You step off Line 2 at Jing'An Temple station, take Exit 1, and the gold roofs of a Buddhist temple rise directly above a junction of glass-fronted malls. That contrast — incense and traffic, prayer wheels and luxury handbags — is the character of Jing'an in a single view.
The district suits travellers who want their sightseeing dense and walkable: a temple, a park, a museum and a stage all sit within a comfortable stretch of the same few streets. It also rewards anyone willing to slow down and watch how the city uses its public space.
This guide covers the sights and experiences in Jing'an that the source material names, with practical notes on timing and what to pair with what.
Top things to do in Jing'an
1. Jing'an Temple
A large Buddhist temple whose name translates as Temple of Peace and Tranquility. It is said to have been built in 247 CE, which makes it the oldest thing you are likely to see in the district and the natural anchor for a day here.
Reach it by taking Exit 1 of Jing'An Temple Metro Station on lines 2 and 7, which puts you at the entrance rather than hunting for it. Because the temple sits right on the metro, it works well as the first stop of the morning before the surrounding streets fill up.
2. Former residence of Chairman Mao Tse Tung
A small house in traditional style that housed Mao Tse Tung during his early days in the Chinese Communist Party, preserved as a very small museum. It is free to enter.
Part of what makes it worth the stop is its setting: the once humble home is now surrounded by one of Shanghai's most expensive shopping malls full of luxury shops and hotels. You will find it between the main Kerry Centre and the Shangri-la hotel, so it pairs naturally with a walk through that stretch.
3. Shanghai Natural History Museum
The museum sits at 510 Beijing West Road, close to the metro station of the same name on Line 1. It is the district's main indoor attraction and a sensible choice when the weather turns.
It opens 08:50–17:15 and is closed on Mondays except during Golden Weeks; tickets are sold from 08:40 to 16:30. Standard adult admission is ¥30, with ¥25 for visitors aged 60 to 69 and ¥12 for children over 1.3 metres in height and full-time university students; persons aged over 70 and children under 1.3 metres in height are admitted free. Arrive near opening if you want time without the crowds.
4. Jing'an Park
A public park with a lake and walkways, and a good place to see older Chinese people practice their dancing. It is the easiest spot in the district to simply sit and watch the city at leisure.
If you play Chinese board games — Chinese chess (xiangqi) or Go (weiqi) — there are often games going on in the Southeast corner of the park. Go there if you want to join in rather than just watch.
5. Shanghai Acrobatics Show
All the impressive acts of a Chinese circus packed into one 90-minute show, staged at 1376 West Nanjing Lu inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel building. Tickets run about ¥150.
The location is easy to walk by, since the theater is hidden inside a hotel, so keep an eye out for the address. Tickets are best bought in advance, especially for weekend shows, and the good acts are up right from the start, so do not be late. An alternative is the Shanghai Circus in Zhabei.
6. Jing'an Sculpture Park
An outdoor space for sculpture, found where Beijing Lu West meets Shimen Lu. It is a straightforward add-on to a walk along Beijing West Road rather than a destination in itself.
Because it sits at a junction rather than behind a gate, it fits easily between other stops on the same road. Combine it with the Shanghai Natural History Museum, which is also on Beijing West Road.
7. Shanghai Exhibition Centre
Also known as the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building, this is a landmark from the 1950s, when it was the tallest building in Shanghai at 110 m. The architecture is the reason to come.
Treat it as a look-and-walk-by stop rather than a full visit, and fold it into a wander through the surrounding streets.
8. EVA Statue
At No. 1056, Wanrong Road stands a 25.06-metre-tall EVA Unit-01 statue, modelled after the mecha from the Japanese anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. It is a free, permanent landmark.
It is a quick stop rather than a half-day, so slot it in when you are already moving through that part of the district. It is the one item on this list aimed squarely at anime fans.
9. Jade Buddha Temple
A small temple with some remarkable statues, often reached via Jing'an and sometimes described as being in this district. It actually sits just across the border into Putuo.
Go only if you are happy to cross into the neighbouring district, and check that article for the details. It is worth knowing about so you are not surprised to find it outside Jing'an proper.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Jing'an Temple, arriving via Exit 1 of Jing'An Temple Metro Station on lines 2 and 7. From there, walk to the Former residence of Chairman Mao Tse Tung between the main Kerry Centre and the Shangri-la hotel, and take in the contrast between the small traditional house and the luxury shopping around it.
Afternoon: Head to the Shanghai Natural History Museum at 510 Beijing West Road, close to the metro station of the same name on Line 1 — but not on a Monday, when it is closed except during Golden Weeks. On the way, or afterwards, stop at Jing'an Sculpture Park where Beijing Lu West meets Shimen Lu. Finish the daylight hours in Jing'an Park, watching the dancing and, if you play, looking for xiangqi or weiqi games in the Southeast corner.
Evening: Take in the Shanghai Acrobatics Show at 1376 West Nanjing Lu, inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel building. Buy your ticket in advance, particularly for a weekend, and arrive before the start so you do not miss the opening acts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Jing'an Temple?
Take Exit 1 of Jing'An Temple Metro Station, which is served by lines 2 and 7.
Is the Former residence of Chairman Mao Tse Tung free to visit?
Yes. It is preserved as a very small museum and entry is free.
When is the Shanghai Natural History Museum closed?
It is closed on Mondays, except during Golden Weeks. It opens 08:50–17:15, with tickets sold from 08:40 to 16:30.
Do I need to book the Shanghai Acrobatics Show in advance?
Tickets are best bought in advance, especially for weekend shows, and the theater is hidden inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel building, so the entrance is easy to walk past.
Pick your dates, check the Monday closure at the museum, and build your Jing'an days around the temple and the park.