Location & How to Get There

Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple sits in Jiangqiao Town, Jiading District, just a 40-minute metro ride from downtown Shanghai. The address is 200 Jinshajiang West Road—easy to find if you navigate toward the old industrial area. Take Metro Line 13 to Jiangqiao Station, then walk 10 minutes, or hop in a taxi for quick access. If driving, park right at the temple’s lot (free!), and note that it’s near the Hongqiao Hub, making it a smart stop between city tours and airport trips.

Industrial Charm Meets Tranquility

This temple isn’t your typical golden-roofed Buddhist site. Originally a 1950s elevator factory, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple keeps its industrial soul alive. Walk inside, and you’ll spot black roofs, white walls, and gray concrete pillars—like a modern take on vintage Jiangnan houses. No fancy arches or glittering decorations here! Instead, the design leans into simplicity: straight lines, muted colors, and even leftover factory elements like steel beams and ventilation pipes turned into art. It’s like stepping into a “zen industrial museum,” where old meets new in the most peaceful way.

Natural Highlights in Urban Serenity

Don’t expect mountains or rivers, but the temple’s courtyards are hidden gems. Lush greenery fills every corner, with bamboo groves, bonsai trees, and seasonal blooms (cherry blossoms in spring, golden ginkgos in fall). The best spot? A quiet pond surrounded by gray stone paths—perfect for sitting with your thoughts. Even the soundscape is chill: birds chirping, wind rustling leaves, and the soft hum of nearby traffic fading into background white noise.

Practical Visit Tips

  • Open daily, usually till 5 PM. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
  • Bring cash if you want to try the vegetarian meals at the temple cafeteria—they’re simple but tasty.
  • Souvenir shops sell cute Buddha-themed gadgets, but skip the crowd-pleasing trinkets; go for the handmade paper or eco-friendly plant pots instead.
  • Clean restrooms and free Wi-Fi in the lobby make it easy to post Instagram-worthy shots (those minimalist walls are made for photos!).

A Unique Temple Experience

At Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, it’s all about calm over chaos. No loud chanting or tourist buses—just locals praying, elders playing mahjong, and photographers snapping the striking architecture. The main hall feels like a cross between a gallery and a meditation space. My favorite moment? Sitting under the white-walled eaves, watching sunlight filter through the gridded windows—it’s like living in a black-and-white postcard. For a break from Shanghai’s frenzy, this place is pure magic.

*Pro tip: