Around Jingan Temple

A quiet Buddhist temple sitting in the middle of a flourishing downtown shop-ping district, the name Jingan Si was once referred only to the Jingan Si Temple. Over the course of time its meaning gradually expanded to encompass the area around the temple and the western end of Nanjing Xilu. Pulling in large crowds with its prolific wisps of scented smoke, just about all Shanghai Buddhists come to Jingan Si Temple to bum incense. Aside from the temple, the Jingan Si area is also home to the Children's Palace. Constructed completely out of marble, the Children's Palace was originally the residence of the renowned Sir Elly Kadoorie.

Top Attractions

Jingan Park

Jingan Park is a free park across from the Jingan Si Temple. Though not large in size, it is rich in vegetation with numerous large trees. The 32 sycamore trees (French plane trees) lining the path from the main entrance stand out as some of the tallest and most imposing trees of the park. It can be said without a doubt that this is definitely a great park for the public.

Transportation

Jingan Si is located at Nanjing Lu and is easy to reach by subway or bus. Take subway line number two or number seven (currently under construction) directly to the Jingan Si station. Bus lines 15, 20, 21, 01, 37, 40, 48, 45, 62, 71, 76, 94, 93, 127,202, 506, and 824 all stop at the Jingan Si bus stop.

Travel Plan

Without a doubt, both the Jingan Si Temple and the Children's Palace can be seen in under half a day. But, if you like shopping, you may want to consider lingering around and checking out some of the markets and shopping malls nearby. You could easily spend a full day here checking out different stores. For those who like dancing, there is an old dancing hall in the area called the Shanghai Paramount Hall. Come in the evening and experience the atmosphere of early 20th century Shanghai.

Food and Drink

Jingan Si Temple Vegetarian Restaurant

A great stop for vegetarians, the restaurant serves both assorted vegetable noodles and mushroom noodles. Vegetarian snacks are served as well, and during the Mid-Autumn Festival you can find vegetarian moon cakes. Please note that the restaurant requires you pay before lining up to collect your noodles.

Fumao Crayfish

Located at 153 Yu Yuan Lu near the Jingan Si Temple, this restaurant serves authentic Shanghai crayfish served in dizzying variety of ways. Flavors include, curry, New Year's cake, and brazed yellow crayfish. We recommend trying the crayfish New Year's cake, assorted small crayfish, assorted large crayfish, and dry-fried crayfish.

Manji Sweets Shop

You will find some interesting sweets at the Manji Sweets Shop. Their selections are fresh and definitely worth a try. We recommend the Mango Banji (T^TM&EM), the Yangzhi Sweet Dew ($5t£tfM), sesame paste bean curd jelly, and the snow white and black tapioca pearls. Manji is located in the Jiubai Shiji Food Market at 72 Wanhangdu Lu.

Bali Laguna

This Indonesian restaurant is located next to the lake inside Jingan Park. Expect high prices.