One of the most interesting cities for tourists is famous for its magnificent skyscrapers, colorful shopping centers, fantastically beautiful temples and ancient historical buildings. In contact with European culture, the metropolis resembles a real city of the future, which never forgets about its past.
The main attraction of Shanghai
If we talk about the most visited attractions in Shanghai, then we can not fail to mention the Temple of the Jade Buddha, founded in 1882. The huge complex is a place of pilgrimage for all believers.
Its history began after a Chinese monk who found himself in Burma received several Buddha statues as a gift. But to his homeland, he was able to deliver only two, carved from white jade of excellent quality. The temple, built on funds from the voluntary donations of local residents, has become a place to store amazing sculptures and worship them.
Unfortunately, in 1911, the magnificent Jade Buddha Temple (Shanghai) was destroyed during an armed uprising in the city, and the new religious complex was rebuilt in another place for almost ten years.
The current temple in which the institute is located
The religious building, made in the classical style of cult architecture, is an oasis of silence and peace. Visible from afar by the bright yellow walls, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its extraordinary architecture with upside down visors on the walls. The facade is decorated with sculptures of Chinese deities and mythical animals.
Thirty-three years ago, the building housed the Institute of Buddhism, in which, for those who wish, lectures are given that tell about the basic tenets, and mass meditation takes place.
Place of pilgrimage
Tourist Mecca in size does not exceed all other temples, but differs in internal grandeur. All unique halls that hold religious shrines are open for visitors.
In China, the existing Buddhist complexes are divided into several types: in one of them they preach, in the other they keep the commandments, in the third they engage in contemplation. The Jade Buddha Temple is of the latter type. Colorful and monumental, it daily receives tourists, except for the Chinese New Year holiday , which gathers only worshiping believers in its walls.
Buddha statue in nirvana
Masterfully executed two multi-ton jade Buddha statues, stored in the temple and giving it a name, cause keen interest of all tourists. Two-meter statues inlaid with gold and precious stones.
The sculpture of a meditating Buddha with closed eyes, located in nirvana, is the main decoration of the temple, for the sake of which travelers come from all over the globe. A two-meter image of a person who has reached enlightenment, made of polished milk jade, causes real delight.
Reclining Buddha sculpture
A reclining Buddha statue of much smaller size is located in a separate building. In a quiet room, inquisitive tourists examine four paintings that tell about the life of the founder of world religion, from the moment he left his family and wandered around the earth for seven years, and ending with the creator of original philosophy immersed in nirvana forever.
The two main jade values are considered the largest among these. Tourists are forbidden to photograph unique relics, but they are invited to tie a red ribbon on a tree located in the courtyard of a picturesque garden, so that the Buddha hears a secret desire coming from the soul and fulfills it.
Numerous shrines
Yufosa Jade Buddha Temple (the second name of the sanctuary) is famous for other sculptures of Siddhartha Gautama. The main hall, where tourists enter at the very beginning of the visit, is famous for four revered gilded statues, which according to legend take care of the cardinal points.
The sculptures of eighteen enlightened people who have reached nirvana, whom the Chinese call arhats, amaze and make you stop to think about the meaning of life. Of great interest is the image of Guanin, the female embodiment of the compassion of the Buddha, and the brilliant statues of heavenly kings and teachers delight in their particular greatness. The mysterious hall, called the chamber of the four heavenly kings, holds a unique sculpture of the Buddha of the future.
Special atmosphere
It is very difficult for a European visitor to understand the variety of characters of the main Chinese religion. The Jade Buddha Temple, the photo of the interior of which conveys a special atmosphere, will give peace of mind, freeing you from painful thoughts. This special place has a beneficial effect on each person, making you think about the fate of the great teacher of all mankind.
As the Chinese warn, do not confuse the deities with the Buddha. This is the main error of foreigners who are not familiar with religion. All the characters represented are images of people who have reached nirvana and help all beings on earth to get rid of suffering. Buddhists treat them with great reverence and ask for help in various endeavors.
Shanghai Jade Temple: how to get there?
The fact is that there is no Chinese metro station near the temple. And from the nearest Changshou Road you will have to walk more than 800 meters, armed with a map, because the path is not long.
On Changde Street, you need to go in the direction from the first intersection, and turn left at the second turn. If you do not turn anywhere, then the Jade Buddha Temple will meet in about 15 minutes. Its saffron walls cannot be confused with anything.
For those who are poorly oriented in a foreign city on the map, it is recommended to take a taxi. From the subway station, the trip takes no more than five kilometers, and now the enthusiastic tourists are greeted by the original Temple of the Jade Buddha (Shanghai). The address of the religious building is Putuo District, Anyuan Road, 170.
The special mood from visiting the temple
Remember that there are not so many Buddhist temples in Shanghai, and to see all the sights, you will have to come to the opening itself - 8 in the morning, when there are not so many people. An amazing place will leave a mark in the soul of even the most non-religious person.
The unusual architecture, the beauty of the interior, unique jade sculptures will give a special mood, thanks to which a trip to Shanghai will be remembered forever.