A Journey Through Millennia of Tang Dynasty Charm! Immersive Experience at Baoshan Temple in Shanghai

The most unexpected highlight of this trip to Shanghai was discovering Baoshan Temple, hidden in Luodian Town. This ancient temple, originally built in the sixth year of the Ming Zhengde era, is the only one in the country constructed entirely with African red rosewood using traditional mortise-and-tenon joints—without a single nail. Remarkably, it has stood strong for over 500 years and is hailed as a masterpiece worthy of the "Luban Prize" in architecture! Stepping through the temple gate, I was immediately awestruck by the grandeur of its Late Tang Dynasty palace-style design. A bridge over the lotus pond draws the eye, leading to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, where a serene, gold-leafed bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha gazes downward. The lifelike statues of the Four Heavenly Kings further enhance the majestic atmosphere. Crossing the vermilion steps, the Mahavira Hall emerges with its soaring eaves supported by intricate dougong brackets, resembling wings ready to take flight. Inside, the radiant statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra shine brilliantly, while the "Assembly of the Sea of Clouds" mural behind them transports visitors into a mystical Buddhist realm. The most stunning feature is the temple's all-wood construction details: the "double-layered, three-step, eight-bracket" Tang Dynasty dougong technique is meticulously preserved, even in the corner brackets with their bamboo-split design. Walking through the corridors, sunlight filters through the lattice windows, blending harmoniously with the curling incense smoke to create a serene symphony of Zen. If you ever visit Shanghai, don't miss this hidden "Tang Dynasty gem" in the city!