Shanghai City God Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai City God Temple?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enjoy sugar-figure demos and feeding koi at Nine-Bend Bridge, yet incense smoke, loud crowds, and few hands-on exhibits shorten engagement after about 90 min.
Positives:
- Child-Friendly Activities: Hands-on sugar painting and fish feeding keep kids engaged.
- Compact Layout: Temple and bazaar are close together; easy to navigate with young children.
Challenges:
- Crowded Pathways: Narrow alleys fill quickly; keep kids close to avoid getting separated.
- Limited Restrooms: Public toilets may lack changing tables; bring extra supplies.
What is Shanghai City God Temple?
- A Taoist temple complex in Shanghai’s Old City, founded in the 15th century to venerate the Chenghuang, or City God
- An ensemble of interconnected courtyards, ceremonial halls and pavilions showcasing Ming and Qing architectural craftsmanship, from ornate wood carvings to glazed tile roofs
- A designated heritage site extensively restored in the 20th and 21st centuries to preserve its historical significance as a center of urban religious practice
What is so special about Shanghai City God Temple for with kids?
- Hands-on sugar figurine demo excites kids.
- Fish feeding under Nine-Bend Bridge is free fun.
- Workshops introduce children to local crafts.
- Short walkable complex suits young families.
- Affordable snacks and souvenirs around the bazaar.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours lets you explore temple halls, bazaar shops, and kid-friendly spots without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai City God Temple
Sugar Figurine Demonstration:
Watch a local artist shape 3D sugar figurines into dragons and flowers.
Tip: Arrive early to pick your favorite design and let kids choose colors.
Feed the Koi at Nine-Bend Bridge:
Buy fish feed and watch colorful koi swirl under the bridge.
Tip: Bring small change to buy feed bags near the pond entrance.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop:
Try paper-cutting or dough modeling at the Yu Garden Shopping Center.
Tip: Ask for child-size tools and sign up quickly as spots fill fast.
Explore Yuyuan Bazaar Lanes:
Browse snack stalls, toy shops, and souvenir stalls in open-air lanes.
Tip: Give each child a small spending limit to manage souvenir buys.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai City God Temple
- Visit Early: Arrive at opening (8:30 AM) to beat crowds and long lines.
- Use Suishenban App: Locate nearby nursing rooms or restrooms when needed.
- Combine with Nearby Park: Walk to Gucheng Park after the temple for open play space.
Reviews of Shanghai City God Temple
Natphol Phattanaliamphaibool
Visiting the City God Temple in Shanghai is like stepping back in time. 🏮⏳ The temple is located in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by bustling streets and markets. 🏘️ Walking through the entrance, you immediately notice the intricate wooden carvings and traditional Chinese architecture. 🏯 The temple itself is calm and peaceful, offering a quiet escape from the busy city outside. 🌿 Brigh...
Kevin Yap
Entrance fee ¥10. If the WeChat QR website don’t work, just walk straight in, the staffs can do manual payment via cash or WeChat pay
DJ DONNELLY
Beautiful traditional temple with lots of history and atmosphere. Surrounded by lively streets and great local snacks — worth a visit when in Shanghai.
Nashin Khan
A very lovely place of worship, as a tourist, please make sure that you’re not invading the privacy or disturbing the rituals of the devotee’s present there. Please make sure not enter into the various temple premises without seeking permission of the concerned authorities. All in all a very beautiful place where you get to see a glimpse of traditional chinese religion. The temple is near a very...
Mas
It’s a beautiful and serene place of worship with many devotees present and praying here right till the late hours in the night. The place is kept neat and clean and well looked after. A must visit when you visit Shanghai.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai City God Temple (Shanghai, China)?
In summer, temple corridors offer shade—carry water bottles. During Chinese New Year, enjoy lantern displays but expect larger crowds. In winter, bring jackets; open areas near the pond can be chilly.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance tickets (4) | CNY 40 |
| Koi feed bag | CNY 10 |
| Sugar figurines (2) | CNY 4 |
| Craft workshop (2 kids) | CNY 40 |
| Nanxiang soup dumplings | CNY 35 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 129 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Shanghai City God Temple
Address: 249 Fang Bang Zhong Lu, 四牌楼 Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200000
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About Shanghai City God Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+86 21 6328 449410 BEST nearby Activities
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