Shanghai City God Temple Tourist Area

The City God Temple of Shanghai is a Taoist temple located at No. 249 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, originally known as Jinshan Temple, dedicated to the Han dynasty general and Marquis of Bolu, Huo Guang, hence also known as Huo Guang Xingci. The temple was first built during the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty (1403-1424), and by the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, the temple complex gradually expanded, with continuous additions to its buildings. Since the Daoguang era, the City God Temple has been repeatedly damaged by wars. In the 22nd year of Daoguang (1842), British troops captured Wusong, and used the City God Temple as their base, resulting in the destruction of the halls; subsequently, due to war damage, there are records of renovations in the 4th year of Tongzhi (1865), the 7th year (1868), and the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922); after the establishment of the People's Republic of China, all halls except the main hall of the City God Temple were closed, preserving the statues, but in April 1966, some statues in the Shanghai City God Temple were destroyed during the 'Cultural Revolution'; after 1994, the Shanghai City God Temple Restoration Committee was established, and the temple has been gradually restored and opened to the public. The architectural style of the City God Temple's halls belongs to the southern grand style, but still retains the layout of the Ming dynasty. Overall, the City God Temple has three main halls: the first hall is dedicated to Huo Guang; the second to Qin Yubo; and the third to the wife of the City God. The complex faces south and is arranged along a central axis, with structures including the main gate, the second gate, the opera tower, and the main hall. The temple's main buildings include the main hall, Yuan Chen Hall, and the Parents' Hall, among a total of twelve halls, covering an area of over 3,000 square meters. The main religious activities of the City God Temple include the 'Three Patrols Meeting' on Qingming Festival, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, and the first day of the tenth lunar month every year. Various cultural activities are also held at different times of the year, including sacrifices, incense offerings, and scripture writing.

Walk into the old city, taste the folk customs and style of Yuyuan Garden~ Every year, the lanterns of Yuyuan Garden are so amazing~ The fish and dragon dance a while ago has already amazed me~ I'm already looking forward to today's lantern festival - 'Yuyuan New Year's Tale of Mountains and Seas', I can't wait to take a dragon lantern and walk around the Nine-Turn Bridge! I have prepared a check-in guide for you 1⃣️Central Square: Flying Dragon Leaping Over the Sea A giant yellow dragon rises to the sky in the posture of 'Flying Dragon Leaping Over the Sea', embracing a blue ball lifted by the waves, symbolizing the protection of all living things. Lucky ones can even see the lighting ceremony. 2⃣️Golden Square: Mirage The mirage is hard to find, when you reach Penglai, you are a fairy. The dreamlike sea island on the Golden Square, the flowers, trees, and fish on the island seem to jump out of the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas'. 3⃣️Nine-Turn Bridge: Sea Mistakes, Starry Splendor Nine turns pass, everything goes well. There are really a lot of people checking in at the Nine-Turn Bridge today. In the 'Sea Mistakes, Starry Splendor' deep sea world, the fish and dragon princess sways gracefully, and the various fish flock around, vividly showing the hope for the coming year. Meitu and Yuyuan Lantern Festival have jointly designed the 'Qi Yu Ling Dragon Makeup', inspired by the 'Spirit Dragon' in the 2024 Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival, designing the dragon, fish eye makeup and colors, embellished with aurora twisted beads, making the eyes more divine. If you celebrate the New Year in the old city, you must check in at the Nine-Turn Bridge of Yuyuan Garden~ Yuyuan Garden really filled the Chinese New Year atmosphere this time! It made us feel the strong festival atmosphere, we bid farewell to the past under the bright lights, and look forward to the brand new future, accompanied by bursts of laughter, looking forward to everything going well in the new year.

