The Wanfo Pavilion has a history of over 600 years. It was originally constructed before the Ming Dynasty and is now one of the larger Buddhist nunneries in Shanghai. After reconstruction, the temple consists of the Heavenly Kings Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower. There is also a Dharma circulation office and a vegetarian restaurant within the temple compound. Devotees and visitors can purchase Buddhist items and enjoy vegetarian cuisine.
Legend has it that in 1386 AD (the 19th year of the Hongwu Emperor’s reign), the Duke of Xin and Grand General Tang He oversaw the construction of the Fengcheng city walls to defend against pirate invasions. The originally small rural temple of Wanfo Pavilion was rebuilt on the spot within the Moon City Bay at the North Gate. Hence, there is a local saying: ‘There was Wanfo Pavilion before there was Fengcheng Town.’
Through the vicissitudes of history, the current Wanfo Pavilion comprises the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. An elevator is installed inside, creating a layout where halls are nested within halls. It exudes solemnity, grandeur, and a lingering Buddhist charm.
The temple is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM all year round.
