Located at the west of Nanjing Road, Jian Temple of Shanghai is one of the most famous temples of Shanghai. It is at the downtown flourishing area of Shanghai. In the year 1983, it was put on key national protection list.
This temple has more than 780 years of history. It was built in the period of Three Kingdoms and named as the Hudu Chongyan Temple. It was moved to its present location by the Southern Song Dynasty form the bank of the river Wusong. It has been crowded places untill the year 1908.d it was first built as the Jing’an Temple and later it was renamed to Jian’ng Temple in the year 1945. It was unfortunately burnt down in the year 1972 but soon reconstructed. In 1990, this temple was opened for the public.
Jing’an Temple
There were total eight scenes in the former temple of Jing’an which was very much popular. Most of these have become extinct but the Young Quan or the Estavel in front of the temple was excavated in the year 2009. It is called boil well by the people as the spring water gushed all time. It is also considered as the sixth spring under the Heaven. This spring after its reconstruction has been relocated at the Huashan Road’s crossing and The West Nanjing Road has regained its charm.
There are about three main halls known as The Mahavira Hall, The Three Sage Hall and the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. The Hall of Mavavira has the biggest pure Jade portrait of Sakyamuni in the Mainland China. The height of the Jade Buddha is about 12 feets, width of about 9 feets and weighs more than eleven thousand kilograms. Due to its huge size the wall was torn and moves down to the hall. Having the tranquil facial expression the statue radiates auspiciousness and venerability.
You can escape from the bustle and hustle of the crowds in Jing’an Temple. You can also enjoy the marvelous calligraphy and painting by the yangzhou’s Eight Eccentric painter which is in the exhibition hall of the Buddhist Relics. You will also be fascinated by the bronze bell which is displayed in this temple made by the Ming Dynasty.
You can enjoy Temple Fair which is held once in a year. The festival of Birthday of Buddha is also helped here and you can find several handcraft goods, sideline and agricultural products. It is nearby the airport and bus facility is easily available to airport.