The patron temple of Shanghai, the Temple of the City God is the religious centre of the Old Town and has been active continuously since its founding in the 14th century. The current structures date mostly from Qing dynasty reconstructions, with the main hall dedicated to Huo Guang, a Han dynasty general elevated to divine status as the city's protector.
The temple is simultaneously a working religious site and a tourist attraction. Incense offerings are made throughout the day; the inner halls contain the deity statues and the accumulated donations and plaques of worshippers. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar encircles the temple complex. Temple of the City God Square — the plaza at the temple entrance — is the social heart of the Old Town.