an important Taoism temple
Among diversity of Taoist temple clusters in Shanghai, Shanghai City God Temple is famous for its time-honored history and magnificent building complex at home and abroad. Shanghai City God Temple is located in the busiest and landmark-style tourist area of Chenghuang Miao. Initially, it is an important Taoist temple firstly built during the reign of Emperor Chengzu, specifically during his dominating period (1403-1424).
Up to today, it has more than 600 years of history. Since its establishment, the scale of Shanghai City God Temple gradually expanded till the age ranging from 1821 to 1850. At its peak time, the total area is over 49.9 mu, roughly 33,000 square meters. As an important Taoist temple of Shanghai, Shanghai City God Temple suffered a serious destruction during the period of Cultural Revolution. And the god statues were ruined, and the halls were used for others. In 1994, as the gradual opening of religion freedom, Shanghai City God Temple was reopened and acted as the Taoist temple under the operation of Zhengyi Branch of Taoism. In 2005, the usufruct of wing-rooms in front of the main hall is regained, and then the second reconstruction project of Shanghai City Temple started. Today’s City God Temple covers more than 2000 square meters and consists of Huoguang Hall, Jiazi Hall, Caishen Hall, Cihang Hall, Chenghuang Hall, Niangniang Hall, Fumu Hall, Guansheng Hall and Wenchang Hall.
Eat
The small wares here are very colorful and the snacks are in various kinds with north and south flavors. Nanshan Crab Soup Bun is the most popular here, but the price of it in different shop is different. The shop that with long queue from 5 or 6 pm is the most affordable, authentic one, and the price is also not expensive. At the road towards the southeast exit, there is a lane which provides various breakfast snacks; of course, they are available in the evening. Soybean milk, fried dough sticks, spicy soup and so on. In a word, you can enjoy whatever you want—special snacks from Shanghai or other places, what’s more, they are not expensive at all.
Shopping
The temple also provides different kinds of shops and stalls, and generally they sell some artworks. Since there are many foreign tourists, so some unique Chinese goods are welcomed, such as: cheongsam and figurines.
Play
The best time to play is during the Temple fair and the Lantern Festival, when there will hold a variety of old Shanghai folk arts, lanterns, and some performance of folk artists.
Address： 225 Fuyou Lu, near Jiujiaochang Lu, Huangpu district
Opening hour: 8:30-16:00
Transportation: Take subway line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Garden Station. You should get out from Exit 1.
