Once upon a time in ancient times, in 1533, defensive walls were erected to protect against Japanese pirates. And although nothing remains of these walls (they were destroyed in 1912), it is within their boundaries that the district is locatedOld town (Laocheng), along which I invite you to take a walk.
Until some time in the Old City of Shanghai, poor people lived in poorly maintained low houses. But now only a few old houses remain. They have been renovated as examples of traditional architectural style. The remaining houses were demolished and modern buildings were built in their place. Some antiquities have been restored. When traveling to China, you want to feel the antiquity of this civilization. This is possible even in such a super modern city as. The Old Town is Shanghai's Chinatown, with a traditional Chinese atmosphere.
Old town. Shanghai. Map
So let's take a look
Sights of Shanghai, Old Town area
Old town located between People's Street in the north (Renmin Lu) and China Street in the south (Zhonghua Lu). These streets form a sort of rounded square, which is easy to find on the map to the south (Nanjing Dong Lu).
Yu Garden Bazaar Market
If we go from the north side, we will soon come to the intersection of Fuyou Lu and Jiaochang Lu. This is the popular tourist market Yu Garden Bazaar. You will recognize it by its buildings with curved roofs and numerous street vendors. Noisy and narrow streets are filled with various shops and stalls. Various interesting things are sold here: trinkets, antiques; Here you can buy jade chopsticks and silk pajamas, a painting and a fan, Chinese traditional medicines and syrupy pear candies. In general, we walk, stare, buy and definitely bargain!
Bridge of Nine Turns
This famous bridge is always crowded with tourists. Over this bridge you can get to tea house Huxinting standing on stilts in the middle of the lake. The building was built in 1784. It was turned into a tea house at the beginning of the 19th century. It is famous for the fact that such celebrities as Queen Elizabeth II of England, the Clintons and others have dined there. Their portraits adorn the walls.
Lower floor daily from 17.30 to 12.00, from 13.30 to 17.00, upper floor from 8.30 to 17.00 and from 20.30 to 20.00.
Yuyuan Garden. Shanghai. Map
Yuyuan Garden
In 1559-1577, the garden was laid out for his elderly parents by a high-ranking official, Pan Yongrui. While the garden was being built, Pan's father died, and Pan himself went bankrupt. I had to sell the garden. During the Opium War, the garden was destroyed, but was later restored.
Walking through it, you can imagine how high-ranking Chinese officials lived in ancient times.
The garden has many halls, chambers and pavilions, ponds and bridges; it contains dozens of picturesque views. For Hall of three spikelets(Sanhui) two-tier pavilion. Top floor – Rain Holding Pavilion. Lower – Hall of the Rising Mountain. This is where it starts Great Rock Garden– an artificial stone hill 12 meters high. The hill is considered the main decoration of the garden.
We walk along the winding paths of the hill to the reservoir - Pavilion of frolicking fish with goldfish. IN Chamber of Ten Thousand Flowers There are plants depicted on the windows and doors. IN Hall of Jade Splendor“Exquisite jade” flaunts over 3 meters high.
Try to find nine dragons in Pool of Nine Dragons(hint – four dragons are visible and so, four are reflected in the pond, and the pond itself has the shape of a dragon :).
Don't deny yourself the opportunity to stroll through this fabulous garden!
St. Anzhen (AnrenJie), 218, daily from 8.30 to 17.00, entrance 30R.M.B..
Old street
The eastern and western parts of Old Street (Shanghai Laojie) are different architectural styles. Many shops and stalls filled the street. You can find old shops that are more than 100 years old: Laotongsheng, Tonhanchun, Old Shanghai Tea House.
Every day from 8.00 to 20.00.
Temple of the City Gods. The temple was built in 1403-1424 during the Ming Dynasty. The temple was rebuilt several times. Previously, fairs were only allowed to be held around the temple on certain days. But over time, they became a permanent market. It is the market that now attracts many tourists.
