Shanghai Royal Yangdian Taoist Temple

Not only the oldest but the largest in Shanghai, the Royal Yangdian Taoist Temple was originally built during the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century), and has since been refurbished, restored and rebuilt on several occasions, the last time in 2007. During the Qing period Emperor Qianlong renamed it Qinci Yangdian, and it is often known by that name now. The Temple provides a peaceful haven amidst the hustle and bustled of the Pudong District, and a nice reminder of traditional Chinese buildings amongst the ultramodern architecture that surrounds it.

There are a number of Halls, honouring Taoist deities. The Hall of the Three Clear Ones houses three massive statues, in another you’ll find a golden array of Taoist generals, as well as a Hall for storing the scriptures, and of course many spots to burn joss sticks and make special requests to the dongyue (daoist) gods.

• Location: No.476 Yuanshen road Pudong
• Transportation: take bus 736, 746, 772, 773, 778, 785, 791
• Admission Fee: RMB 5
• Summary: This is the site of the oldest Taoist Temple in Shanghai, although it has been rebuilt a number of time, and the traditional building is in remarkable contrast to the surrounding Pudong buildings.
• Best time to visit: The temple is very crowded with pilgrims on the first and 15th days of the lunar calendar, particularly March, April, July and September; also during special Tao (Dao) festivals.
• Recommendation Index: ☆☆