Longhua Temple & Pagoda

Lonely Planet review

Southwest of central Shanghai, close to the river, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Shanghai. Said to date from the 10th century, it has been much renovated. Lónghuá refers to the pipal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.

There are five main halls, starting with the Laughing Buddha Hall. To either side of the entrance are a bell and a drum tower. The temple is famed for its 6500kg bell, which was cast in 1894. A large effigy of Sakyamuni seated on a lotus flower is contained within the main hall - the Great Treasure Hall. Beyond the main hall are a vegetarian restaurant and a further imposing hall - the Sanshengbao Hall - with a golden trinity of Buddhist statues.

The best time to visit the temple is during the Longhua Temple Fair, held on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, which is usually during April or May. A short walk north along Longhua Rd is the Longhua Flower & Bird Market (Lónghuá Huāniǎo Shìchǎng), a relaxing stretch of chirping crickets and bird song.