Shanghai’s Shou’an Temple: A Thousand-Year Zen Retreat on Chongming Island
Northeast of Shanghai lies Chongming Island, the world’s largest alluvial island and China’s third-largest. Known for its lush greenery, fresh air, and scenic wetlands, the island is a perfect escape from the city. Nestled here is Shou’an Temple, a historic Buddhist monastery over a thousand years old and a must-visit destination for culture and nature lovers.
A Thousand Years of History
Shou’an Temple was originally built during the Song Dynasty’s Chunyou era as Fu’an Yuan. It suffered severe damage during the Yuan Dynasty, but was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu era and renamed Shou’an Temple. Over centuries, it has been repaired and expanded multiple times, becoming a key symbol of Buddhist culture on Chongming Island.
Ancient Architecture Meets Buddhist Art
Traditional Architecture
The temple blends Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles. Entering the Mountain Gate, visitors see the grand xiēshāndǐng (half-hipped-and-gabled) roof with intricate dǒugǒng brackets. Stone lions guard the entrance, welcoming all who come.
At the heart of the temple is the Mahavira Hall (Dàxíong Bǎodiàn), with its double-eave roof and golden glazed tiles. Inside, three large statues—Sakyamuni, the Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha—stand solemnly, inspiring respect and awe.
Buddhist Art Treasures
Shou’an Temple preserves exquisite murals, statues, scriptures, and ritual instruments. The murals are vividly colored and tell stories of Buddhism and Chinese mythology, making each visit a journey through history and culture.
Faith and Daily Life
Visitors and devotees come daily to pray and burn incense. Traditional beliefs link devotion with blessings:
- Couples pray to Guanyin Bodhisattva in Guanyin Hall for children.
- Professionals visit the God of Wealth Hall for career success and prosperity.
- Students and scholars seek wisdom from Manjusri Bodhisattva.
Immersive Zen Experiences
- Mahavira Hall: Feel the temple’s serene atmosphere, admire ancient architecture, and listen to chants that echo centuries of Buddhist practice.
- Guanyin Hall: Home to the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, it offers a quiet space for prayer and reflection.
- Sutra Library (Cáng Jīng Lóu): Explore ancient scriptures and Buddhist texts, witnessing the depth of traditional wisdom.
Signature Experiences
- Morning Bell and Evening Drum: Join monks for these rituals. The bell awakens the day, and the drum marks its close, leaving visitors with a sense of peace.
- Zen Tea (Chán Chá Yī Wèi): Taste fragrant tea in the temple tearoom. Enjoy quiet moments, share conversations, and embrace the philosophy of “Zen and Tea are one.”
Souvenirs to Remember
- Buddhist Texts: Such as the Diamond Sutra or Heart Sutra, ideal for culture enthusiasts.
- Prayer Beads (fó zhū): Symbolizing safety, luck, and happiness.
- Themed Items: Paintings, calligraphy, and scented sachets make meaningful gifts.
Visitor Information
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Daily, 07:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Transportation:
- Public Transit: Metro Line 6 → Wuzhou Avenue Station → Shenchong Line 6B bus → Chongming Baozhen Bus Station → Chongming Rural Line 6 → Shou’an Temple
- Self-Driving: Search “Shanghai Shou’an Temple” for parking details
- Tips: Be quiet, respect Buddhist customs, remove hats indoors, and avoid direct front-facing photos of Buddha statues.
Nearby Attractions on Chongming Island
- Dongtan Wetland Park: Witness migratory birds and enjoy nature.
- Xisha Wetland: Stroll along wooden boardwalks and take in unique wetland scenery.
Conclusion
Shou’an Temple offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, art, and spirituality. Visiting this ancient Zen monastery on Chongming Island provides an unforgettable journey of cultural exploration and natural beauty. And if you’re planning more places to see in the city, check out my page on Shanghai Tourist Attractions for more ideas.
