5 Days in Shanghai – Chenghuang Temple Bazaar

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Chenghuang Temple (上海城隍廟 or City God Temple of Shanghai), is the well-known Taoist temple situated in the city. Since the 19th century, the place isn’t just for religion though, as the area surrounding the temple has been significantly expanded with businesses moving in. Today, the area is marked as a pedestrian zone with restaurants, teahouses, jewellery and trinket shops, retail, and the usual suite of modern western-restaurants, including Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s. I was previously in the area during the 2012 trip, but didn’t actually spend time in the temple bazaar – I spent the morning at the stunningly beautiful Yuyuan Garden.

Street leading into the bazaar
The restoration effort in the zone makes the place look quite upmarket and modern.
The afternoon was teeming with crowds, and law enforcement was visible. There were even a patrol of officers carrying shotguns. The zone is filled also with shops offering local snacks.
Gorgeous architecture!
The connecting bridge over the lotus pond was very crowded – , made worse by visitors who stopped to take pictures with selfies – that made getting from opposite sides of the pond really slow.
Pavilions and tea houses line surround the pond.
Tea house overlooking the pond.

I didn’t attempt a return visit to the Yuyuan Garden – one look at the crowds convinced me it was not worth the trouble. Next post on Shanghai city itself!