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Hongde Temple

This church is built in a Chinese style and features a grey-brick interior and high wooden ceilings.

Adults: 4 Children: 0

TravelCurious Tip

Feel free to attend a service at the Hongde Temple. They are multi-denominational, although usually in Chinese

The unique Hongde Temple can be found on Duolun Road Cultural Street, near Lu Xun Park. This street is famous for having been home to many of China’s most famous 20th century writers. The golden age of the street was in the 20s and 30s when various members of the influential League of Left-Wing Writers lived there, including Lu Xun himself.

Lu Xun’s former residence is now in fact a museum, and its just one example of the fascinating architecture that lines this street. Chinese styles are blended with foreign ones, and you can spot elements of Islamic, Jewish and French architecture rubbing shoulders. Altogether, the styles on show along Duolun Road make for a striking timeline of 20th century Shanghai.

The Hondge Temple is a particular highlight. It’s rather unique, being a Christian church built in a Chinese style. It was built in 1928 in honour of George Field Fitch, a missionary from the USA who worked in China for more than 50 years. Unlike almost all churches in Shanghai, this one is built like a Chinese temple, and even has a Chinese style bell tower.

Nearby Attractions

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Formerly known as Hongkou Park, this is one of the city's most pleasant green spaces.

Duolun Road Cultural Street

This picturesque street was once the home of many of China's most famous writers.

Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

Expand your knowledge at this lesser known art museum focusing on experimental contemporary art.

Experience the joy of tasting Jianbing (egg pancake), one of China's best-kept culinary secrets.

Scallion Pancake

A cong you bing, also known as a scallion pancake, is a Chinese, savoury, unleavened flatbread folded with oil and minced scallions.

Taste these dumplings soaked in soup - bursting with tasty surprises such as pork and prawn, or shrimp filling.

Related Tours

Private Tour Off the Beaten Track: Hongkou

Step off the beaten track and experience a part of Shanghai that is a little off the tourist radar: Hongkou. This former international settlement has a distinct atmosphere and look. During this tour you will learn about one of China’s most famous writers, Lu Xun, and about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Shanghai.

Commence your tour at the Lu Xun Museum
Explore the exhibitions displaying videos, photos, and wax works
Stroll through Lu Xun Park
Visit the vibrant Duolun Road Cultural Street
Snap photos of Hongde Temple
Wander through Duolun Museum of Modern Art
Learn about the Shanghai Jewish community at the Jewish Refugees Museum

The Lu Xun Legacy

You will walk within the Lu Xun Museum that was once his former residence. Here, the life and creative output of the author is displayed with videos, photographs and wax works. Then, take a stroll through one of the city’s most delightful green spaces - Lu Xun Park that holds the famous tomb. You can watch people practising ballroom dancing and tai chi and, if you’re in the mood, your helpful guide will help you charter a boat and take it out onto the small lake.

Duolun Street

Next, you visit the vibrant Duolun Road Cultural Street where the Hongde Temple and Duolun Museum of Modern Art are located. With its focus on experimental contemporary art, you will get a taste of Shanghai’s modern cultural scene.

The Jewish History

Finally, a visit to the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue - now the Jewish Refugees Museum - will immerse you in a fascinating part of Shanghai’s history. Used to house the Jewish ghetto during World War 2, the occupying Japanese forces however refused German demands to construct extermination camps on Chongming Island. Its exhibition rooms house the stories of Shanghai Jews in pictures and words.

Travel Curious Tip: Remember to purchase postcards at the Duolun Museum of Modern Art to post home to family & friends!

We built this tour because it invites travellers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Shanghai's complex history, whilst visiting a selection of stunning sites.