The City God Temple tourist area includes a large area of the old City God Temple, Yu Garden, and shopping and food souvenirs. It is a must-visit attraction for many people when they come to Shanghai. 'Yu Garden' and 'Old City God Temple' are private gardens and Taoist temples from the Ming Dynasty. Tickets are required for visiting, and other areas are basically open attractionsIt's really worth recommending At night, the entire pedestrian street will become more golden and splendid. Friends who like photography must not miss it. The City God Temple is equivalent to a food street in various places, gathering 'Yiwu snacks' from all over the country. If you have enough time, you can still visit, but there are more people. Don't miss it when you come to Shanghai

❤Reason for recommendation: The Shanghai City God Temple is a tourist attraction with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is centered around two main attractions, Yu Garden and the old City God Temple, combining sightseeing, shopping, and dining. 🌟Highlights 🔹Architectural style: The buildings here were mostly built from 1911 onwards, with the buildings and eaves interlocking, and the ridges flying into the sky, embodying the strong style of ancient Chinese architecture. 🔹Special snacks: The City God Temple is full of delicious food, and the core old-brand foods are all concentrated near the Nine-Turn Bridge. If you want to try the old brands of Shanghai, you can try the Green Wave Corridor located next to the Nine-Turn Bridge, which is a state banquet-level restaurant! 🔹Commercial center: The City God Temple is a symbol of old Shanghai and also a commercial center. There are various businesses, meals and other stores, and a wide range of specialty products. In short, the Shanghai City God Temple is a good place to visit and check in. You can experience the folk customs of Shanghai, taste authentic Shanghai snacks and local dishes, and feel the history and cultural heritage of Shanghai. 📍Address: No. 249 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 🚇Subway: Line 14 Yu Garden Station (Exit 7) 592m, 9 minutes walk

This year, the lantern exhibition at Yu Garden has once again become an internet sensation without surprise, even making it onto several channels of CCTV. After the popularity of last year's mythological theme, Yu Garden has once again used the Classic of Mountains and Seas as the backdrop, taking everyone into the world of mythology. The dragon, the totem of the Chinese nation and the only mythological animal in the Chinese zodiac, has become the best carrier for the mythological lantern exhibition. The lantern exhibition at Yu Garden is also as crowded as ever. Starting from the first day of the Lunar New Year, the exhibition starts to charge an entrance fee, but the fee does not stop people's determination to walk on the Nine-Turn Bridge during the New Year. It is said that ghosts cannot take turns, so walking on the Nine-Turn Bridge can help you get rid of minor spirits.

The Bund in Shanghai is probably a must-visit spot for everyone who comes to the city for the first time! (People living in Shanghai know that what The Bund never lacks is crowds of people, yet it's still surprising to see so many people, especially during holidays) The City God Temple, we went there around 6 pm (early June), looking for a parking spot nearby. There are parking uncles who charge for parking on the roadside, and there are also makeshift parking lots, with the price generally being 10 yuan per hour. Walking to the main entrance of the City God Temple (which is currently under partial renovation), most of the lights were not on when we visited, so the temple looks quite dark in the photos, but its features are still unmistakable. You can wander around; there are many shops with unique characteristics (if you're not super into it, just browsing is fine, you know~). It's worth mentioning that you can enter Yu Garden from here, but they stop allowing entry after 4 pm, so if you want to visit Yu Garden, go earlier. For those with good stamina, you can walk all the way to The Bund. Needless to say, walking back would be quite a challenge—don't ask me how I know! For those with average stamina, it's recommended to just stroll around and then go back to drive, parking your car at The Bund parking lot P The architectural style of The Bund is very distinctive, and each building has its own unique story. The night view of The Bund is even more spectacular, with twinkling lights, it's truly dreamy~ The scenery here is really photogenic! The lighting time for the Oriental Pearl Tower in summer is from 19:00 to 22:30, and in winter from 18:30 to 22:00. You can refer to the real photos taken without lights and with lights at night. Taking photos and strolling around on a summer evening is very comfortable (except during the super crowded holidays), and you can also continue to walk and explore Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

