First built in 247 AD, Jing'an temple is located in one of the most modernized areas of downtown Shanghai, and it also starts the Nanjing Road West, the most high-end business center. You can even see the huge, stylish Tiffany ads on bill boards from the temple's court yard.
Jing'an temple, as one of the three most ancient religious sites in Shanghai, has experienced destruction and reconstruction several times during its long history.
The first time was during a civil war in the middle of 19th century. But it was rebuilt on April 8th, 1880 according to the lunar calendar.
The last severe period of damage was during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) and the temple now standing is the 1980's reconstruction.
Jing'an temple enjoyed prosperity at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1912, it was made headquartesr of the first nation-wide Buddhist association.
The temple is currently under further renovation and extension, but it still open to the public and you can still see a lot of delicate Buddha statues and embossments.