Cheat sheet for the traveler
| 老城 | Lǎo cheng | Laocheng | Old town |
| 豫园 | Yù yuán | Yuyuan | Yu Garden |
| 豫园市场 | Yùyuán shìcháng | Yuyuan Shichang | Yu Garden Bazaar Market |
| 城皇庙 | Cheng huang miào | Cheng Huangmiao | Shanghai Old City God's Temple |
| 上海老街 | Shànghǎi lǎojiē | Shanghai Laojie | Old Street, or Shanghai Old Street |
| 人民路 | Renmin lù | Renmin Lu | People's Street or Renmin Road |
| 中华路 | Zhōnghuá lù | Junhua Lu | China Street, or Zhonghua Road |
Shanghai is considered to be a modern city; the official legend of its founding is that Europeans, who were exploring the expanses of Southeast Asia in the nineteenth century, discovered a small fishing village in a bend of the Huangpu River; later foreign concessions were founded in this place, thanks to which the city grew and became the largest in China. This legend crumbles to smithereens if you ever visit Old Shanghai. The first mention of the settlement dates back to the thirteenth century, when Shanghai was officially proclaimed a city. Presented to the eyes of the first Europeans, a small settlement, at a bend in the river, was surrounded by a high city wall. During the Ming Dynasty, Shanghai was a prosperous settlement surrounded by greenery. For the title the most beautiful garden fought: Yu Yuan's Garden of Joy, the Garden of Fragrant Dew, the so-called My Garden, and even more unusually named, Also a Garden. Only one of them, Yu Yuan, has survived to this day, although it has undergone significant reconstruction. In the nineteenth century, despite the rapid growth of European concessions, the old city remained the center of political and cultural life in Shanghai until 1933. However, gradually, life within these walls faded away, while in other parts of the city it developed rapidly, the poorest Chinese lived in the quarter, while high-rise buildings of expensive hotels, banks and department stores rose in the neighborhood. Partly thanks to oblivion and decline, old Shanghai has reached us in its unique form.
The area now occupies the area between Renmin Road and Zhonghua Road. In the coming years, the Chinese leadership has developed a plan to demolish this quarter. Rapid growth modern buildings, and the lack of development prospects in the area, force the authorities to do this. Shanghai, simply, must live up to the title of the most modern and promising city in China. Moreover, during the period of decline, many attractions were lost or badly damaged, many of them are subject to modifications and repairs from time to time, increasingly losing their attractiveness for history buffs. The famous Garden of Joy was almost completely rebuilt, although it was repeated exactly according to ancient sketches. The famous Old Street, which has become the hallmark of the city, departs from it. The kilometer-long street is divided into two halves. The first half of the street, facing east towards Renmin Road, dates back to the Qing Dynasty, and has the typical architecture of that time - small windows, balconies, cornices and awnings. The western part to Henan Road was built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, and looks more festive: the roofs are lined with black tiles, the columns are painted red. There are still centuries-old shops on the old street, although there are plenty of modern ones too.
A more or less preserved landmark is the Temple of God, erected in honor of three important figures of the Ming era. The temple was rebuilt many times, and enterprising merchants with their stalls settled around it. This is how a fairly famous market in Shanghai appeared. In this form, the temple of God exists to this day. Several houses of noble citizens, mainly from the Ming Dynasty, have also been preserved. The house of the same Pan Yunduan, who built the garden for his father, was almost destroyed. The once luxurious estate, like all of old Shanghai, is gradually fading into history. On the back side of the restored park there is a building, barely remaining intact. It is noteworthy that the descendants, who repeatedly resold the house, finally handed it over to Catholic missionaries, and from the end of the seventeenth century, a Catholic church operated in the house; in accordance with its needs, the house was radically rebuilt from the inside. The bases of the columns are well preserved and can be safely dated to the seventeenth century. Subsequently, the temple fell into disrepair, and a gym was installed in the building. Even the local residents themselves will not always find this or that attraction. Lost in the slums: the Temple of Confucius, St. Xavier's Cathedral, the house of Xu Guangqi, who at one time bought Yu Yuan from Pan Yunduan, the studio of the artist Wang Yiting. Many buildings still house poor people, and one of them, the most important for the history of Shanghai, the Hermit Library, requires urgent restoration. Despite the apparent decline and outback, Old Shanghai is still bustling with life, and the poor people living in terrible overcrowding call themselves “true Shanghainese.”
When going to such a wonderful Chinese city as, be sure to take time to visit famous ancient places. Here you can easily visit Venice, because it is full of ancient cities that stand on the water. And what about the beautiful ancient streets? These places take you back several centuries. You will find yourself in the wonderful world of old China, which is not open to all tourists. Here you can enjoy beautiful nature, majestic ancient architecture and a unique atmosphere. When you get to such places, you can get acquainted with old Shanghai and observe the life of people who have lived here for centuries.
