Hidden Temples & Zen Gardens
- 1 Day
- Maximum Capacity: 8
Adult
Child
Description
Hidden Temples & Zen Gardens Find silence in the city that never sleeps.
Escape the bustle of Shanghai with a half-day journey into tranquility. This tour explores the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks—Jing’an Temple, Jade Buddha Temple—and hidden Zen gardens, paired with a traditional gongfu tea ceremony. Led by a local cultural guide, you’ll discover ancient rituals, serene courtyards, and moments of mindfulness, all in a small group (max 8) for an intimate experience. Perfect for seekers of peace, culture lovers, and anyone craving a calm pause in their urban adventure.
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
1~8
Language
ALL
Highlights
- Jing’an Temple Morning: Witness golden rooftops glowing at dawn, catch resident monks’ morning chants (if timing allows), and learn the temple’s 1,700-year history.
- Jade Buddha Temple Treasures: Marvel at the 1.9-meter Burmese jade Buddha (one of Shanghai’s most sacred artifacts) and explore halls with prayer wheels and ancient calligraphy.
- Secret Zen Garden: Wander a hidden Suzhou-style garden behind old alleyways—featuring rock formations, lotus ponds, and pavilions rarely visited by tourists.
- Gongfu Tea Ceremony: Master the art of brewing three classic teas (longjing, oolong, pu’er) in a bamboo-lined teahouse, paired with sesame cakes and meditation tips.
- Cultural Insights: Learn temple etiquette (incense lighting, respectful photography) from an English-speaking guide with Buddhist studies background.
Included
- English-speaking cultural guide (specialized in Buddhist & Taoist traditions)
- Entrance tickets to Jing’an Temple and Jade Buddha Temple
- Gongfu tea experience (3 teas + sesame snacks)
- Incense sticks (for temple offerings)
- Bottled water + reflection card souvenir
Excluded
- Transportation to/from meeting point (guide provides metro tips: Jing’an Temple Station, Line 2/7)
- Lunch (optional vegetarian meal available nearby)
- Personal expenses (e.g., additional tea purchases)
- Travel insurance or gratuities (optional)
Travel Itinerary
08:30 - Meet at Jing’an Temple Entrance
Gather at the temple’s ornate gates as the first rays hit its golden rooftops. Your guide shares how this ancient site survived Shanghai’s modernization.
09:00 - Morning Chanting & Meditation Walk
Step into the courtyard. If timing aligns, listen to monks’ morning chants (7:00–9:00 daily). Light incense (included) and walk mindfully through halls with Buddha statues and mural art.
10:00 - Jade Buddha Temple Core Visit
Travel to this iconic temple. Focus on the main hall’s 1.9m jade Buddha (carved in 1882) and explore side halls with prayer wheels, thangka paintings, and a collection of Buddhist scriptures.
11:00 - Hidden Zen Garden Stroll
A 10-minute walk leads to a tucked-away garden—think winding paths, bamboo groves, and a lily pond. Your guide explains how such gardens reflect Taoist principles of balance.
11:30 - Gongfu Tea Experience
Settle into a teahouse with silk cushions. Learn to brew tea using traditional tools (clay teapot, fairness cup), taste three varieties, and hear stories of tea’s role in Chinese spirituality. Sesame snacks included.
12:30 - Farewell & Reflection
Conclude with a gratitude circle. Receive reflection cards with mindfulness prompts and tips for visiting other quiet spots in Shanghai. Optional: join a vegetarian lunch at a nearby temple kitchen (~$8, self-pay).
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour religious?
No. It focuses on cultural history, architecture, and mindfulness practices—all accessible regardless of personal beliefs.
How much walking is involved?
Total distance: ~2.5 km on flat paths, with shaded breaks. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Can I take photos inside the temples?
Yes, but avoid flash (disrespectful to worshippers). Your guide will indicate restricted areas.
Is this suitable for young kids?
