Shanghai Confucius Temple
A serene sanctuary dedicated to Confucius, offering historical insights, a vibrant Sunday book market, and a tranquil tea house experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Book market & fewer crowds
Shanghai Confucius Temple
Best Time
Book market & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene sanctuary dedicated to Confucius, offering historical insights, a vibrant Sunday book market, and a tranquil tea house experience.
"A nice surprise in the middle of older neighborhood - hosts a used book market on Sundays."
🎯 Go early for quiet
Arrive before 7:30 AM on Sundays for the book market to have the temple grounds mostly to yourself. :sunrise:
📚 Sunday Book Market
Don't miss the used book market on Sundays until 3 PM for great finds and local culture. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Temple Hall
Central Courtyard
Experience the heart of the temple, a place of reverence and historical significance. Admire the architecture and soak in the scholarly atmosphere.
Used Book Market
Inner Courtyard (Sundays)
A vibrant Sunday market offering books, souvenirs, and local crafts. A fantastic spot for treasure hunting and experiencing local life.
Kui Statue
Temple grounds
Observe the stone statue whose forehead is polished to a mirror shine by students seeking good luck before exams.
Tea House
Temple grounds
Enjoy a serene tea experience, sampling various teas including unique Confucian blends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Understand the History for Deeper Appreciation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go early for quiet
Arrive before 7:30 AM on Sundays for the book market to have the temple grounds mostly to yourself. :sunrise:
📚 Sunday Book Market
Don't miss the used book market on Sundays until 3 PM for great finds and local culture. :books:
🎟️ Affordable Entry
A 10 RMB ticket grants full access to the temple and courtyards. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Wander through the older surrounding neighborhood for a glimpse of local life. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go early for quiet
Arrive before 7:30 AM on Sundays for the book market to have the temple grounds mostly to yourself. :sunrise:
📚 Sunday Book Market
Don't miss the used book market on Sundays until 3 PM for great finds and local culture. :books:
🎟️ Affordable Entry
A 10 RMB ticket grants full access to the temple and courtyards. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Wander through the older surrounding neighborhood for a glimpse of local life. :housewithgarden:
🍵 Try the Tea House
Enjoy a variety of teas, including special Confucian blends, in a tranquil setting. :tea:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shanghai Confucius Temple to be a well-maintained, affordable, and less crowded gem offering a slice of Chinese culture. The Sunday book market is a major draw, providing a lively atmosphere and unique finds. While some may find the guards a bit intimidating, the overall experience is highly positive, blending historical reverence with local vibrancy.
"When I went there, some renovation was going on, so I could not go inside. But from outside what so ever I could see... this is one of the most beautiful temple... I missed it... will cover in my next visit..."
Udayan Chattopadhyay
"Unlike northern counterparts, this temple's gray bricks absorb humidity, preventing mildew in Shanghai's damp climate. The ceremonial yueqin (moon guitar) in the music pavilion stays in tune despite temperature swings—its silk strings were woven with nanofiber coatings. Students still rub the stone kui statue's forehead before exams, polishing the granite to a mirror shine over centuries."
Arman Khachatryan
"A nice surprise in the middle of older neighborhood - hosts a used book market on Sundays.
We went to see the used book market and ended up with two enjoyable parts in one visit. We took the metro and walked to the temple following the phone map app, which took us through the older surrounding neighborhood. Everyone was friendly and one lady helped point us around the corner to the southern gate entrance. I've added pics of the neighborhood. If you want the full access then pay 10RMB, otherwise you can just go to the book market inside the inner courtyard. 10RMB lets you go into the temple as well as the other courtyards. If you go early for the book market (0730-1500) then you pretty much have the other areas to yourself. Go towards the temple and the guards will ask for your tickets. Most people think they cannot go up, but that us what your ticket paid for.
PROs
- Well maintained and off the main tourist route yet still easy to get to.
- Super cheap
- Friendly helpful guards
- beautiful artwork in back courtyards
- Used book market on Sunday mornings until 3pm. Great finds and deals to be made.
CONs
- Can be a little intimidating with a guard standing before the steps into the temple, but he's just there to make sure the market crowd doesn't spread out.
- Map apps can take you to other gates that are not open. Go to the southern gate on Wenmiao.
Enjoy both the market and the temple as a slice of Chinese culture!"
David Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shanghai Confucius Temple is accessible via the metro. Take Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station and walk, or Line 4/8 to Xizang South Road Station. Some map apps might direct you to other gates, so aim for the southern gate on Wenmiao Road for the main entrance.
While there are Confucius Temples in both Shanghai and Nanjing, this guide focuses on the one in Shanghai. Nanjing's Confucius Temple is part of the Qinhuai Scenic Area. 
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), you can take the Maglev train to Longyang Road Station and then transfer to the metro. From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), take the metro directly. Both will require further metro transfers to reach the temple.