If you still don't know how to spend your time in Shanghai. Then just read on and all doubts will disappear on their own.
Yu Garden (豫园)
In the center of old Shanghai, there is this beautiful ancient garden that tells us a wonderful story from the Ming Dynasty. The young man specially built this garden for his parents so that they could live out their old age in peace and happiness.
Today, this is one of the most popular areas in Shanghai. This is not just a garden. This is a whole complex in which you can see many halls, temples, wonderful bridges and beautiful water bodies. This garden is surrounded by ancient streets, showing ancient traditional architecture. Here you can find the oldest stalls and shops in Shanghai that sell snacks, souvenirs and other nice trinkets. This is where Shanghai Old Street and the famous City of God Temple are located.
Address:
218 Anren St, Huangpu
黄浦区安仁街218号
Shanghai Old Street (豫园老街)
This ancient street, which dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, stretches 825 meters in length. Here is the center of China's tourist life. The road starts from Zhonghua Road to Henan Road South. There are traditional Chinese gates at both ends of the road. This street is the answer to the question: “Where to go in Shanakhai.”
Address:
Fangbang Middle Road
黄浦区方浜中路
Temple "City of God" (Shanghai Temple Of the City God (Chenghung Miao) 上海城隍廟)
This is an ancient Taoist temple that connects to the aforementioned Yuyuan Gardens. Throughout its history, it was often destroyed and restored many times. The current version of the building was erected in 1926. On at the moment There is a shopping area around the temple. More than a hundred ancient buildings that now house shops and stores. Always here large number tourists, but if you want to see old Shanghai, then you need to visit here.
Address:
Corner of Fangbang Middle Road and Anren St
黄浦区方浜中路
Jinze Ancient Town (金泽古镇)
Dzindze is an old, quiet ancient town. Here you can see seven beautiful bridges that connect the islands with each other. This place has survived more than one dynasty and has stood here for more than one century. There are not many restaurants or shops here. People come here for a quiet and relaxing holiday. If you are looking for a place where there are no huge crowds of tourists and you don't know where to go in Shanghai, then come to Jinza. This place will delight you with its unforgettable flavor.
Address:
Jinze Town, Qingpu District
201700 青浦区金泽镇
Zhaojialou Ancient Town (召稼楼古镇)
An ancient water city with traditional architecture. The flavor of the Ming and Qing dynasties reigns here. More recently, the city was reconstructed, so that it looks just like new. Old buildings can also be found here without problems if you are a lover of antiquity. Want to see a classic Chinese water town? If yes. Then head here.
Address:
Pujiang Town, Minhang District
201112 闵行区浦江镇
Fengjing Ancient Town (枫泾古镇)
Another example of a classic water city. It is quiet and peaceful here, there are not as many tourists as in other similar places. Here you can ride a boat and enjoy traditional Chinese architecture. You can also check out the animation museum and the craft museum. This will help diversify your vacation and learn a lot about this wonderful place.
Address:
No.39 Xinfeng Road, Fengjing Town, Jinshan District
201500 金山区枫泾镇新枫路39号
Nanxiang Water Town (南翔老街)
This place is popular for its delicious steamed buns, which are made in the house of Xiaolongbao. Many come here to taste delicious snacks and buy yourself a few trinkets, because this ancient town is filled with various shops and eateries. This place is popular not only for its cuisine. Here you can visit one of the five classical gardens in the city - the Gouyi Garden. If you don't know where to eat in Shanghai, then come here without fail.
Address:
Nanxiang Town, Jiading District
嘉定区南翔镇
Shanghai Xinchang Ancient Town (上海新场古镇)
This city was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. If you like the architecture of this period, then go to this town. There are also a large number of restaurants and shops, so you can easily have a delicious lunch and buy a couple of interesting things. It’s better not to come here on holidays if you don’t like crowds of tourists. This place is packed with people during the Chinese New Year celebrations. On other days, this place will delight you with its calm atmosphere, beautiful buildings and pleasant natives.
Address:
Xinchang Town, Nanhui District
201314南汇区新场镇
Shanghai Qibao Town (上海七宝古镇)
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This city is very easy to get to. You just need to take the metro and you are already here. This is a cute place with authentic architecture. There are many street vendors selling various delicious sweets and unusual snacks. There are not many commercial establishments here, but there are also quite a few tourists. If you are limited on time, but still want to see old Shanghai, then go here.
