Zhenguang Ancient Town

Zhenguang Ancient Town

Zhenguang Ancient Town is famous for its renowned Zhenguang lamb — tender yet firm, rich but not greasy, aromatic yet not gamey.

The town’s Zhenguang Temple is also one of Shanghai’s four most celebrated Buddhist temples and is very imposing.

Zhenguang Temple, originally named “Wanshou Temple,” is commonly called “Da Miao” (The Grand Temple) by locals. It is said to have been first built during the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of over 800 years.

In fact, there were once many temples in Putuo District, but most have been lost to time. Among those that remain, Zhenguang Temple is the oldest and most influential.

Many people don’t know that Zhenguang Temple is also one of Shanghai’s four most celebrated Buddhist temples (the other three being Jing’an Temple, Longhua Temple, and Jade Buddha Temple). Though it may not be as widely known as the others, it attracts numerous devotees and has enjoyed uninterrupted incense offerings for centuries.

Location: Nan Shi Er Lu, Shanghai (near Lanxi Road)

Transportation: Take Metro Line 11 and get off at Zhenguang Station