Temple of the Town God (Chenghuang Miao), Shanghai
Devotees light incense bundles for offering to the gods. Photo
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Statue of General Huo Guang in the front hall. Photo
dm1795.
Prayer before the General. Photo
dm1795.
Beautiful vista in the Yu Yuan Garden. Photo
Wolfgang Staudt.
Location map and aerial view of Temple of the Town God (Chenghuang Miao). For a larger interactive view, see our Shanghai Map.
A popular stop for local residents, the Temple of the Town God (Chenghuang miao) in Shanghai is filled with statues of local gods and spirits that bring good fortune.
History
When this temple was first built in 1403 under Ming Emperor Yongle (1403-25), it was dedicated to the legendary Han general Huo Guang as well as the guardian city god, Qin Yubo. Qin Yubo was a righteous scholar who refused to get involved in court politics (then rife with corruption) despite much pleading from the emperor. Deified upon his death in 1377, Qin Yubo now watches over and protects the city of Shanghai.
The temple had become more of a marketplace by the time of the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), when it was mostly destroyed. Both the temple and surrounding market were thoroughly restored in the early 1990s.
What to See
The present version of the Chenghuang miao has been much restored since its 15th-century origins, but still retains its historic and authentic feel. There is still a statue of General Huo Guang in the front hall and Qin Yubo in the back hall, with many other deities represented as well.
Many Shanghai residents frequent the temple to offer incense before their favorite local god, hoping for good fortune in return. The temple is staffed by what the Blue Guide China calls "bad-tempered monks [who] are clearly more interested in collecting money from local people willing to pay to have the gods solve their problems than entertain foreign visitors."
The Temple of the Town God is surrounded by the reconstructed shops and restaurants of the "traditional" market, as well as the beautiful Yu Yuan (Garden of Content), created in the 16th century.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Temple of the Town God (Chenghuang Miao) |
| Dedicated to: | Town God |
| Location: | Shanghai, China |
| Category: | Temples |
| Faith: | Taoism |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1403 (restored) |
| Architecture: | Ming |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 31.221484° N, 121.483721° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Fangbang Zhong Lu 249, Huangpu, Shanghai, China |
| Phone: | 021/6386-5700 |
| Hours: | Daily 8:30am-4:30pm |
| Cost: | ¥10 |
| Public transport: | Metro: Nanjing Dong Lu (1 mile away) |
Travel Resources for Shanghai
- Shanghai Map - our detailed interactive map of Shanghai, plus hand-picked links to more
- Shanghai Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Shanghai
- Shanghai Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Shanghai Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Shanghai Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Shanghai tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Frances Wood, Blue Guide China, 2nd ed. (New York: WW Norton, 2001), 268.
- City God Temple - Asian Historical Architecture
- Chenghuang Miao (Temple of the Town God) - Frommer's Shanghai
Article last updated: 08/02/2009.