The old flavors of Shanghai~Shanghai City God Temple⛩ 🚶‍♂️"When in Shanghai, one must visit the Bund; and when at the Bund, one cannot miss the City God Temple." ✅The streets are lined with closely packed antique-style buildings, with their carved beams and painted rafters, the vermilion gates, the ancient brick lanes shining with a bluish hue, small bridges over flowing water, willows gently caressing, bustling with pedestrians, shoulder to shoulder, as if stepping into the scene of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival'. The soft whispers of the Wu dialect singing, the classical charm of the cheongsam swaying, and the scent of rouge and powder filling the alleys will make you feel as if you have been here in a past life. ✅The snack street gathers a multitude of Shanghai's special snacks, such as Nanxiang's small steamed buns and crab roe soup buns, Lvbolang's three-shred eyebrow crisp, Songyuelou's vegetarian buns, as well as the sweet osmanthus sugar lotus roots and the street-filling aroma of deep-fried stinky tofu. Amidst the tradition, there is no lack of modern elements, such as fried squid, spicy crab, grilled skewers... and of course, there's also McDonald's Uncle and KFC Grandpa from across the ocean. ✅The inner halls of the City God Temple are majestic and exquisitely built, with an ancient charm and thriving incense. In front of the western mirrors in Yu Garden, the long-gowned shopkeeper speaks eloquently: Speaking of Sun Wukong fighting the White Bone Demon... it's the absolute old flavor of Shanghai! On the retro building of the Ten Miles Foreign Market, accompanied by the theme song of 'The Bund', a lady in an elegant cheongsam holds a fragrant fan, leaning against the vermilion railing, her every frown, smile, bow, and glance exuding intoxicating charm. On both sides of the Folk Custom Street, live performances such as sketching, paper-cutting, fabric collage, can cutting and splicing, and hollowed-out inner carving are dazzling, with the most eye-catching being the dough figurines, which look just like photographs; with a few pieces of dough, a custom-made figurine appears in just a moment. ✅The City God Temple tourist area also houses several small commodity wholesale markets and large comprehensive shopping malls, as well as many jewelry and jade stores like Lao Feng Xiang and Lao Miao Gold, with Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also within close reach. A wide array of local specialties and modern products are on display, naturally inflating your desire to consume, and your wallet will also rapidly deflate. Such a tourism and commercial planning layout fully reflects the grand strategic vision of the people of Shanghai

Our final stop in China is Shanghai, a dynamic city brimming with remarkable attractions. After being inspired by the popular TV series "Blossoms Shanghai" (蘩花), it became the top destination on our list. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River into two distinct areas: one side is home to the historic Bund, while the other features the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. On our first day in Shanghai, we found several fantastic spots offering stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower, all free of charge. Our first stop was the Duoyun Bookstore, located 239 meters above the ground on the 52nd floor of the Shanghai Tower. This bookstore is not only the highest in the city but also boasts impressive and modern architecture. The highlight of the bookstore is its café, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Huangpu River and the Bund. The bookstore's circular design allows visitors to take a complete walk around and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. We arrived early to secure a seat, as it tends to get crowded in the evening. We stayed until sunset, witnessing the sky transform into a beautiful blend of pink and purple hues and later watching the city light up, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. It was an unforgettable experience. Next, we visited the Lujiazui Circular Pedestrian Bridge, which provides an even closer view of the Oriental Pearl Tower. This elevated walkway connects several towering skyscrapers in Pudong, offering a unique perspective of the area. The views from the skywalk were stunning and allowed us to appreciate the Pearl Tower's architectural beauty from a new angle. Address: Duoyun Bookstore (Shanghai Tower) · 52/F, 501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, near Huayuan Shiqiao Lu. Pudong District Entrance fee: Free but you need to get a beverage to enter the viewing area. On the second day, we strolled along Nanjing Pedestrian Street, a bustling area filled with numerous shops and eateries. The street, stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers from the Bund to the intersection of Jing'an Temple, is a true shopping paradise. We spent the day walking, eating, and shopping, making the most of this vibrant thoroughfare. Given its length, exploring the entire street can be quite the workout, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes! Since our accommodation was near People's Park, we headed towards the Bund, where we were treated to stunning views of the Huangpu River and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. This area is rich in history, with its impressive colonial-style buildings that house the financial and legislative institutions. Address: Shanghai, Huangpu On the third day, we visited Yu Garden and the Town God Temple (城隍庙). The garden is incredibly scenic, featuring beautifully preserved ancient architecture that makes for perfect photo opportunities. The surrounding ancient street is filled with stalls selling food and souvenirs, providing another excellent shopping experience. Address: NO.1, Yichen Road, Huangpu District Our day in Shanghai was filled with breathtaking sights and memorable experiences. From the heights of the Duoyun Bookstore to the vantage point of the Lujiazui Pedestrian Bridge, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the city's dynamic skyline and vibrant atmosphere.

