Lunhua Temple

Longhua Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Shanghai. The Buddhist monastery of the same name, founded more than a thousand years ago, is the oldest in the city and one of the largest. The area of the temple exceeds 20,000 square meters and includes several adjacent halls: The Great Hall, the Hall of the Three Sages, the Hall of Maitreya, and the Celia Abbot. The main entrance is decorated with two towers - Drum Tower and Bell Tower.

One of the main attractions of the monastery complex is the Longhua Pagoda. It was built during the Three Kingdoms by Emperor Song Quan, and has been rebuilt many times throughout its history. This is a structure of wood and brick, about 40 meters high, with seven floors, at the corners of the cornices on each of which bells are fixed. It is the largest of Shanghai Pagodas.

The bell tower is famous for the famous Longhua Bell. It is considered the most sonorous bell in China. According to tradition, people gather in the square in front of the pagoda to celebrate the New Year with 108 bells and watch a theatrical performance. At this time in the temple, monks hold a solemn ceremony, praying for happiness and good luck.

Inside the monastery there is a calm and benevolent atmosphere, which at first glance seems a little strange and surprising - because around the city life is boiling and souvenir trade is brisk.