Chinese government collaborated with monks to rebuild the Hall of Heavenly Kings, repair the Yuantong Hall, and construct a nine-story pagoda (1998).
• Cultural Status: Listed as a national cultural relic in 1996 and a key site in Shanghai’s Zhenru Sub-center revival plan (2018).

Structural Layout
The temple follows a traditional Buddhist layout with a central axis and symmetrical wings:

1. Main Axis:
   • Mahavira Hall: Yuan Dynasty wooden structure with 16 cypress pillars, including 10 original Yuan-era columns.
   • Yuantong Hall: Houses a 35-ton white marble Avalokiteshvara statue, one of Asia’s largest.
   • Nine-Storied Pagoda: Built in 1998 in Song Dynasty style, offering panoramic views.
2. Supporting Structures:
   • Bell and Drum Towers: Flanking the main entrance.
   • 200-Meter Stele Corridor: Displays Buddhist inscriptions and historical tablets.
   • Monks’ Quarters: Modern facilities adjacent to the temple grounds.

Major Attractions

1. Mahavira Hall: Yuan Dynasty architecture with “inward-leaning” pillars and a 26-character beam inscription marking its 1320 construction.
2. White Marble Avalokiteshvara: Four-faced statue carved from a single block of marble, weighing 35 tons.
3. Nine-Storied Pagoda: Brick-structured tower with eaves adorned with 1,000 Buddhist statues.
4. Stele Corridor: 200-meter walkway featuring 14th-century stone carvings.
5. Ancient Ginkgo Tree: Over 700 years old, symbolizing longevity and resilience.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
   Main Entrance → Mahavira Hall → Yuantong Hall → Nine-Storied Pagoda → Stele Corridor → Exit.
   Highlights: Yuan architecture, marble statue, and pagoda views.

2. Cultural Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
   Morning: Mahavira Hall guided tour → Lunch at temple vegetarian café → Afternoon: Stele Corridor study + pagoda climb → Evening: Evening chanting ceremony.
   Includes: Historical context and Buddhist rituals.

3. Family-Friendly Tour (2.5–3 hours):
   Main Entrance → Children’s Activity Center (calligraphy/incense making) → Ginkgo Tree picnic area → Pagoda visit → Exit.
   Best for: Ages 5–12.

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: ¥2 (adults), free for children under 1.2m. Special exhibitions may require additional tickets (¥10–20).
• Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program “Zhenru Temple” up to 7 days in advance.
• Free Entry: Temple grounds and stele corridor; fees apply to pagoda and Yuantong Hall.

Transportation

• Subway: Line 11 to Zhenru Station (Exit 6), 10-minute walk to temple.
• Bus: Routes 62, 63, 105, or 165 to “Zhenru Temple” stop.
• Taxi: Direct to Lanxi Road 399 (¥20 from downtown).
• Parking: Temple parking lot (¥5/hour).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (azaleas), October–November (maple leaves). Avoid July–August (rainy season).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host 5,000+ visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Wear modest clothing (covering shoulders/knees).
  • Bring coins for incense offerings (¥1–2).
  • Photography allowed (no flash in Yuantong Hall).
• Prohibitions: No meat, alcohol, or loud conversations inside temple.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine with Zhenru Ancient Town (1km) or Shanghai Textile Museum (3km).