Zhenru Temple is located in Zhenru Town, northwest of Shanghai’s city center. It is an ancient temple originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, with white walls and black tiles that exude an atmosphere of antiquity. The temple has been a thriving place of worship for centuries. Compared to other famous temples in Shanghai, such as Longhua Temple, Zhenru Temple offers a more tranquil environment and a stronger sense of Buddhist solemnity. For those who prefer peace and quiet, it is an ideal place to seek blessings amidst the hustle and bustle while still retaining an ancient charm.
The temple is not large, but its layout is orderly. The most prominent structure is a tall,仿宋元式 nine-story square pagoda that stands over fifty meters high. Other notable buildings include a memorial archway, mountain gate, incense burners and ponds, bell and drum towers, Buddha halls, bodhisattva halls, meditation halls, scripture rooms, and living quarters for monks. Upon entering, one is greeted by the bell and drum towers, followed by the Buddha hall and a long corridor. Stepping into the main hall and touching the beams and columns, which date back to the Yuan Dynasty, feels like a journey back in time. The temple’s environment is serene, with flowers and plants arranged like a small garden. There is a release pond with koi fish, where visitors can buy fish food to feed them. Even sitting and resting in the corridor nearby is a pleasant experience. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the temple, and inside, one can find statues of Buddha, as well as many exquisite wood carvings to admire. Having withstood the test of time, the Zhenru Temple seen today has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. However, according to archaeological research, the main hall is indeed a Yuan Dynasty structure, including the existing beams, columns, brackets, and most components, which are all original from that era. It is one of the few Yuan Dynasty buildings preserved in Chinese Buddhist temples. The temple is open all year round from 08:00 to 16:00.
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