Shouan Temple: A Journey Blessed by the Millennium-Old Ginkgo Trees on Chongming Island

The change of the temple's name—an eternal wish for peace and tranquility.
The name "Shou'an Temple" embodies the island's residents' deep longing for peace and well-being. The temple was originally founded by the monks Mo and Chou, and initially named "Fu'an Temple," meaning abundance and health. Later, in the first year of the Baoyou era of the Song Dynasty (1253), Emperor Lizong of Song bestowed the plaque "Yongfu Shou'an Temple," and the temple's name was changed to "Shou'an Temple." The characters "Shou" (longevity) and "An" (peace) precisely express the most basic and intense desire of the people of Chongming, situated at the confluence of the river and the sea and frequently facing the dangers of storms, for long life and tranquility. This has made the temple closely linked to the fate of the islanders since its inception.

Ups and downs of time: The legend of a temple that moved with the island
The history of Shou'an Temple is remarkably synchronized with the geographical changes of Chongming Island, a tenacious epic of "the temple following the island's movement, repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt."
- The temple was founded in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty: It was built in Dongsha in 1242, but was later destroyed by wind and tide. In the fifth year of the Yuan Dynasty's Yanyou era (1318), it was moved to its current location and rebuilt, and its incense offerings gradually increased.
- The Ming and Qing Dynasties and the scenic spot of "Jin'ao Mountain": During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, in order to defend against Japanese pirates, earth was piled up behind the temple to build a mountain, which resembled a giant turtle lying on the ground, hence the name "Jin'ao Mountain". Pavilions and towers were built, forming a unique garden landscape of "the temple leaning against the mountain and the mountain supporting the temple". Literati and poets wrote poems about it endlessly, making it a famous scenic spot.
- Modern vicissitudes and contemporary restoration: After the late Qing Dynasty, the temple and Jin'ao Mountain garden gradually fell into disrepair. In 1982, the government allocated funds for a large-scale restoration of Shou'an Temple and Jin'ao Mountain, restoring the "Eight Scenic Spots of Jin'ao Mountain". The ancient temple was able to resume its religious activities and garden tour functions, becoming an important cultural heritage and tourist destination in Chongming.

In-depth understanding: Explore more famous historical temples in China >> [Shanghai Yunxiang Temple]

Nature's Creation—A Tribute to a Thousand Years of Life
The most moving natural wonder of Shouan Temple is a living cultural relic that has traversed a long period of time.

The Millennium-Old Ginkgo Tree "King": The Crown of Ginkgo Trees in Jiangnan
The ancient ginkgo tree standing before the main hall of the temple is over a thousand years old and is truly the "King of Ginkgo Trees" in Shanghai. Nearly 30 meters tall, its trunk requires several people to encircle, its branches strong and vigorous like dragons, and its canopy like clouds. In spring and summer, its lush green shade provides ample shade, brimming with vitality; in late autumn (mid-November to early December), the tree is ablaze with golden leaves, falling like butterflies to create a tapestry of color, a truly magnificent and awe-inspiring sight. It is not merely a tree, but a silent witness to the vicissitudes of Shou'an Temple's history, revered by the island's inhabitants as a "sacred tree" protecting the region.

Jin'ao Mountain Garden: A secluded Jiangnan landscape hidden behind the temple
The temple blends seamlessly with the Jin'ao Mountain Park behind it. Although the mountain isn't high, its pavilions, terraces, towers, pavilions, ponds, bridges, and artificial hills are exquisitely arranged, offering ever-changing scenery with every step. The park boasts the "Eight Views of Jin'ao Mountain," such as "Green Water Surrounding the Pavilion" and "New Willows on the Long Embankment," all brimming with poetic charm. Climbing to the "Zhenhai Pagoda" or "Dayou Pavilion" at the summit offers panoramic views of the vast Yangtze River, with a refreshing breeze on your face, bringing a sense of tranquility and peace.

Humanistic Ingenuity: The Beauty of Ancient Bells, Incense Burners, and Architecture
The cultural relics and buildings within the temple bear witness to a rich history and exquisite craftsmanship.

A Giant Bronze Bell from the Ming Dynasty: A Buddhist Chant Transcending Time
- The giant bronze bell, hanging in the bell tower, was cast during the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1624) and weighs approximately 1300 kilograms. Its powerful and resonant sound can be heard for miles. When struck, its sound is deep and resonant, earning it the name "Golden Turtle Bell." It is one of the "treasures of Shou'an Temple" and a rare large Ming Dynasty Buddhist bell in the Shanghai area.

