Huangmu Temple

Huangmu Temple

Huangmu Temple is a municipal cultural heritage site in Shanghai.

Also known as Xianmian Temple, Huangmu Temple was built to commemorate Huang Daopo for her contributions in teaching textile techniques and benefiting the local community. Huang Daopo, a native of Wunijing Town in Shanghai, was a child bride in her youth. Unable to endure the abuse from her in-laws, she ran away from home and ended up in Yazhou, where she lived among the Li ethnic people for over 30 years. There, she learned local skills such as cotton planting, ginning, carding, spinning, and weaving. After returning to her hometown, she passed on these techniques, which led to Shanghai becoming the national center of the cotton textile industry during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After Huang Daopo’s passing, out of respect for her, the local people built Huangmu Temple, which was later destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. In 1981, the temple site was incorporated into the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

In 1991, relevant authorities restored the old temple, dividing it into three sections: a memorial hall, an exhibition hall, and a lotus pond leisure area. The restored Huangpo Temple, following the original design, is a five-bay, six-rafter, hip-and-gable roof structure. The interior displays exhibits on the life and deeds of Huang Daopo.

Zhao Puchu, then President of the Buddhist Association of China, inscribed the horizontal plaque “Huang Daopo Memorial Hall,” which stands prominently at the gatehouse. In front of the temple is a large decorative screen wall. The main hall features an exhibition on Huang Daopo’s life and achievements, while the side hall displays the three-spindle spinning wheel and cotton bale roller she pioneered, along with numerous photos and historical materials. It officially opened to the public on December 7 of the same year. The garden is planted with mulberry, hemp, cotton, and bamboo to highlight the textile theme. Later, the botanical garden added the “Xianmian Plot” dedicated to planting cotton and the “Yanghuang Pavilion” for paying homage to Huang Daopo. Huangmu Temple is surrounded by greenery, centered around a lotus pond, with stone bridges, flowing water, corridors, and stele pavilions connecting various scenic spots; high walls feature bas-reliefs showcasing Huang Daopo’s outstanding achievements.

“Shangzhi Fang” takes its name from the saying “Even the lowliest may possess supreme wisdom.” A stone sculpture of Huang Daopo is located in the green bamboo grove on the east side of the square... The scenery is beautiful and serene, the environment clean and elegant. It is a simple yet refined garden-within-a-garden that embodies the charm of the Jiangnan water town.

Currently, only the Huangmu Temple in Longhua Huangmu Village remains. Built in the sixth year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1728), it is now located within the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

Designated as a municipal cultural heritage site, it houses the Huang Daopo Memorial Hall, exhibition rooms, display corridors, and rest areas. Combining cultural landmarks with garden artistry, it serves as an important destination for visitors to learn about the history of textile development in China. The garden is planted with mulberry, hemp, cotton, and bamboo to emphasize the textile theme. Adjacent to the botanical garden, there is also the “Xianmian Plot” for growing cotton and the “Yanghuang Pavilion” for honoring Huang Daopo, both rich in Jiangnan folk flavor.

Scenic Area Address: No. 1111 Longwu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Transportation Guide: Take bus routes 720, 131, 56, 714, 770, or the Longwu Line, and get off at Shanghai Botanical Garden.

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00–17:00 (for reference only; please follow the official announcements of the attraction)