Shanghai Baohua Temple

　　A temple with the architectural style of Jiangnan region during the Song Dynasty — Baohua Temple now stands in Zhabei District, becoming an important place for local Buddhist devotees to offer incense and worship, while also adding a mysterious and solemn scenic touch to the area.

　　Baohua Temple was originally located on the south side of Shaonian Village Road in Pengpu Town, Zhabei District, Shanghai. It was established during the Xianchun era of the Southern Song Dynasty. By the beginning of the 20th century, the temple buildings had long collapsed, leaving only a few meditation rooms on the west side and the temple foundation. In 1921, the Huisheng Charity Society in Shanghai funded the reconstruction of Baohua Temple, even acquiring nearly 100 acres of land for this purpose. Notably, a “Suoran Pavilion” was newly built behind the main hall, along with a liberation pond and liberation field for the temple. Additionally, social welfare and educational institutions such as the Huiji Hospital, Elderly Care Home, Huisheng Midwifery School Branch, and Changming Primary School were established. However, the temple grounds were destroyed in the 1937 “August 13th” incident by the flames of war instigated by Japanese militarism. Amidst the devastation, only the main hall of Baohua Temple remained.

　　After the victory in the War of Resistance, Zhao Puchu (also known as Venerable Zhao), then General Secretary of the Shanghai Provisional Joint Relief Committee, and lay practitioners such as Lu Meiseng, founded the Shanghai

　　“Shaonian Village” on the ruins of Baohua Temple. Shaonian Village was based on the Buddhist spirit of compassion, aimed at sheltering and educating homeless children, and dedicated to nurturing useful talents for the nation. The main person in charge of Shaonian Village was Venerable Zhao. At the same time, it received substantial assistance and support from Madam Soong Ching Ling and the China Welfare Fund led by her. In April 1951, Shaonian Village was taken over by the Shanghai Branch of the Chinese People’s Relief Administration and incorporated into the Shanghai Children’s Welfare Association.

　　Since the reform and opening-up, the area where the original Baohua Temple was located — Pengpu Town in Zhabei District, Shanghai — has developed into a sizable residential community. With the implementation of the national religious policy, Zhabei District, in accordance with the wishes of local Buddhist devotees, decided to restore Baohua Temple, which has a long history and a strong tradition of serving society. On June 16, 2001, a grand groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of Baohua Temple was held. With the driving of the first pile into the ground, Baohua Temple was infused with new vitality based on its traditional foundation.