Shanghai's City God Temple closes to curb spread of COVID-19

The Chenghuang Temple, officially known as the City God Temple, in Shanghai's Huangpu district was closed on Sunday until further notice to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to the district's government's Sina Weibo account.

A total of 13 new locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 have emerged in the city over the past week, with 11 of these cases from the Huangpu district. The remaining two are from the city's Baoshan district, according to the municipal government.

Built during the Yongle period (1403-24) of the Ming Dynasty, the Taoist temple that worships the city god is popular among residents and visitors, and often hosts temple events.

The Yu Garden scenic area where the temple is located is among Shanghai's most historical and renowned tourist sites and a busy marketplace for local snacks and souvenirs.