Address:
Qibao Town, Minhang District
201101 闵行区七宝镇
Anting Old Street (安亭老街)
Another place for lovers of old places. This is a beautiful old street with its own special atmosphere and architecture. You can take great pictures here. You can also see a beautiful temple and a majestic pagoda. Old stonework has been preserved throughout the entire street, which adds atmosphere to the place. There is a car museum nearby that anyone can visit.
Having got out of the maze of shops and stores, we will head to the next attraction of our route - (City God Temple - 城隍庙). It must be said that almost every Chinese city has a similar temple. Essentially, this is an ordinary Taoist temple, but the City God also lives in it - the spirit of some exceptional personality, who is called upon to protect local residents from evil and evil spirits. There is a legend that one Shanghai scholar named Qin Yubo (1295 - 1373), known for his virtue and education, was offered an official post at his court by the emperor, but he rejected this offer three times. As a result, the emperor simply waited until the scientist died and posthumously appointed him God of the City.
Temple of the City God
The Shanghai City God Temple was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1403 - 1425) to worship the statue of Huo Guang, a Han Dynasty general, and, in fact, the City God - Qin Yubo. The temple was destroyed several times in fires, but each time it was restored, becoming larger and more beautiful. In 1924 it burned down again, but by 1927 it was rebuilt. This is exactly what we see now.
During World War II, the Old City was occupied by the Japanese, and local residents were cut off from their sanctuary. Thanks to the help of Shanghai businessmen, the New Temple of the City God was built in the area of Yan'an Road and Jinling Road. But after the end of the war, the popularity of the new temple quickly faded, and it was demolished in 1972. People again flocked to the Old City to the old temple. The Temple of the City God was not spared by the Cultural Revolution - it was closed in 1966. It opened for worship only in 1994.
Let's take a short tour of the temple.
The first thing that will greet us will be the Mountain Gate (山门). This name is associated with the fact that the first Taoist hermits built their shelters in the mountains in order to live in peace and quiet. Above the gate can be seen four gold-plated hieroglyphs, literally meaning "protecting the coastline." In fact, this meant Shanghai. This inscription was made by Shanghai administrator Fengbin during the Ming Dynasty.
Temple of the City God
Before entering the temple, turn around and you will see the Stone Wall and two masts across Fangbang Middle Road. In the old days, flags were hung on them with prayers for peace and good weather for a rich harvest. On the side of the wall facing the temple, in the center you can see the sacred animal Tan: it has one horn, the body of a horse and is covered with scales. According to legend, it began to eat the evil around, but after eating too much of it, it became greedy and began to devour pearls and gems. This did not satiate Tan, and it decided to eat the sun in the sky, but fell down, falling to the bottom of the deepest gorge, from which it could no longer get out. This painting is a warning to temple visitors: greed is the source of evil.
On the other side of the wall you can see three mountain goats. Goat in Chinese sounds like Yang (羊) - a positive meaning as opposed to the negative Yin. Three mountain goats are a reference to the Triple Yang that Brings Prosperity - one of the 64 hexagrams from the Book of Changes, which was used to tell fortunes in ancient China(700 BC). Here this hexagram means that Yang, positive energy, grows, and Yin, negative, disappears; winter is leaving and spring is coming.
Temple of the City God
After passing the Mountain Gate, you will see another one - the Ceremonial Gate (Yi Men - 仪门). In ancient China, the Ceremonial Gate was the second front gate to the government courtyard of offices. In this case, the builders borrowed this element of architecture to make an office for the God of the City.
On this gate you can see the following lines:
- Doing good or evil is all on your conscience while you live in the world of the living.
- But no one will escape trial in world of the dead for everything that happened in the past and present.
City Gods in Taoism were a group of low-ranking deities who protected the city and its inhabitants, and were also responsible for registering all the souls and spirits in the area around them. Therefore, the City God was the first deity to be visited by the soul of a deceased person on the way to the heavenly judgment seat. Because of this, the Temples of the City God were so popular - people wanted to have an idea of what punishment might await them in the afterlife.
Temple of the City God
Another verse on this gate reads:
- You don’t have to consider what you have gained or lost.
- The gods write down everything: whether you do good or evil.
In Taoism they believe that Tao is everywhere, and the gods of Tao are everywhere to mark and record all the actions of people. There are even spirits in the body of every person to monitor his thoughts, his words and behavior. All these records will be presented at the trial in hell.