Best for ages 10+. The calm setting may feel long for younger children, but teens often enjoy the tea ceremony.
Do I need to dress modestly?
Yes—shoulders and knees covered (no short shorts/skirts). Scarves available on request.
What if I’m late to the meeting point?
Meet your guide inside Jing’an Temple (entrance hall) by 09:15. Call/msg the guide’s number (provided post-booking) for directions.
Can I skip the tea ceremony?
It’s a core part of the tour, but you can join the group later at the garden (11:00) if needed—just inform your guide in advance.
Tour Terms & Conditions
By submitting full payment, you agree to the following terms.
1. Definitions & General Guidelines
Booking: Your confirmed reservation for a tour package, including all services (accommodation, guides, workshops, meals, etc.).
Cancellation Request: A written notice (via email or online portal) to cancel your Booking.
Effective Cancellation Date: The date we receive and acknowledge your Cancellation Request.
Non-Refundable Costs: Third-party supplier charges (hotel deposits, tickets, etc.) that YiVoyage cannot recover.
2. Cancellation Policy & Refund Details
| Cancellation Window | Refund Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| > 30 days before departure | 95% of total package price | 5% processing fee retained. |
| 15–30 days before departure | 75% of total package price minus non-refundable costs | YiVoyage deducts any booked-for-you supplier costs. |
| 7–14 days before departure | 50% of total package price minus non-refundable costs | |
| < 7 days before departure | No cash refund | Option: travel credit equal to 25% of package, valid 12 months from issue date. |
3. Rescheduling & Modifications
A. Rescheduling (Change of Dates)
> 14 days before departure: free of charge, for travel within next 12 months.
7–14 days before departure: 10% change fee + any non-refundable supplier costs.
< 7 days before departure: not eligible; may receive 25% travel credit at YiVoyage’s discretion.
B. Partial Modifications
Changes to individual components (e.g., hotel upgrades) incur fees per supplier terms.
All modifications must be requested in writing and are subject to availability.
4. Exceptional Circumstances & Refund Exceptions
A. Force Majeure (natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, etc.)
Full refund or comparable reschedule at no extra cost.
B. Visa Rejection
70% refund if official visa denial letter is submitted ≥ 14 days before departure.
C. Medical Emergencies
Case-by-case evaluation; travel credit or refund may be offered upon receipt of medical documentation.
5. Cancellation & Refund Procedure
Submit your Cancellation Request in writing (fengyt1997@outlook.com) with booking reference, name, and reason.
Acknowledge: We will confirm receipt within 24 hours (business days).
Process: Refunds issued within 7–14 business days after Effective Cancellation Date.
Notify: You’ll receive an email detailing your refund amount (or travel credit) and processing timeline.
Deduction: Any non-refundable supplier charges will be deducted.
6. Payment Terms
100% payment due at booking.
We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and Alipay TourPass.
7. Included Travel Insurance
All tours include up to US $280,000 coverage for medical emergencies, accident, theft, and trip interruption.
8. Visas & Entry Requirements
Visa-Free: Eligible passport holders enjoy designated transit entry.
Tourist Visa (L-Visa): Others must secure a visa; YiVoyage assists but isn’t liable for denials or delays.
Passport Scan required ≥ 7 days before departure.
9. Itinerary Changes
YiVoyage may adjust schedules for safety or logistical reasons; equivalent alternatives provided whenever possible.
10. Personal Conduct & Liability
Guests must respect local laws and customs.
Misconduct endangering others may result in removal without refund.
11. Media Consent
You agree to YiVoyage’s use of trip photos/videos for marketing unless you opt out in writing before departure.
12. Contact & Support
24/7 English support:
fengyt1997@outlook.com
+86 18012612617 (WeChat/WhatsApp)
www.yivoyage.com
From$35.00
Book This Tour
Contact Information
Have a question in mind
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
You might also like
Travel is my life. Since 1999, I have been traveling around the world nonstop. If you also love travel, you are in the right place!
