Donglin Temple, a renowned temple located in Zhujing Town, Jinshan District, Shanghai, was originally named Guanyin Hall and was established in the Yuan Dynasty during the Zhida Yuan Year (1308 AD). Unlike other simple ancient temples, Donglin Temple showcases a grand and imposing presence. Visitors can admire one of the world’s Guinness Records for the ‘Tallest Bronze Door’ known as the Thousand Buddhas Gate, the tallest indoor Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara statue, and the well-known outdoor Five Hundred Arhats Mountain, offering a unique Buddhist atmosphere. Over seven centuries, Donglin Temple has always been a place of thriving incense, although it has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt due to wars and fires. Before a recent reconstruction, only a single hall remained standing, yet the incense continued. In recent years, after a comprehensive expansion and renovation, the new Donglin Temple was unveiled in 2007. The event was marked by a grand opening ceremony led by the then President of the Chinese Buddhist Association, Master Yicheng, and other eminent Buddhist monks, who prayed for the people, and the temple has since continued to attract a steady stream of worshippers. The architectural style of the current Donglin Temple is distinctive, with the main temple buildings constructed around a large artificial mountain structure, creating a harmonious blend of mountain and temple. The temple complex includes attractions such as the Round Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Avalokitesvara Pavilion, the Sudhana Pavilion, the Buddha Head Statue, the Thousand Buddhas Gate, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Golden Vow Bridge, the Five Buddhas Crown, and the Golden Lotus Pond (Jingtailan Sudhana Boy). To enter Donglin Temple, one must first pass through the Three Gates, which combine the concepts of Pure Land Buddhism and are one of the most solemn and unique in Chinese Buddhist temples. After passing through the gates, visitors can see the Golden Lotus Pond, with the central statue of the Jingtailan Buddha known as ‘Sudhana Boy’, which is considered a unique feature of Donglin Temple. The temple also features a diverse array of Five Hundred Arhats and the Chinese Buddhist ‘Thousand Buddhas Gate’, which are distinctive characteristics of Donglin Temple. The temple enshrines the ‘Spiritual Rain Avalokitesvara’, which, along with the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou and the Lingshan Buddha in Wuxi, is known as one of the ‘Three Spirits’ of Chinese Buddhism. The Round Treasure Hall houses a ‘Hall within a Hall’ made of brass, which enshrines a statue of the ‘Spiritual Rain Avalokitesvara’ from the Yuan Dynasty, carved from a single piece of 1.8 tons of Xinjiang Hetian jade, a solemn and majestic statue that is considered the treasure of the temple. Opening hours: 01/01-12/31 from 08:00 to 16:30. Preferential policies: Children under 1.3 meters (inclusive) or under 6 years old (inclusive) are admitted free of charge; children aged between 6 and 18 years old receive a discount. Elderly people aged 70 and above are admitted free of charge; those aged between 60 and 70 receive a discount. Disabled people with valid identification are admitted free of charge. Active duty military personnel, martyrs’ families, and families of soldiers who died in service are admitted free of charge. Active duty and retired firefighters (including government professional firefighters) and firefighting academy students with valid identification are admitted free of charge. Families of active duty military personnel with valid identification receive a discount. Veterans with valid identification receive a discount. Students with full-time undergraduate or lower qualifications receive a discount. Additional information: The Avalokitesvara Pavilion and the Five Buddhas Crown require additional fees. Service facilities include a parking lot: [Donglin Temple] reference price: free; address: 150 Donglin Street; capacity: 150 spaces. WIFI: account: ishanghai; password: verification login; coverage: full coverage. Restrooms are located in the corridors throughout the scenic area. Dining: There is a vegetarian restaurant within the scenic area.
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