247 Fangbang Zhonglu, near Anren Lu
21/6386-8649
HOURS: Daily 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: ¥5
METRO: Yu Garden (Line 10)
On March 28 each year, the City God Temple comes alive as people gather to venerate the three venerable figures who are worshiped here. The trio is made up of Huo Guang (a Han dynasty chancellor who died in 68 B.C.), Qin Yubo (a civil servant from the early 1300s), and Chen Huacheng, who defended Shanghai during the Opium Wars.
The worship of city gods is a tenet of old folk religion, but the temple is now run by Daoists. The building that stands today is a Ming Dynasty structure that was renovated in 2004. Its grand corniced roofs, decorated woodwork, and elaborate statues are a treat for the eyes.