(near Longshui Bei Lu) 2853号龙华路 (近龙水北路) 300064 14 Shanghai spiritual religious temple buddhism family-friendly historic architecture field recording soundcloud 82 false 303543 31.1738130091 121.4520549774 Longhua Temple Daily, 7:30am-4:30pm [M] at Longcao Lu 2009-02-03T04:49:39+01:00 false No. 2853 Longhua Lu 2009-05-27T02:51:31+02:00 200232 Contrary to expectations, the largest temple in Shanghai is not as far out as one may think, and makes for a fantastic trip into the less-ventured southwestern region of the city. Even though the present-day structure has undergone substantial reconstruction, Longhua is one of the few temples which resembles ancient temples found in other parts of China—featuring four main halls, rambling courtyards and an impressive gilded statue of Sakyamuni (the spiritual teacher credited with founding Buddhism). Amid devotees holding burning joss sticks (incense) and offering prayers, this is perhaps the key location where one can recover a fragment of lost religious zeal in modern day Shanghai. Spirituality is vibrantly alive at this site. The ancient seven-story pagoda just outside the Song Dynasty-era temple is the only remaining pre-modern pagoda in Shanghai. Unfortunately, however, it's not open to tourists; yet you can still marvel at its exterior. There's also a pedestrian street outside the temple where you'll find numerous vendors hawking touristy souvenirs ranging from ancient coin replicas to Chinese knots. While we don't necessarily recommend buying any of these items, the row of merchandise makes for a fascinating display and contradiction to the devout practices occurring nearby at the temple. [bivouacrecording] Longhua Temple Buddhist Chant by unlike /system/photos/0034/9512/R0018011-1-1_thumb.jpg 2009-05-27T02:51:31+02:00 Shanghai Art & Culture 349512 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9512/R0018011-1-1.jpg 349522 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9522/R0018012-1-2.jpg 349532 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9532/R0018016-1-3.jpg 349542 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9542/R0018017-1-4.jpg 349552 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9552/R0018022-1-5.jpg 349562 Wee Ling Soh /system/photos/0034/9562/R0018025-1-6.jpg