[DETAILS] Explore the Temple of City God in Shanghai - A Renowned Historic Landmark

An Overview of the Temple of City God in Shanghai

• Address: 249 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.
• Operating Hours: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, daily.
• Admission Fee: 30 RMB (approximately 105,000 VND).

The Temple of City God was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The temple faces south, and the site is dedicated to three prominent figures from Chinese history who are revered as the City Gods of Shanghai: Huo Long, Qin Yuba, and Chen Huacheng.

The entire area of the Miếu Thành Hoàng Thượng Hải Temple spans over 10,000m², featuring ancient buildings and two expansive gardens. Historically, this temple was the residence of a high-ranking official in the royal court, which is reflected in its lavish and majestic architecture, characteristic of the nobility of that era.

The Miếu Thành Hoàng Thượng Hải Temple spans 10,000m²

The History of the Construction of Miếu Thành Hoàng Temple

Legend has it that in the early days, the Miếu Thành Hoàng Temple was dedicated to the worship of Mount Kim Sơn’s deity. Over time, the temple underwent numerous modifications and renovations.

• In 1403, the temple became a site dedicated to the Royal City, a place where people from all over gathered to pray for wealth and peace.
• In 1951, the temple was handed over to the Shanghai Taoist Association and transformed into a center for the Great Taoist teachings.
• In 1994, the temple was designated as a pedestrian-only area for tourists to explore.
• In 2006, after a year of closure for restoration, the temple reopened to welcome visitors once more.

However, after several rounds of restoration and renovation of cultural landmarks in China, the temple officially closed again. It is no longer a place of worship. The name 'City God Temple' now refers collectively to the bustling pedestrian shopping district in Shanghai.

Today, the City God Temple has become a popular destination for tourists interested in culture and history.

Directions to the City God Temple

Traveling to Shanghai

Currently, to travel from Vietnam to Shanghai, you can fly from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang... Several airlines operate flights between Vietnam and Shanghai, China, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines.

You can refer to the table below for information on some flight routes from Vietnam to Shanghai.

Information on some flight routes from Vietnam to Shanghai

Some flights from Vietnam to Shanghai

How to get from Shanghai to the Temple

According to travel tips for China, to reach the City God Temple, you can choose from the following transportation options:

- Subway: Take Metro line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Garden Station. Exit via exit 3, then walk along South Henan Road southward for about 5 minutes. Turn left onto Fangbang Road and walk another 5 minutes to reach the Temple.

- Bus: There are 3 ways to travel by bus:

• Option 1: Take bus number 932 starting from the City God Temple station.
• Option 2: You can catch one of the following buses: 11, 26, 64, 304, 736, 805, 920, 926, and 930, departing from Xinbeimen station.
• Option 3: You can also use the city sightseeing buses on routes 1, 3, or 5 to reach the Temple.

- Taxi: With a taxi, you can hail one from anywhere and ask the driver to take you to the City God Temple, China. The fare will be around 16 RMB for the first 3 km, and approximately 3 RMB for each additional kilometer.

Getting around by Metro

What attractions are there at the City God Temple?

As one of the most famous tourist destinations in China, the City God Temple holds many fascinating attractions for you to explore.

Unique Architecture

Inside, the City God Temple features gates, two entrances, a theater, the main hall, a tower, and corridors connecting various areas. The entire complex is arranged along a central axis. Key buildings to visit include the main hall, Yuanchen hall, Guansheng hall, and Wenxuan hall.

The City God Temple was built in the traditional Chinese architectural style

Toàn bộ kiến trúc của Miếu được xây dựng theo lối kiến trúc Trung Hoa đặc trưng của các ngôi miếu cổ xưa. Hình ảnh quen thuộc của lối kiến trúc này mà bạn có thể nhìn thấy khi đến khu phố cổ Miếu Thành Hoàng đó chính là những mái nhà uốn cong được làm từ ngói đỏ hoặc xanh.

Những bức tường gạch của khu phố cũng được chạm khắc hoạ tiết long phụng vô cùng tinh xảo. Toàn bộ lối đi đều được lát gạch, khiến không gian ở đây mang đến một vẻ cổ kính, bình yên.

Thượng ngoạn cảnh đẹp yên bình

Đến với khu phố cổ Miếu Thành Hoàng, du khách sẽ được thưởng ngoạn khung cảnh xinh đẹp và vô cùng bình yên nơi đây. Những con đường lát gạch trong miếu đưa bạn đến những khu điện thờ mang kiến trúc Trung Hoa xưa, hay những dãy cột gỗ lớn được chạm trổ công phu chắc chắn sẽ là background check in mà bạn không thể bỏ qua.

The peaceful scenery of the Temple of the City God in China

The area surrounding the temple is enclosed by low walls and small gardens with streams or small ponds, creating a soothing sound of trickling water. Together, they form a serene atmosphere that feels like an ancient Chinese town.

Praying for peace and prosperity

Although the Temple of the City God has been redesigned and no longer serves as the main site of worship, it remains a popular destination for visitors seeking peace and prosperity. After exploring the main halls of the temple, tourists can stroll around the temple grounds to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Prayers for peace at the temple

Enjoying delicious local cuisine

In the ancient street of the Temple of the City God, visitors can also sample famous local dishes such as stinky tofu, grilled goat meat, steamed pig's feet with soy sauce, dumplings, chestnuts, crispy pancakes, and more. This area is renowned as a food paradise with a wide variety of eateries. Some popular restaurants that many tourists frequent include Lu Bo Lang, Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, Songyue Vegetarian Restaurant, and Shanghai De Xing Guan.

A culinary adventure at the Temple of the City God

Mua sắm đồ lưu niệm

Khi đặt tour Trung Quốc, khám phá miếu Thành Hoàng Bên cạnh trải nghiệm những món ẩm thực Trung Hoa nổi tiếng trên khắp thế giới thì những món đồ lưu niệm tại đây cũng được rất nhiều du khách quan tâm. Một số món đồ mà bạn có thể mua về làm quà cho người thân có thể kể đến như:

• Tranh và tượng thờ: bạn có thể mua tranh, tượng hay những hình ảnh của Thành Hoàng về trang trí nhà cửa hay làm quà tặng cho gia đình và người thân.
• Vật phẩm phong thuỷ: Nhiều du khách lựa chọn mua những vật phẩm phong thuỷ với mong muốn bình an như: chuông gió, mặt dây chuyền…
• Đồ thủ công truyền thống: Bạn cũng có thể tham khảo một số món đồ thủ công truyền thống được làm từ gốm, sứ, đồng, hay những sản phẩm nhỏ xinh có hình ảnh liên quan đến Miếu Hoàng Thành.
• Hương liệu và nến thơm: Một số sản phẩm hương liệu và nến thơm sử dụng trong việc cúng bái.

Kinh nghiệm tham quan Miếu Thành Hoàng

Để có một chuyến trải nghiệm Miếu Thành Hoàng Trung Quốc thật trọn vẹn, bạn đừng quên lưu lại ngay một số kinh nghiệm dưới đây:

• Choose modest clothing when visiting the temple area. Opt for outfits in subtle colors or with floral patterns to match the temple's serene atmosphere. This will make for some lovely photos during your visit!

Shanghai is not only famous for its towering skyscrapers and bustling modern streets but also for the City God Temple, which offers a charming glimpse into the ancient beauty of Chinese culture. If you're visiting Shanghai, don't miss out on this unique experience!

Image source: Internet