Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si), Shanghai
Red lanterns at the Jade Buddha Temple. Photo
Green Grass.
Incense in the main courtyard. Photo
le niners.
Smaller courtyard from above. Photo
le niners.
Prayer before the Reclining Buddha. Photo
le niners.
Circle door. Photo
Green Grass.
Another circle door. Photo
Alexandra Moss.
Spectacular ceiling and multiple Buddhas. Photo
le niners.
Prayer wheels. Photo
Alexandra Moss.
Founded in 1882, the Jade Buddha Temple (Yu Fo Si) in Shanghai is a popular tourist destination for its two magnificent white jade Burmese Buddha statues.
History
The Yu Fo Si temple was founded in 1882 to house two white jade Buddhas brought from Burma the year before by a monk of Putuo Shan. Destroyed and then abandoned after the 1911, the temple buildings were reconstructed on the same site in 1918-28.
Now a monastery of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, the Jade Buddha Temple serves foreign tourists and local devotees in equal measures.
What to See
The Jade Buddha Temple is not famed for its architecture, which is very new and built in a standard Song Dynasty style, but the two Buddhas housed within. Both are made of white jade in Burma and depict Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha).
The most impressive of the two is the seated Buddha, 2 meters (6 feet 5 inches) tall, weighing 205 kg (452 lb) and decorated with semi-precious stones. The other statue is a serene and beautiful Reclining Buddha about 1 meter (3 feet 4 inches) long.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si); Yu Fo Si |
| Location: | Shanghai, China |
| Categories: | Buddhist Temples; Buddhist Monasteries |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Chinese |
| Order: | Chan (Zen) |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1882; rebuilt 1918-28 |
| Architecture: | Song |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 31.24338° N, 121.440167° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Anyuan Lu 170, Putuo, Shanghai, China |
| Phone: | 021/6266-3668 |
| Hours: | Daily 8am-4:30pm |
| Cost: | ¥20 |
| Public transport: | No Metro |
Travel Resources
- Shanghai Map - our detailed interactive map of Shanghai, plus hand-picked links to more
- Shanghai Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Shanghai
- Shanghai Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Shanghai Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Shanghai Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Shanghai tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Shanghai Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Frances Wood, Blue Guide China, 2nd ed. (New York: WW Norton, 2001), 278-79.
- Yu Fo Si (Jade Buddha Temple) - Frommer's Shanghai
Article last updated: 08/02/2009.
