Huangmu Temple

　　Huangmu Temple, also known as Xianmian Temple, was built to commemorate Huang Daopo for her contribution in teaching weaving techniques and benefiting the local community. Huang Daopo, originally from Wunijing Town in Shanghai, was a child bride in her youth. Unable to endure the abuse from her in-laws, she escaped 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, and during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanghai became a national hub for the cotton textile industry.

　　After Huang Daopo’s passing, out of deep respect for her, the villagers 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 departments 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 follows the original structure—a six-beam, five-bay, hip-and-gable roof building—where exhibits inside showcase the life and achievements of Huang Daopo.

　　Zhao Puchu, then President of the Buddhist Association of China, inscribed the horizontal plaque reading “Huang Daopo Memorial Hall,” which stands prominently at the gate. In front of the temple is a large screen wall, while the main hall displays exhibits about Huang Daopo’s life and work. The side hall exhibits the three-spindle spinning wheel, the cotton roller, and numerous photos and historical materials pioneered by Huang Daopo. It officially opened to the public on December 7 of the same year. Mulberry, hemp, cotton, and bamboo were planted in the garden to highlight the theme of textiles. Later, the botanical garden added the “Xianmian Garden,” featuring extensive cotton cultivation, and the “Yanghuang Pavilion,” dedicated to commemorating Huang Daopo, further reflecting the folk culture of the Jiangnan region. The temple is surrounded by greenery, centered around a lotus pond, with stone bridges, flowing water, corridors, and stele pavilions connecting various scenic spots. High-relief walls depict the illustrious achievements of Huang Daopo.

　　“Shangzhi Fang” takes its name from the saying, “Even the lowest can possess the highest wisdom.” A stone statue of Huang Daopo sits amidst green bamboo on the eastern side of the square… The scenery is serene and beautiful, the environment clean and elegant, making it a simple yet refined garden-within-a-garden with distinct characteristics of the Jiangnan water town.

　　Currently, only the Huangmu Temple in Huangmu Village, Longhua, remains. It was built in the sixth year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1728) and is now located within the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

　　It is a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit, featuring the Huang Daopo Memorial Hall, exhibition rooms, display corridors, and rest areas. Integrating cultural landscapes with garden artistry, it serves as an important site 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. Nearby, the botanical garden also includes the “Xianmian Garden,” where cotton is widely grown, and the “Yanghuang Pavilion,” for paying tribute to Huang Daopo, both embodying the folk charm of the Jiangnan region.

　　Scenic spot 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 notices of the attraction)