Shanghai Confucian Temple

Most visitors (and even many expats) in Shanghai have likely never heard of this temple. It's one of my favorite locations not only for its beauty but also the tranquility that is in stark contrast to the rest of Shanghai. I've never seen more than a few other people here and I almost didn't share it with you for that reason. But I'm feeling generous today.

The Shanghai Confucian Temple, known as Wen Miao, is an ancient architectural complex dedicated to the worship of Confucius and the study of his texts. It was originally established in 1294 during the Yuan Dynasty.

The Temple was moved to different locations four times before it was reconstructed on its current site in 1855. The temple suffered damage during the Taiping Rebellion and further damage was intentionally inflicted by soldiers during the Cultural Revolution. The present buildings were reconstructed or restored in 1999 to celebrate the 2,550th birthday of Confucius.

The Temple complex consists of three parallel paths running south to north. The first path is for public worship and sacrifice; the center path is for scholars and studying; the third path is dominated by nature. 

You can read more about the temple on their website but the point to note is that this temple was not only a place of worship but a school. During ancient times, Wen Miao was the highest learning institution in Shanghai.

Visitors can leave wishes to Confucius during their visit, often asking for guidance or advice. My friend K wrote a note for her family while we toured.

Prior to exams, many students will visit the temple to ask Confucius for help in completing their examinations.

Today, the Temple is no longer dedicated to the study and research of Confucianism. Instead it is gaining fame as a secondhand book market. Every Sunday, thousands of local collectors swarm to the Shanghai Confucian Temple to bargain and buy, exchange or trade rare editions and old books.

To visit the Confucian temple, head to 215 Wenmiao Road near Zhonghua Road. Admission is 10 rmb per person.

White Cloud Temple

Situated on the former location of Shanghai's western city gate, the White Cloud Temple or Bái Yún Gùan is a Taoist Temple located in Shanghai's Old City.

To be honest, there isn't a whole lot of information available about the temple and only a handful of signs here are in English. The modest entrance fee of 10 rmb (~$1.63 USD) allows you to enter the temple and compare it to the many Buddhist temples located around Shanghai.

The temple is made up of a number of rooms such as the Palace for the King of Medicine, the Founder’s Palace, and the Palace for the God of Fortune as well as offices and residential units for the monks. Once inside, you'll encounter incense burning worshippers, practicing monks, and a hall full of gilded deities.

From my limited understanding, deities are assigned by birth year and you'll have fun trying to figure out which is yours. Mine inexplicably has feet coming out of his eyes.

To visit White Cloud Temple, head to 239 Dajing Road, near the Old City Wall off Renmin Lu.

Old City Wall

Thoughts of Shanghai often conjure up images of skyscrapers and rapidly changing modern landscapes. And while this is true, there are still pockets of Shanghai which reflect its storied past.

The Old City refers to the once ancient walled city area of Shanghai. During the era of foreign concessions, the Old City remained exclusively Chinese, and foreigners seldom ventured here.

The wall surrounding the Old City was constructed during the Ming Dynasty in 1553 to defend Shanghai against Japanese pirates. Following the course of today's Renmin Lu and Zhonghua Lu, the wall was 9 miles (14.5 km) long and 27 feet (8.1 m) high.

The majority of the wall was dismantled in 1912. All that remains today is 50 meter section of wall at the intersection of Dajing Lu and Renmin Lu. I'd recommend handing over the 5 rmb (about .81 US cents) and walking on this small restored section of Shanghai's history. The view of surrounding buildings reminds you how far this city has come.