Shanghai's Oldest and Most Majestic Buddhist Sanctuary

#chinatravel Longhua Temple (龙华寺), located at 2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, is an incredibly significant and majestic Buddhist sanctuary, holding the title of Shanghai's oldest and largest temple. Dating back to 242 AD (though most current buildings are Song and Qing Dynasty reconstructions), it offers a profound journey into Chinese Buddhist history and architecture. The temple complex is grand, featuring a series of halls along a central axis, including the Maitreya Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the impressive Mahavira Hall with its stunning golden statues. The iconic seven-story Longhua Pagoda, standing at 40 meters, is a prominent landmark, its bronze bells creating a pleasant sound in the wind. The "evening bells from the Longhua Temple" are even hailed as one of the eight great attractions of Shanghai. The intricate sculptures and decorations throughout the temple are truly impressive, showcasing remarkable artistic detail. Reason to Recommend: I highly recommend Longhua Temple for anyone interested in ancient Chinese history, traditional Buddhist architecture, and spiritual tranquility. It's a place where you can genuinely step back in time and appreciate centuries of cultural and religious heritage. The sheer scale and artistic detail of the temple are captivating, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Transportation: Longhua Temple is very accessible via the Shanghai Metro. Take Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua Station (龙华站). From there, the temple is just a short walk (approximately 2-5 minutes) from Exit 2. Numerous bus routes (e.g., No. 41, 44, 73, 87, 104, 166, 734, 809, 864, 933) also stop nearby. Taxis are readily available as well. #travel #myitinerary