Shanghai Travel: Dodge the Tourist Traps!
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So, let's talk about the Jing'an Temple in Shanghai (note that "Temple" is literally what "寺" means in Chinese).
- This place is minuscule, really just a tiny spot.
- Can you guess how much the admission ticket costs? Shockingly, it charges 50 yuan!
- You can walk around the entire temple in no more than 10 minutes.
- And, oh, by the way, only a small portion in the front is open to visitors – most of the back area is completely locked up, with nothing visible inside.
- What's even more astonishing is that they don't provide any incense for free – this is actually quite common in many other temples in China. If you wish to burn incense yourself as an act of prayers and blessings, be prepared to shell out another 10 yuan!
- I've also heard that during holidays and festivals, the entry fee might increase, and honestly, it just doesn't sit well with people.
️ Here’s a heads-up for travelers planning to visit:- Poor value for money: For the price of a 50 yuan admission ticket, there is actually very little to see, and you may find it unsatisfactory.
- Limited sightseeing area: Don't expect to tour around the entire temple; the majority of areas behind are not accessible to visitors.
- Burning incense comes with additional cost: Unlike in some other popular temples in China where free incense sticks are typically provided, here, buying incense requires you to spend an extra 10 yuan per bundle.
- Higher fee during holidays: If your visit coincides with public holidays or occasions in China, be aware that entry prices may very likely go up, so be prepared financially.
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Ah, you finally latched onto something to criticize. Must have been quite the effort for you.
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What's the issue? As a tourist, can't I point out the shortcomings of a scenic spot? Am I wrong in what I said?
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As a local, it's frustrating to see what was a sacred place of worship in my childhood now completely swamped with tourists. Honestly, if it weren't for that 50 yuan entrance fee, the gates of Jing'an Temple would probably be crushed by the crowds.
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They could implement a reservation system to limit the number of visitors.
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Jing'an Temple is basically in a commercial district... Look, if you're a Buddhist, the fee shouldn't bother you. If you're not, you don't have to go in. But either way, don't be disrespectful.
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Well said. If you're a true believer, a few dozen yuan won't matter. If you're not, just pass it by and don't worry about it.
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I've lived in Shanghai for 5 years and never been inside Jing'an Temple once. On the rare free days, it's packed, and most locals are probably out of town anyway. Longhua Temple and Jade Buddha Temple are free, why not go there? Even foreigners know about those. Honestly, you should do a bit of research before your trip.
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He'd probably complain about having to pay for incense at Longhua or Jade Buddha Temple too.
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The 50 yuan entrance fee for Jing'an Temple is likely to manage the huge number of tourists, given its prime location. I get your point though; there isn't a lot to see inside for that price. You might be better off visiting Jade Buddha Temple or Longhua Temple – they're both free.
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Actually, Jade Buddha Temple isn't free either; it has an entrance fee.
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I was shocked to find even a small City God Temple charges an entrance fee. I guess I'm just used to temples in Guangdong being free.
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Eating dog meat in Guangdong is free too.
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Seeing how upset you are, I bet you've never paid the 60 yuan for a ticket to the Great World amusement park.
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I'm really curious what the Great World is like inside.
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Otherwise, how else do you think Shanghai got so rich all of a sudden?!
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You're overthinking it.
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I'm not Buddhist and not really into temples, but before the New Year, a retired propaganda official from Fujian visited our company and wanted to check it out, so I went with him. And guess what? I ran into one of my favorite professional gamers inside! All I can say is, you never know with these things.
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Huh? Maxixi went to Jing'an Temple?
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You really need to do your research before traveling anywhere. Any local Shanghainese will tell you to skip Jing'an Temple, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, and the snacks from big shops inside Yu Garden. It's probably best to avoid Wukang Mansion too.