Wulong Chan Temple

Wulong Chan Temple

Wulong Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally named Wulong Temple, Wulong Chan Temple is located on Jinzhang Highway in Jinshan District, Shanghai, right next to Wulong Harbor. The temple enshrines Shi E (courtesy name Bocheng, posthumously titled King of Jingjiang and Marquis of Zhenhai) from the Song Dynasty.

The founding date of Wulong Temple is unknown. According to the "Jinshan County Annals," “Wulong Temple was built to worship Shi Bocheng of the Song Dynasty.” Analysis of a ginkgo tree in the temple courtyard suggests it is about 460 years old, and there is another ginkgo tree at the southern end of the courtyard, approximately 150 years old. This indicates that the temple was likely built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. It was renovated during the Tongzhi and Guangxu reigns of the Qing Dynasty. Originally, there were two stone steles by the wall of Wulong Temple: one erected in the 15th year of the Daoguang era (1835) and the other during the Tongzhi era, both related to the issue of “prohibiting beggars from gathering and forcefully begging.” They were later destroyed.

On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, which is the birthday of Lord Shi, Wulong Temple holds a temple fair, commonly known as “the Lord’s Procession.” On the day of the fair, the newly adorned statue of Lord Shi is carried out of the temple and paraded around various locations. Every household offers incense, candles, pastries, and sacrificial items. Those who have made vows follow closely behind, carrying placards reading “Silence” and “Make Way,” along with banners and streamers, while drums and gongs create a lively atmosphere. A procession consisting of over a hundred participants, including musicians (known as Qingyin troupes), incense bearers, and attendants of the Goddess, forms an impressive parade. At every stop, Lord Shi receives offerings. During this time, small vendors flock to the area, and the event draws massive crowds, creating an exceptionally vibrant scene.

In front of the temple are two tall ginkgo trees: the one to the north is about 460 years old, stands 18 meters tall, has a circumference of about 3.4 meters, is male, and does not bear fruit; the one to the south is around 150 years old, stands 16 meters tall, and has a circumference of about 1.65 meters, producing white fruit every August. There is also a wisteria vine in front of the temple, which is 470 years old, has a diameter of 22.5 cm, a circumference of 0.71 meters, a height of 2.5 meters, and a canopy stretching 35 meters—quite rare and now listed as a protected municipal garden tree.

Transportation

Address: No. 6006, Jinzhang Highway, Jinshan District, Shanghai

Transportation: Jinzhang-Wei Branch Line, Zhu-Shi Special Line