Parking can be challenging in this older neighborhood. It's highly recommended to use public transportation like the metro to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Shanghai and can take you directly to the temple. Just provide the address or show it on your phone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Shanghai Confucius Temple is very affordable, typically around 10 RMB. This ticket grants access to the temple itself and the surrounding courtyards.
The temple is generally open daily, but it's important to note that it is closed on Thursdays. The used book market operates on Sundays until 3 PM.
Advance booking is usually not required for the Shanghai Confucius Temple, especially given its low entry fee. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
While generally open, there might be temporary restrictions during special events or if renovations are underway. It's always a good idea to check for any last-minute updates if possible.
You can typically access the used book market area within the inner courtyard without a full temple ticket, but purchasing the 10 RMB ticket allows you to explore the temple and other courtyards as well.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the main temple halls, admire the architecture, visit the tea house, and on Sundays, browse the bustling used book market. Students still practice the tradition of rubbing the Kui statue's forehead for good luck.
Compared to some of Shanghai's major attractions, the Confucius Temple is often described as less touristy, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience, especially on weekdays.
The Kui statue is a symbol of academic success. Students traditionally rub its forehead before exams, hoping for good fortune, which has polished the granite over centuries.
Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially in prayer areas.
The temple has courtyards and some areas with steps. While efforts are made to maintain the historical integrity, accessibility might be limited in certain sections.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a tea house within the temple grounds where you can enjoy various types of tea, including special Confucian blends.
The surrounding older neighborhood and nearby streets offer a variety of local eateries and street food options, allowing you to experience authentic Shanghai cuisine.
Dining options near the temple range from budget-friendly street food to more formal restaurants. You can find affordable and delicious local meals.
Absolutely. The tea house at the Confucius Temple specializes in traditional Chinese teas, including unique Confucian teas.
While specific vegetarian restaurants might not be directly within the temple, many local eateries in Shanghai offer vegetarian dishes. You can usually find vegetable-based stir-fries and noodle dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The main temple halls, the serene courtyards, the vibrant Sunday book market, and the traditional tea house offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Kui statue is also a unique subject.
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas and courtyards. Inside the main temple halls, it's best to be discreet and respectful, especially if services are ongoing.
Early mornings, especially on Sundays before the book market gets too busy, offer soft light and fewer people. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Avoid using flash photography directly at worshippers or inside dimly lit areas where it might be prohibited. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Yes, the book market is a lively scene and great for candid shots. However, always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the temple itself is a place of quiet reverence, the surrounding neighborhood offers more dynamic exploration. Consider combining your visit with a stroll through the older streets nearby, which can be more visually stimulating for younger children. Pack snacks and water, as dedicated children's facilities might be limited.
📚 Book Lovers & Culture Enthusiasts
The Sunday used book market is a paradise for book lovers. You can spend hours sifting through stacks of pre-loved books, potentially finding rare editions or interesting reads in various languages. The tea house also provides a perfect setting to enjoy a newly acquired book or simply soak in the scholarly atmosphere.
📸 Photographers
Aim for early morning visits to capture the temple in soft light with fewer crowds. The Sunday book market, while busy, offers dynamic street photography potential. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and ask permission before taking close-up portraits of individuals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Confucius Temples
Unlike many temples in more humid northern climates, the Shanghai Confucius Temple's construction materials, like its gray bricks, are designed to absorb moisture, preventing mildew. This architectural adaptation highlights the practical considerations in building in Shanghai's damp environment. The temple's music pavilion, for instance, features ceremonial 'yueqin' (moon guitars) with silk strings that remain in tune despite temperature fluctuations, a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship.
For visitors, understanding this historical context transforms the temple from a mere historical site into a living testament to centuries of scholarly pursuit and cultural values. The ongoing traditions, such as students rubbing the Kui statue's forehead for luck before exams, further connect the present to this rich past, making the visit more meaningful.
Experiencing the Sunday Book Market
Redditors often praise the market for its affordability and the thrill of bargaining. You can find everything from classic literature and academic texts to art books and children's stories. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with many locals browsing and chatting. It's a great place to pick up a unique memento of your trip or simply soak in the vibrant local scene.
To make the most of your visit, arrive early, especially if you're looking for specific items. The market can get crowded as the day progresses. Even if you're not buying, the energy and the visual spectacle of the market are well worth experiencing. Remember to be polite and respectful when browsing and bargaining.
The Serenity of the Temple Tea House
The tea house is known for its diverse selection of teas, including special 'Confucian teas' that are unique to this location. Visitors can enjoy a tasting experience, learning about different tea varieties and their preparation. The staff are often noted for their friendliness and willingness to explain the nuances of each tea, and some are able to communicate in English.
For a modest fee, you can sample several types of tea, making it an affordable yet enriching experience. It's a perfect way to unwind after exploring the temple and the book market, offering a moment of calm and cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit