




View all photos









Shanghai Sacred Private Taoism and Zen Tour
Product code 5578572P18
From
From USD 160
Dates
Available from Jul 1, 2026
Start times
9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 9:00 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 0-2, Child ages 3-11, Adult ages 12-90
Options
Shanghai Sacred Journey: Taoism & Zen Tour
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
6 hours to 8 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Zh Cn, French, Spanish
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 160
Shanghai Sacred Private Taoism and Zen Tour





View all photos





Duration
6 hours to 8 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Zh Cn, French, Spanish
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Why Travelers Love This
Many temple tours focus on seeing as many sites as possible. Shanghai Sacred Journey takes a different approach. Rather than rushing through landmarks, this experience is intentionally designed to help you slow down and engage with living traditions through meaningful rituals, mindful moments, and genuine cultural encounters. Every activity has been carefully selected to create lasting memories—not simply photographs.
Overview
Many temple tours focus on seeing as many sites as possible. Shanghai Sacred Journey takes a different approach. Rather than rushing through landmarks, this experience is intentionally designed to help you slow down and engage with living traditions through meaningful rituals, mindful moments, and genuine cultural encounters. Every activity has been carefully selected to create lasting memories—not simply photographs.
What's Included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Not included
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
1 hour 15 minutesAdmission included
Stop 1
Begin your journey at Shanghai's historic Taoist temple, where local traditions have been practiced for centuries. Learn about Taoist philosophy, incense rituals, the City God's role in Chinese folk beliefs, and the symbolism behind traditional worship. Participate in an authentic fortune-stick divination ceremony, followed by a personalized English interpretation covering themes such as career, relationships, health, and personal growth. Enjoy time to wander the peaceful courtyards and observe local worshippers before continuing your journey.
Stop 2
2 hoursAdmission included
Stop 2
Continue to Shanghai's oldest Buddhist monastery, home to more than 1,700 years of history. Explore its magnificent pagoda, traditional temple halls, ancient gardens, and peaceful meditation courtyards while learning about the foundations of Chinese Zen Buddhism. Following lunch, take part in one of the day's most meaningful experiences: copying passages from the Heart Sutra using traditional Chinese brush, ink, and rice paper. More than an art form, this meditative practice has been cherished for centuries as a way to cultivate focus and inner calm. You'll take your completed calligraphy home as a personal keepsake. Enjoy some free time to sit quietly, stroll beneath the ancient trees, or simply appreciate the tranquil atmosphere before departing.
Stop 3
45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 3
Enjoy an authentic vegetarian temple lunch inspired by Buddhist culinary traditions. Your guide will introduce the "Five Contemplations"—a centuries-old mindfulness practice observed before every meal.
Stop 4
1 hour 10 minutesAdmission included
Stop 4
Conclude your experience at one of Shanghai's most celebrated Buddhist temples. Admire the exquisite Burmese white jade Buddha statues and learn how Buddhism spread across Asia through centuries of cultural exchange. Visit the temple's beloved rescued cats, cared for by the resident monks and temple community, and discover the Buddhist value of compassion toward all living beings. Complete your final cultural activity by creating your own traditional Chinese stone-rubbing artwork featuring classic Buddhist or lotus motifs—a unique handmade souvenir to remember your day. Afterwards, relax during your private transfer back to your hotel.
Additional Info
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Pets Welcome
Service animals allowed
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infant Seats Available
Specialized infant seats are available
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Similar Attractions
ViatorYu Garden (Yuyuan)
4.9 (6888 reviews)
Available experiences
626
Free attractionThe Bund (Waitan)
4.9 (6971 reviews)
Available experiences
368
Free attractionShanghai Old City (Nanshi)
4.7 (1939 reviews)
Available experiences
290
ViatorJade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)
4.8 (3053 reviews)
Available experiences
281
Free attractionZhujiajiao
4.9 (3384 reviews)
Available experiences
253
Free attractionNanjing Road (Nanjing Lu)
4.9 (3062 reviews)
Available experiences
250