"Buddha's Sun Shines Brighter" Stone Incense Burner and Jade Buddha
In front of the main hall stands a massive stone incense burner inscribed with "The Sun Shines Brighter on the Buddha," exquisitely carved and a precious antique. In addition, the temple houses a jade seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha from Myanmar, its dignified countenance adding another precious relic to the ancient temple.

The architectural layout of "temple and mountain in one"
The architectural complex of Shou'an Temple (including the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Great Buddha Hall) and the garden landscape of Jin'ao Mountain (including the Zhenhai Pagoda, Qingliang Cave, and Deyue Bridge) are cleverly integrated to create a unique tour experience of "temple in front, garden behind, and mountain view of the temple." This layout is distinctive among temples in the Jiangnan region.

Photography Tips:
The best spot to photograph the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree: From the plaza directly in front of the main hall, look up at the majestic ancient tree, especially spectacular in autumn when its leaves are ablaze with gold. You can also try composing a shot that includes the ancient tree alongside the eaves of the hall.
Jin'ao Mountain Overlooking View: Climb Zhenhai Pagoda or the mountaintop platform to capture a panoramic view of the temple nestled among green trees, with the vast Yangtze River waterway in the background.
Garden details: Focusing on the classical garden features, couplets and stone carvings, and pavilions and reflections within Jin'ao Mountain, capturing the exquisite charm of Jiangnan gardens.
Close-up of cultural relics: Under the premise of permission and without using flash, photograph the details of the patterns on the Ming Dynasty bronze bell and the carvings on the stone incense burner.

Five Must-Do Things to Unlock the Complete Shoanji Temple Tour
1. Engage in a dialogue across time with the thousand-year-old ginkgo "King of Trees".
- Core Experience: Stand quietly or walk around the ancient ginkgo tree. Touch its mottled bark, look up at its towering canopy, and feel the eight hundred years of wind and rain and faith it has carried as a living organism. This is the most ritualistic pilgrimage.
2. Climb Jin'ao Mountain and seek out the poetic beauty of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Aoshan".
- Explore the Garden: Enter Jin'ao Mountain Park from the path behind the temple. Follow the map to visit attractions such as "Green Water Surrounding Pavilion" and "New Willows on the Long Embankment". Climb to the highest point and stand on the railing of "Dayou Pavilion" or "Zhenhai Pagoda" to look out over the Yangtze River and feel the river breeze and sea charm.
3. Listen to the distant echoes of an ancient bronze bell.
- Hearing the Sound of Enlightenment: If you happen to be there when the temple bell is ringing, listen attentively to the sound of the Ming Dynasty bell that has traveled through nearly four hundred years. The deep, resonant sound of the bell echoes between the temple and the mountains and forests, possessing the power to cleanse the soul.
4. Take a tranquil walk within the integrated landscape of temple and mountain.
- Unique Route: Experience a seamless transition from the solemn and dignified Buddhist temples to the tranquil and elegant mountain pavilions. This rhythm of "entering seclusion from stillness and gazing into the distance from a high place" is itself a Zen-like practice that relaxes both body and mind.
5. Jointly explore Chongming Confucian Temple to understand the island's cultural heritage.
- Cultural Extension: Shou'an Temple is the "Buddhist lineage" of Chongming Island, while the nearby Chongming Confucian Temple (one of only three remaining Confucian temples in Shanghai) is the island's "cultural lineage." Visiting both together allows for a more complete understanding of Chongming Island's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Suggested tour routes
Half-day "Essential Tranquility" Tour (Core Experience):
Arrive at 9:00 AM → Enter Shou'an Temple through the mountain gate and visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings → Pay homage to the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree king in front of the Mahavira Hall and visit the jade Buddha inside the hall → Head to the bell tower to admire the giant bronze bell from the Ming Dynasty → Enter Jin'ao Mountain Park through the back gate of the temple, climb the mountain along the main road, visit the main pavilions, and enjoy the panoramic view from the top → Exit from the other exit of the park to end the tour.

A one-day in-depth tour of Chongming's culture and ecology (highly recommended):
- Morning: Visit Shou'an Temple and Jin'ao Mountain Park to deeply experience the charm of the temple and mountain as one.
- Lunch: Enjoy Chongming's specialty farm dishes in Chengqiao Town, such as Chongming goat, white goat, golden melon, and old white wine.
- Afternoon: Choose any of the following directions:
- Option 1 (History and Culture): Visit Chongming Confucian Temple to learn about the history of education and Confucian culture on Chongming Island.
- Option 2 (Natural Ecology): Drive to Dongping National Forest Park (approximately 30 minutes by car), cycle and stroll in the largest plain forest in East China, breathe in pure oxygen, and experience the green charm of Chongming as an ecological island.

IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.
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How to get there: Island exploration across the Yangtze River
To reach Shou'an Temple on Chongming Island, one must cross the river.
- Self-driving (most flexible recommendation):
- From downtown Shanghai, take the Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge (G40 Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway) directly to Chenjia Town on Chongming Island, then continue along Chenhai Highway and Gulangyu Road to Shouan Temple in Chengqiao Town. The entire journey takes about 1.5-2 hours. This is the most convenient and flexible way.
- Public transportation (ferry + bus):
1. Take a passenger ferry from Shidongkou Wharf or Wusong Wharf in Baoshan District to Nanmen Port on Chongming Island.
2. After disembarking, transfer to a bus (such as the Nantong Special Line or the Nandong Special Line) to either the "Shou'an Temple" or "Jin'aoshan Park" stop. The entire journey takes a relatively long time, approximately 2.5-3 hours, but you can experience the scenery of the Yangtze River ferry.
- Shenchong Line Bus: At hub stations such as Wenshui Road and Science and Technology Museum in the city center, there is a "Shenchong Line" bus that goes directly to Chongming Island, where you can then transfer to a bus within the island.

Best time to visit
Shouan Temple can be visited in all seasons, but it reaches its peak beauty in late autumn due to the ancient ginkgo trees.
- Late autumn golden season (mid-to-late November to early December): The thousand-year-old ginkgo leaves turn golden and the fallen leaves carpet the ground, making it the most beautiful and unmissable time of the year, with an excellent experience for photography and viewing.
- Spring and autumn (March-May, September-October): The climate is comfortable, and Jin'aoshan Park is lush with greenery or showing early signs of autumn, making it suitable for hiking and strolling.
- Summer (June-August): The temples and forests are relatively shady, but the weather is hot, so it is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening. Take precautions against mosquitoes.
- Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, allowing you to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple. Although the ginkgo leaves have fallen, the vigorous lines of the branches still possess a unique charm.

Etiquette and Practical Information
- Tickets: A park ticket is required to enter Jin'aoshan Park (including Shou'an Temple). The price is affordable (around 10 yuan, subject to actual announcement).
- Opening hours: The park is usually open from 8:00 to 16:30, and the temple's opening hours are the same or slightly shorter.
- Temple Etiquette:
1. Dress neatly: When entering the temple area, avoid wearing overly revealing clothing.
2. Maintain silence: Please do not make loud noises inside the hall.
3. Protect ancient trees: Please do not climb or carve on the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, and work together to protect this living cultural relic.
4. Be a civilized tourist: Please protect the environment in parks and temples and do not litter.

IntoTravelChina Service Recommendations:
Chongming Island is vast, with attractions scattered across the island. Driving or hiring a car is key to an efficient tour. Through us, we can arrange comfortable transportation and provide professional guides familiar with Chongming's history and ecology, allowing you to delve into the story behind Shou'an Temple and the island's development. For travelers seeking a more immersive experience, we can also book unique guesthouses on the island and arrange eco-activities such as fruit picking and cycling. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Shouan Temple is an excellent starting point for exploring the rich history and culture of Chongming Island, and can be easily connected with other distinctive attractions on the island.

- Chongming Central Cultural and Ecological One-Day Itinerary: Shou'an Temple & Jin'ao Mountain (historical culture) → Chongming Confucian Temple (Confucian culture) → Dongping National Forest Park (forest ecology). This is the most classic one-day tour combination in Chongming.
- Chongming Dongtan Wetland Birdwatching One-Day Itinerary: Shou'an Temple (morning cultural activities) → Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve for Birds (afternoon birdwatching, reservation required, best season is spring and autumn migratory bird season). Suitable for nature lovers.
- Chongming Panoramic Leisure Two-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart from the city center → Dongping National Forest Park (cycling, camping) → Check into a guesthouse near the park or a characteristic guesthouse.
- Day 2: Shouan Temple & Jin'ao Mountain → Xisha Wetland & Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area (watch the tides and admire the reeds) → Return trip. >>Contact us to customize the above related itinerary

The story of Shou'an Temple is about an island's prayer for tranquility, an ancient tree's memory of time, and a garden's vivid annotation of Zen. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese cultural travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Design in-depth travel routes focusing on Buddhist temples, ancient tree visits, or the ecology of Chongming Island according to your interests.
- One-stop service: Get cross-river transportation, island chartered cars, special accommodation, attraction tickets and professional explanations.
- Exclusive Experience: Arrange for a garden expert to explain the art of landscaping in Jin'ao Mountain, or guide you to capture the beautiful light and shadow of the thousand-year-old ginkgo biloba during the best season.

Let your trip to Shou'an Temple be more than a sightseeing, but also a quiet practice to feel the historical precipitation and natural vitality at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
> Start planning your journey today
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