Old City God Temple
A crash course in old Shanghai folk culture. The Old City God Temple has long been like a grand temple fair that never ends. Whatever you might look for at other temple fairs, you'll find here,…

Old City God Temple, Shanghai · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- Free
- Opening hours
- 8:30—16:30
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Getting there
- Near Chenghuangmiao Yuyuan (城隍庙豫园) bus stop, Yuyuan (豫园) metro station Don't miss Nanxiang xiaolongbao, Songyunlou's Eight-Treasure Rice, Songyuelou's vegetarian buns, and Shanghai cuisine at Green Wave Corridor (绿波廊), among others.
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 945. Open in Google Maps
About Old City God Temple
A crash course in old Shanghai folk culture.
The Old City God Temple has long been like a grand temple fair that never ends. Whatever you might look for at other temple fairs, you'll find here, with its snacks and distinctive handicrafts the most famous of all.
The Old City God Temple was built during the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. Historically, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The current temple was built in 1926 and rebuilt on a large scale in the 1990s, becoming a large, antique-style architectural complex and commercial district. The renovated old temple may have lost some of the atmosphere of the old city district, yet visitors still flock here, a testament to its enduring charm. The saying “Gold from the Old Temple brings you good luck” is known far and wide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Old City God Temple cost?
Admission to Old City God Temple is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Old City God Temple?
Old City God Temple is open 8:30—16:30.
How do I get to Old City God Temple?
Near Chenghuangmiao Yuyuan (城隍庙豫园) bus stop, Yuyuan (豫园) metro station Don't miss Nanxiang xiaolongbao, Songyunlou's Eight-Treasure Rice, Songyuelou's vegetarian buns, and Shanghai cuisine at Green Wave Corridor (绿波廊), among others.
How long should I spend at Old City God Temple?
Plan on 1–3 hours for Old City God Temple.
Where is Old City God Temple?
Old City God Temple is in Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, in the East China of China.
More places in Shanghai

Shanghai Museum
Its collection and architecture are truly first-class. Focusing on ancient Chinese art, its collection, exhibitions and research aim to present the complete development history of each artistic category. Its system, richness and quality are highly renowned at home and abroad. Moved here in 1995, the museum has a distinctive design that follows the traditional Chinese concept of 'round heaven, square earth'. Its overall form resembles a dignified ancient bronze vessel. The Shanghai Museum holds half of China's ancient art treasures, and its galleries have no showy gimmicks, yet they will leave visitors astonished by China's history.
Free admission, though some special exhibitions require tickets, with prices varying · 3+ hours

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
The best-preserved Jiangnan water town near Shanghai. Its waterside townscape, thousand-year history, historic sites and cultural charm define Zhujiajiao. It has less commercial bustle than many other towns, so it feels fresh and relaxed.
Free; folk customs tour ¥30; New Water Town heritage tour ¥60

Jiading Ancient Town
This ancient town, with over 780 years of history, still preserves pagodas, temples, monasteries and old trees. Most visitors come for Zhouqiao Old Street. Lying on the same central axis as the Fahua Pagoda, about 500 meters from it, are the Confucian Temple, Huilong Pool and Yingkui Hill, another distinctive scenic area beside Zhouqiao Old Street. The Confucian Temple in particular is considered the number one in Wuzhong.
Shanghai Old Street
Shanghai Old Street is called Fangbang Middle Road on maps. It was once where the trades of old Shanghai gathered, and the rebuilt Shanghai Old Street remains the best place to experience the street life of old Shanghai. The street is less than 1 km long and lined with shops, more than half of which sell handicrafts, calligraphy and painting, or jewellery. Teahouses are a special feature of the street. Wandering along, you will hear soft Wu dialect all the way, though it is a pity that it is mixed with rather too much commercialism.
1–3 hours

Yu Garden
Yu Garden is the only well-preserved Jiangnan classical garden in urban Shanghai, first built during the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty. The garden excels in the beauty of Jiangnan gardens. Yangshan Hall is famous for its “scenery that changes with every step.” The “Jade Linglong” rockery in front of Yuhua Hall is one of the three great rocks of Jiangnan gardens, alongside the “Ruiyun Peak” of Suzhou’s Lingering Garden and the “Zhouyun Peak” of Hangzhou’s Flower Garden.
¥40 in peak season; ¥30 in off-season · 1–3 hours
Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Plants here can be admired year-round, earning praise from netizens as “ceiling-level landscape design.”
¥60