🏯Yu Garden🌸 Yu Garden This is one of the oldest and most famous gardens in Shanghai. Here, you can appreciate the traditional Jiangnan garden style, admire the exquisite garden landscape, rockeries and antique buildings. Walking on the stone paths of Yu Garden, you can feel the blend of old and modern. 🏯Shanghai City God Temple🏮 City God Temple Tourist Area This is an ancient temple with a strong cultural atmosphere, and it is also one of the historical and cultural symbols of Shanghai. In the City God Temple, you can feel the traditional religious atmosphere, visit the temple and the statues of gods, and also taste many authentic snacks and special products. 🛍Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street🚶‍♀️ Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street As one of the busiest shopping streets in China, Nanjing Road is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. It gathers major domestic and foreign brand stores and boutiques, where you can enjoy shopping and taste fashion. 🌃The Bund🌉 The Bund The Bund is one of the landmarks of Shanghai and one of the most famous tourist areas. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of both sides of the Huangpu River, overlook the skyscrapers and modern buildings on the opposite side, and also experience the history and culture of Shanghai. 🏮1192 Alley Shanghai Style Street🍜 1192 Alley Old Shanghai Style Street This is a retro and nostalgic block, preserving the old Shanghai style. You can stroll here, appreciate the architectural style of old Shanghai, experience the life atmosphere of old Shanghai, and feel the passage of time. 🏛Wukang Road Historical and Cultural Street🔮 Wukang Road This is a historical and cultural street famous for its European architectural style. Here, you can appreciate many well-preserved historical buildings and feel the Western style of Shanghai.

I prefer scenic spots with historical culture, and I like the night view of Shanghai even more. Among them, I think the night view of the City God Temple is more attractive and flavorful than the daytime, whether for taking photos or for tourism, it's very good to come at night. There are many special snacks inside, which are antique and it's nice to come with family or parents. It also has a unique flavor to play by oneself. The subway is very convenient, it is also a good choice to go to the pedestrian street and the Bund nearby before going there.

The Yuyuan Lantern Festival hasn't officially started yet, but it's already trending... The set of decorations on the main street that look like 'Big Fish Begonia' are really beautiful‼️Chinese people don't cheat Chinese people‼️ I suggest you go and experience it while the lantern festival hasn't started yet, and there aren't too many people yet! Oh yes, the lights on the Nine-Turn Bridge have also been almost set up, see the last two pictures haha! As a must-visit spot in Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden, this traditional flavor is still preserved, who says Shanghainese don't go to Yuyuan Garden? Every major holiday, Yuyuan Garden is actually very well done‼️ Others don't know, anyway, I have already started looking forward to it‼️ ⛰【Scenic Spot Guide】 📍Detailed address: 168 Fuyou Road 🚗Traffic strategy: Metro Line 10, Line 14 Yuyuan Station 🕙Opening hours: 9:00～16:00 (You can continue to enter the square open area) 💰Ticket price: Free 📌Small Tips: The flow of people is huge during the lantern festival, it is recommended to travel off-peak

This year's lantern festival includes four major gateways and five major scenes. With a series of dazzling and colorful lantern groups, it creates the image of the deep sea and river map, presenting a wonderland where the zodiac dragon and marine animals and plants are intertwined. The most popular place in the entire Yuyuan Garden is Ninghui Road, where colorful schools of fish gather into the form of a swimming dragon, vividly displaying the prosperous scene depicted in 'Qingyu Case·Yuanxi' where 'fish and dragons dance all night'. From February 10th (the first day of the year) to February 25th (the sixteenth day of the year), tickets are required for entry at different times.