Notice the large scores behind these two verses. Next to them are the words: “People are not given to judge.” Some dominoes are up, some are down - the gods do their work unnoticed. Behind the bill are two shields with hieroglyphs meaning: “People who do good prosper. And those who do evil will sink into oblivion.” These scores in the City God Temple have deep meaning. On the one hand, they call on believers to be selfless and help people, no matter how good or evil they are, because in the end everyone will be responsible for violating Heavenly laws. On the other hand, these accounts tell everyone that Heaven has its own methods of making decisions, which come from the Tao. And those who go against Tao will perish.
Temple of the City God
Please note that on the Ceremonial Gate is the Opera House, from the stage of which the monks read announcements and holy books. In addition, on the birthday of the City God or his wife, the monks removed the windows, turning this gate into a stage. Chinese opera artists performed there to please the ears of the gods and thank them for their protection.
After passing through the Ceremonial Gate, we will enter a large courtyard. On the left is the Wealth God Hall (财神殿), which oversees people's property. The lines above the entrance to the hall read:
- Thanks to the God of Wealth, your home is blooming and your career is taking off.
- Thanks to the God of Wealth, our country is prospering and the people are getting richer.
When you enter the Wealth God Hall, you will see as many as five gods. The one in the middle is Marshal Zhao, whose full name- Zhao Gongming. He wears an iron helmet, has a dark face and a large beard, in one hand is a whip, in the other is a golden ingot. Zhao is dressed like an ancient warrior as he protects local trade and spreads wealth.
Temple of the City God
Marshal Zhao is flanked by Xiao Sheng, the God Who Leads to Wealth, and Cao Bao, the God who Preserves Wealth. Both have the ability to accumulate wealth. Two more deities in this room are Messenger Chen Jiugong and Fairy Merchant Yao Shaosi. Both of these subordinates of Marshal Zhao help with business in the human world.
According to legend, January 5th lunar calendar The God of Wealth comes down to earth to inspect worldly trade and also to bless people. It is not surprising that this hall is crowded on this day.
Opposite the Hall of the God of Wealth is the Hall of Ci Hang Hall (慈航殿), the Goddess of Mercy. There are three goddesses here. In the center is Tsy Han or, in accordance with Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara. If you are in trouble, just repeat her name and she will come to your rescue. In front of the statue of the goddess the following lines can be read: “In the end you will be rewarded or punished according to your deeds.”
Temple of the City God
To the left of the Goddess of Mercy is the Goddess of the Eye, and to the right is the Goddess of the Sea. The Eye Goddess is responsible for people's vision, so if you have problems with your eyes, you can ask her for help. The Sea Goddess or Mazu helps fishermen and shipwrecked people. There are especially many temples dedicated to her in Hong Kong. There she is called Tin Hau.
Next to the Hall of Tsi Han is the Chapel of Wishes (祈福堂). Upon entering, you will see the ceiling and walls covered with small red tablets on which people write their names and wishes. In front of the entrance to the chapel there are three signs: about wealth, peace and achievements in science.
People ask for different things: wealth and health, success in business and study. Taoists must repeat their wishes every morning and evening. At the end of the year, these tablets are burned so that people's wishes reach Heaven.
Temple of the City God
Next we will go to the Great Hall (Grand Hall - 大殿), above the entrance to which hangs a sign “Temple of the City God”. This inscription was made by Zhao Puchu, former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The lines along the edges of the entrance are written by the famous scholar Mo Bingqing during the Qing Dynasty. They are very famous:
Be good person, and you will become healthy physically and mentally,
- Do decent things and you will receive the respect of the gods.
These lines show the main aspect of Taoism - it teaches people to be worthy, promising a reward for this.
The main deity of the Great Hall is Huo Guang - God of Jin Shan (Jin Shan God Huo Guang). Jin Shan, which means Golden Mountain, is the old name of Shanghai, and Huo Guang is a general from the Han Dynasty. Huo served Emperor Hanwu the Great. According to historical records, when pirates attacked Shanghai, the Chinese army was able to repulse the attack under the protection of Huo. Local residents built the Golden Mountain Temple in memory of Ho. After the temple was renamed the Temple of the City God, people still continued to make offerings in honor of Huo, now as the guardian of Shanghai and another God of the City.
