Discover Jiading Confucius Temple: A Hidden Gem in Shanghai
地理位置 & 交通方式
Jiading Confucius Temple, nestled in the heart of Jiading’s old town, sits just south of the iconic Fahua Tower. To get there, take Metro Line 11 to Jiading North Station, then hop on a taxi or a short bus ride—it’s easy to reach even if you’re not a local. The temple’s address, 185 South Dajie Street, Jiading District, feels like stepping back in time, away from Shanghai’s skyscrapers.
自然景观: Ancient Trees & Stone Lions
The temple’s grounds are a mix of history and nature. Right at the entrance, you’ll spot 72 stone lions perched on fence posts, each carved with quirky expressions—no two are the same! Inside, ancient Chinese juniper trees line the paths, planted over 600 years ago. These trees have watched generations come and go, adding a quiet, timeless vibe to the space.
人文景观: Imperial Charm & Artifacts
This isn’t just any temple—it’s one of China’s most intact Confucian temples. The Lingxing Gate (the grand entrance) leads to three wooden archways: Yanggao, Yucai, and Xingxian, which roughly mean “Admiring Heights,” “Nurturing Talent,” and “Promoting Virtue.” Inside, the Dalu Hall (main hall) is a stunner. Built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt during the Yuan, it’s one of the largest Confucian halls in China. Peek inside to see ancient ritual tools and statues of Confucius.
The real gem? The imperial exam artifacts exhibit. Old scrolls, ink stones, and even tiny wooden lockers (used to hold exam answers) tell stories of China’s tough but fair exam system. For art lovers, don’t miss the stone tablet corridor near Danghu Academy. Here, famous calligraphers like Huang Tingjian and Wen Zhengming left their brushstrokes on stone—think ancient Instagram posts!
配套设施: Museum & More
Today, Jiading Confucius Temple doubles as the Jiading Museum. Admission is cheap (around ¥20) and includes English audio guides. There’s a small gift shop with cute souvenirs, and a café where you can sip tea under centuries-old eaves. Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
游览体验: A Walk Through Time
Wandering here feels like exploring a living museum. Start at the stone lions, snap a pic with the towering Lingxing Gate, then lose yourself in the hall’s shadowy wood beams. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a calligraphy demo by local artists. The whole tour takes about 1–2 hours, but take longer to sit by the ancient trees and listen to birdsong. It’s a peaceful escape from Shanghai’s hustle.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with nearby Qzhou Old Street for snacks or a boat ride on Ringyi River. Jiading Confucius Temple might be small, but its blend of nature, art, and history makes it one of Shanghai’s coolest day trips.