Located along the Central Canal (Beida/Caohe) near the historic Taian Bridge, Chenghuang Temple has served as the spiritual protector of Zhujiajiao for over 400 years. Dedicated to Chenghuang Ye - the Taoist "City God" who judges the souls of the deceased and protects the living, this temple is one of the most atmospheric religious sites in Shanghai`s water towns.
Built during the late Ming Dynasty (early 17th century), it remains an active place of worship and a window into Chinese folk religious traditions.
Architecture of Chenghuang Temple: The Grandeur of the Ming Era
The temple complex combines Ming and Qing architectural styles, with a layout that harmonizes with the canal`s flow:
• Main Gate (Shanmen): A stone archway with carved clouds and dragons, symbolizing the boundary between earthly and divine realms.
• Front Hall (Qian Dian): Houses statues of Two Generals - Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong, fierce protectors who ward off evil spirits. The wooden dougong brackets have been preserved since the 17th century.
Main Hall (Zhengyi Dian): The sacred heart of the temple where Chenghuang Ye is enthroned.
• Exquisitely carved wooden altars with gilded lotuses,
• Frescoes of the Underworld depicting the 10 Courts of Hell,
• An elevated throne for the deity`s statue.
Rear Courtyard: A cozy garden with a sacred ginkgo tree (planted in 1632) and a stone stele recounting the temple`s history. The complex covers 800 sq. meters, with the main hall reaching 9 meters in height. Its curved roofs with black tiles are designed to "collect" auspicious qi energy from the canal.
Divine Pantheon: Statues and Symbolism
The temple`s sculptures are masterpieces of Ming Dynasty religious art:
Chenghuang Ye (City God)
• Life-sized wooden statue (1.8m),
• Dressed in embroidered Qing Dynasty robes,
• Holds a judgment scroll listing sins,
• Flanked by two assistants: "Mr. Baida" (recording good deeds) and "Mr. Heibai" (recording evil deeds).
Guardians of the Underworld
Ox-Head and Horse-Face: Terrifying enforcers who drag sinners to hell,
Heibai Wuchang: Spirits of "Black and White Impermanence" who collect souls.
Earthly Protectors
• Tu Di Gong: The kind-hearted "Earth God" at the entrance,
• Caishen: God of Wealth in a side hall for merchants` prayers.
Dragon King. A unique blue-glazed statue in the rear hall, worshiping the deity of Dianpu River.
Neighboring Bridge: Taian
Located 10 meters west of the temple stands Taian Bridge - a single-arch stone bridge from the Qing Dynasty (1709), complementing the temple`s spiritual role:
• Height: 4.5 meters - allows boats to pass during rituals,
• Carved symbols: Lotuses (purity) and swastikas (eternity) on parapets,
• Legend: Crossing the bridge after praying at the temple is believed to "wash away sins."
Stele of Divine Decrees
The temple courtyard houses a 2.5-meter tall stone stele (erected in 1654) bearing inscriptions:
• A decree from the Jade Emperor affirming Chenghuang Ye`s authority
• List of donors from the Ming-Qing transition period
• Warnings against corruption (hinting at the god`s role as moral judge)
• The stele`s base features tortoiseshell patterns - a symbol of longevity
Historical Timeline of Chenghuang Temple
• 1604: Temple founded to "pacify" spirits after floods
• 1645: Survived the Qing conquest; became refuge for Ming loyalists
• 1862: Destroyed during Taiping Rebellion, rebuilt through donations
• 1987: Restoration following damage
• 2011: Designated as a Shanghai Cultural Heritage Site
Temple`s Unique Features of Chenghuang Temple
Unlike larger urban Chenghuang Temples, this modest riverside sanctuary offers:
• Authentic exorcism rituals (performed monthly by Taoist priests)
• "Hell money" burning pits for offerings
• An authentic Ming-era "Book of Judgment" displayed in the main hall
Visit at 8 AM for morning prayers or during the Chenghuang Festival (April/May) when the deity`s statue is paraded across Taian Bridge. Local secret: rubbing the bronze tiger statue at the entrance is believed to grant courage.
This temple is more than a museum - it`s where Zhujiajiao`s living history, spiritual beliefs, and waterscape intertwine. The temple`s orientation ensures the first spring sunlight illuminates Chenghuang Ye`s face - an architectural marvel from the Ming era.
