Jade Buddha Temple & Old Town Shanghai Private Tour

You'll write a Buddhist prayer in calligraphy inside the temple's tranquil chamber.

A private 3-hour tour of Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple and Old Town bazaar with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide. You explore the temple's chambers and two famous jade Buddha statues, sit for a traditional Chinese calligraphy session writing the "heart sutra," then walk the Nine Zigzag Bridge through the Qing-Dynasty architecture of Old Town, where you can browse local markets for souvenirs and optionally join a tea ceremony at your own expense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Jade Buddha Temple and Old Town Bazaar

• Hotel pick up by local guide
• Explore Jade Buddha Temple chambers
• Admire two pure Jade Buddha statues
• Learn about local religious culture
• Experience traditional Chinese calligraphy
• Walk through Old Town Bazaar
• Shop for souvenirs and local wares
• Optional tea ceremony experience
• Drop off at downtown Shanghai hotel

The experience

Your guide picks you up at your downtown Shanghai hotel and takes you first to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most authentic Buddhist temples among locals. You spend time exploring the different chambers, examining the two fabulous Buddha statues carved from pure Burmese jade, and learning how locals practice their religious culture and customs. The temple holds pieces that are known worldwide for their craftsmanship and rarity.

After the temple tour, you sit in a tranquil chamber and try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy, writing the "heart sutra" from Buddhist wisdom. This is not a demonstration. You hold the brush and practice the strokes yourself, guided by the experience. Then your guide takes you to Old Town bazaar, also known as "China Town," built with traditional Qing-Dynasty architecture. You walk the lucky Nine Zigzag Bridge and explore the unique vibes of old Shanghai. The bazaar markets sell handicrafts, antiques, jade, pearls, and silk. If you want, you can arrange a tea ceremony at your own expense and sample high-quality local tea. Your guide drops you back at your downtown hotel or another location you request.

What’s included

• Private guide services in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai.
• local transportation (a premium Uber for groups of 1–4 people, or an air-conditioned minivan for larger groups).
• access to the Jade Buddha Temple and Old Town bazaar.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning DepartureGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 12:00The price covers a great guide, pickup from and return to your hotel, a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, and a calligraphy experience at the temple. Pickup is included.

Afternoon DepartureGuide in English · 12:30, 13:00 and 13:30The price covers a great guide, pickup from and return to your hotel, a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, and a calligraphy experience at the temple. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:30

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunny Private Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to explore the temple before the crowds build, or the afternoon slot if you prefer to start your day elsewhere in Shanghai. Either way, the private guide and included transport mean you don't navigate the city on your own or wait for a group to assemble.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly are the two Jade Buddha statues I'll see at the temple?

The Jade Buddha Temple houses two famous Buddha statues carved from pure Burmese jade. They are known worldwide for their rarity and the quality of the jade used, and they are among the most impressive artworks and relics in the temple.

Do I get to try calligraphy myself, or just watch?

You write calligraphy yourself. You'll sit in a tranquil chamber of the temple and practice traditional Chinese calligraphy by writing the "heart sutra," a Buddhist prayer, guided by your experience.

What is the Nine Zigzag Bridge in Old Town?

The Nine Zigzag Bridge is a famous landmark in Old Town bazaar, also called "China Town." It's part of the traditional Qing-Dynasty architecture complex, and walking it is considered lucky. You'll cross it as you explore the old Shanghai atmosphere and the local markets.

Will my hotel pickup be included if I'm staying outside downtown Shanghai?

Hotel pickup is included only for hotels in downtown Shanghai. If your hotel is in outlying areas like Jiading, Songjiang, Qingpu, Jinqiao, or Chuansha in Pudong, your guide will give you instructions to meet at a downtown meeting point instead.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. You can book either the morning departure or the afternoon departure at checkout, depending on which fits your schedule better.