Temple of the City God
In front of Ho's statue are statues of his two assistants: one (with a white face) records the good deeds of people and is in charge of good spirits, the other (with a dark face) records bad deeds and is in charge of evil spirits.
Ten more assistants line the walls of the Great Hall. Two of them are patrol officers: one patrols during the day, the other at night. Two assistants write down information and requests, two others transmit this information, two more submit information to the City God, and the last two monitor the responses.
The City God of Shanghai watches over the city's inhabitants and their descendants. His assistants write down people's affairs, and then report to the two main ones: the “white” one takes into account the good deeds, the “dark” one takes into account the bad ones. When people die, the City God judges them. Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad deeds are sent to heaven where they are rewarded. Those for whom evil prevails over good go to hell, where they suffer their well-deserved punishment.
Temple of the City God
The plaque hanging in the Great Hall was written by the former director of the Shanghai Library, calligrapher Gu Tinglong. On it are the hieroglyphs: “Shepherd of the People,” which means the City God cares for and teaches local residents. There are also two other verses in this room. The one in front was painted in 1994 and donated to the temple by Zhao Zhendong of the Hong Kong Yuen Xuan Institute. It reads: “The gods protect people and bring harmony and peace to the country. The gods follow a wise path, irrigating the earth with rain and saving people.”
Another verse inside the hall has been in the temple for a long time. It was written during the Republic of China by the famous Shanghai philanthropist and calligrapher Wang Zhen. The verse reads: "If you get your wealth by exploiting others, your children will waste your wealth. If you commit adultery, others will do the same to your wife or daughter." This verse is a paean to the City God and also a warning against committing crimes."
Temple of the City God
On the walls of the hall you can see the work of the famous artist Dai Dunbang - the painting “Happy Meeting of the Deities”. It depicts more than 100 Taoist gods, including San Qing, the Taoist trinity who personifies the highest and absolute truth of the Universe. There is also Yu Huang, the Jade Emperor - the ruler of the world, Mother Dou Mu - the mother of all the stars in Heaven, the Emperor of Heaven, Earth and Water, who is in charge of daily entries actions of people on earth; The Dragon Kings of the four oceans, who are responsible for rain and snow; God of Wealth, God of War, God of Literature (Wen Chang), Master Zhang - founder of Taoism. Dai's painting follows the tradition of the large canvases at the Yong Le Palace of the Yuan Dynasty. It is written with strong lines, rich colors, and the expressions of the gods seem to be alive. Standing in this hall, it is as if you are surrounded by gods.
After passing behind the Great Hall, we will find ourselves at the Yuan Chen Hall (太岁殿). In this hall there is an army of 60 soldiers of the Tai-Sui Deity, the great deity of time. In the traditional Chinese calendar, 60 years constitute a full cycle, so there are 60 Tai-Sui stars in the heavens, symbolizing the 60 Tai-Sui deities in the world, each of which is responsible for the luck of their year, and therefore for the luck of people who were born at that time. This is why Tai Sui deities are directly related to human destiny.
Temple of the City God
To make it easier for you to find your deity, the City God Temple has 60 deities arranged according to the 12 animals of the Zodiac. So, for example, if you are a bull, first find the five deities marked by the sign of the bull, and then find your own deity according to your year of birth.
Tai-Sui deities have their own human incarnations, born on earth to guard people during different dynasties. Therefore, all the statues of deities in this hall are real or mythical personalities under their earthly names. Some served their country, others defended their home, and others performed heroic deeds. But everyone can serve as role models in our world.
During the Spring Festival, people come to this temple to honor their deity and ask for protection throughout the year. But remember that seeking the favor and protection of the Great God of Time Tai-Sui himself leads to misfortune.
Temple of the City God
Even further to your left will be the Guan Sheng Hall (关圣殿) or the God of War Hall. The real name of this deity is Guan Yunchang, he was a famous general during the Three Kingdoms and became famous for his loyalty and justice, for which he was revered even after his death. In the hall you can see the following lines: “General Guan protects the country with his devotion and justice. His mighty name will resonate for generations on this land.”
A statue of Guan can be seen in the center of the hall. Next to him are his aide-de-camp, General Zhou Cang, as well as his adopted son Guan Ping. As a general, Guan was loyal to his emperor, like a son, he was obedient to his parents, like a decent man, he was honest to himself, as a leader and friend, he brought justice to this land.
Beginning in the Song Dynasty, Guan was given many titles by the emperor and became increasingly powerful in different areas of life. Nowadays, people pray to the general for help in achieving success in politics, business and education, as well as for him to punish evil, drive out evil spirits, punish traitors and take care of the dead.
Temple of the City God
Opposite the Hall of the War God is the Wen Chang Hall (文昌殿). Before entering the hall, lines can be read explaining to visitors that Emperor Wen Chang is in charge of education. Doing good things educated person will be rewarded by this deity. Emperor Wen Chang sits in the center of the hall. On either side of him are his assistants: the Deaf and the Mute, who will never reveal the secrets of the people who pray to them.
Wen Chang is in charge of exams, which in the past were directly related to political career(remember the imperial exams). That's why educated people and students simply come here asking for help and good luck. Even today, schoolchildren and their parents pray to this emperor before exams.
The last part of the temple tour will be the City God Hall (城隍殿). In this hall you will see a statue of Shanghai City Deity Qin Yubo, who was deified during the Ming Dynasty. That's why he is dressed in the uniform of a Ming Dynasty government official, and there is a table in front of the statue, which could be seen in the government of that era. On the table are a brush, an inkwell, and an official seal. Two assistants stand in front of this table with papers in their hands, ready to carry out Qin Yubo's orders.
Temple of the City God
On both sides of the Hall you can see gongs, lanterns, incense burners, flags and 10 warning signs that are used during the procession of the City God. Gongs, lanterns and incense burners clear the way for God, flags demonstrate his rank and glory. Six of the ten characters, including "Sheriff of Shanghai", "Ruler Xian Yu" and "Patron of the Sea", refer to the status of City God, while the other four, including "Silence!" and "Move aside!" visitors are told to remain quiet and make room for the deity's retinue.
There are two signs posted in the hall, as well as a couple of poems. The plaque at the front is inscribed with the famous calligrapher Pan Jingji's phrase: "prestige lies in outstanding glory." And the verse next to it means that God can say good and bad, right and wrong, but everyone who comes here will receive fair justice without a chance to get away.
The plaque and lines at the back of the hall were donated by the Ching Chung Taoist Association of Hong Kong. The plaque, painted by artist Cheng Shifa, says that the City God solves problems in the world of the living and the dead. And the verses of the calligrapher Cao Qi say that God has no preferences, so good people will receive protection. Even if misfortunes come your way, there is always a chance to get them out of the way by doing good deeds.
Temple of the City God
Qin Yubo, the prototype of the City God, was from Yangzhou and then moved to Shanghai. As an imperial scholar, he held government positions in Shandong and Fujian provinces. He loved the people as if they were his own children, and the people responded the same to him. Qin left his post at the end of the Yuan Dynasty to settle in Shanghai. When the first emperor of the Ming dynasty ascended the throne, he summoned Qin, but he refused several times until the emperor sent a letter written in his own hand. After this, Qin took up a post in the central government.
Patronized by the emperor, he even once presided over a national examination. After his death, he received the title of God of the City of Shanghai. It is a Chinese tradition to bestow the title of God on a deceased person who has earned great respect by serving the community. This is why so many people with achievements have been deified posthumously. Taoism also inherited this tradition in order to preserve in people's memory the achievements of their ancestors.
The exquisite Hall of the City God is decorated with peony patterns. Peonies are the traditional flower of China, so Taoism, as a Chinese religion, uses peonies, while Buddhism, which came from India, uses the lotus as its symbol.
Temple of the City God
February 21 is the lunar birthday of the City God, when Taoists must observe a seven-day ritual praying for peace and harmony, during which they distribute long-life noodles to people taking part in the ceremony. During these seven days, performances in honor of God take place on the stage of the temple.
City God Qin Yubo sits in the center of the Hall. To his left is Qin's Lady Hall, dedicated to his wife Chu, and to his right is the Parents Hall, in honor of the deity's parents. On March 28th according to the lunar calendar, the birthday of Qin’s wife, a “change of clothes” ceremony is held, during which old clothes The statues are replaced with a new one, donated by the Spouse. People from all over Shanghai come to congratulate the consort of God, they sing and dance in the temple.
Opening hours: 08:30 - 16:30 06:00 - 16:30 (first day of the Lunar New Year) Tickets: 10 yuan Address: 249 Fangbang (M) Rd (方浜中路249号) Website: