CHINA

HISTORICAL AND
CULTURAL FACTORS

WEATHER

TRANSPORTATION
AND ACCESSIBILITY

LODGING,
AMENITIES, FOOD &
BEVERAGE

TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS

KENNETH CHUA FUNTELAR

BSTM 2B
Shanghai is a massive metropolis and widely accepted as China’s
most important economic hub and financial center. The city only
rose to prominence in China after it was forcefully opened as a
trading port by Western powers after the Opium Wars of the mid-
19th century. Today, Shanghai is one of the world’s most dynamic
and vibrant megalopolises, attracting business, people, travelers,
and all those wishing to experience one of China’s most unique
destinations.

HISTORICAL AND
CULTURAL FACTORS
Shanghai, which literally means the "City on the Sea," lies on the Yangzi River delta
at the point where China's main waterway completes its 5,500-km (3,400-mi) journey to
the Pacific. Until 1842 Shanghai's location made it merely a small fishing village. After the
first Opium War, however, the British named Shanghai a treaty port, opening the city to
foreign involvement.

The village was soon turned into a city carved up into autonomous concessions
administered concurrently by the British, French, and Americans, all independent of
Chinese law. Each colonial presence brought with it its culture, architecture, and society.

Although Shanghai had its own walled Chinese city, many native residents still
chose to live in the foreign settlements. Thus, began a mixing of cultures that shaped
Shanghai's openness to Western influence. Shanghai became an important industrial
center and trading port that attracted not only foreign businesspeople (60,000 by the
1930s) but also Chinese migrants from other parts of the country.

In its heyday, Shanghai was the place to be -- it had the best art, the greatest
architecture, and the strongest business in Asia. With dance halls, brothels, glitzy
restaurants, international clubs, and even a foreign-run racetrack, Shanghai was a city
that catered to every whim of the rich. But poverty ran alongside opulence, and many
of the lower-class Chinese provided the cheap labor that kept the city running.

The Paris of the East became known as a place of vice and indulgence. Amid this
glamour and degradation, the Communist Party held its first meeting in 1921. In the 1930s
and '40s, the city weathered raids, invasions, then outright occupation by the Japanese.
The party was over. By 1943, at the height of World War II, most foreigners had fled, and
the concessions had been ceded to the Japanese, bringing Shanghai's 101 years as a
treaty port to a close. Despite the war's end, fighting continued as Nationalists and
Communists fought a three-year civil war for control of China. The Communists declared
victory in 1949 and established the People's Republic of China, after which the few
remaining foreigners left the country. Closed off from the outside world with which it had
become so comfortable, Shanghai fell into a deep sleep. Fashion, music, and romance
gave way to uniformity and the stark reality of Communism.

The decades from 1950 to 1980 passed by with one Five Year Plan after another,
marked by periods of extreme famine and drought, reform and suppression. Shanghai's
industries soldiered on during these years; the city remained the largest contributor of tax
revenue to the central government. Its political contribution, however, had far greater
ramifications: the city was the powder keg for the Cultural Revolution and the base of
operations for the infamous Gang of Four, led by Mao Zedong's wife, Jiang Qing. The so-
called January Storm of 1967 purged many of Shanghai's leaders, and Red Guards in
Shanghai fervently carried out their destruction of the "Four Olds": old ways of idea, living,
traditions, and thought.

Yet, in 1972, with the Cultural Revolution still raging, Shanghai hosted the historic
meeting that would help lay the groundwork for the China of today. Premier Zhou Enlai
and U.S. president Richard Nixon signed the Shanghai Communiqué, which enabled the
two countries to normalize relations and encouraged China to open talks with the rest of
the world. Twenty years later, the 14th Party Congress endorsed the concept of a socialist
market economy, opening the door ever wider to foreign investment.

Today Shanghai has once again become one of China's most open cities
ideologically, socially, culturally, and economically, striving to return to the
internationalism that defined it before the Revolution. Shanghai's path to this renewed
prominence began in 1990 when China's leader, Deng Xiaoping, chose it as the engine
of the country's commercial renaissance, aiming to rival Hong Kong by 2010. If China is a
dragon, he said, Shanghai is its head. Indeed, the city is once again all about business.
Having embraced competition and a market-driven economy in just a few years, it now
hosts the nation's stock market, accounts for approximately one-fifth of the country's gross
national product and serves as the most important industrial base in the nation.

Today, beauty and charm coexist with kitsch and commercialism. From the
colonial architecture of the former French Concession to the forest of cranes and the
neon-lighted high-rises jutting above the city, Shanghai is a city of paradox and change.
 In China, the city is known for its ‘ocean culture’ (haipai) or even ‘overseas culture’
(yangpai), characterized by an acute and receptive sensitivity to foreign ideas, attitudes,
styles and opinions.

This is commonly referred to as the distinguishing feature of Shanghai’s culture

compared to that of other Chinese cities. The Shanghainese are self-confident; they
don’t fear the erosion of their past by international trends, since it was largely these very
forces that shaped their city in the first place. They have always been ardent consumers
of Western brands and ideas. Their compatriots tend to view this East-meets-West
mentality with a degree of scepticism, feeling that they should be more reverent of local
tradition. On your arrival into Shanghai, this different environment can result in culture
shock for expats.

The city is, and has always been, a melting pot of different ethnic groups, both
domestic and international, all drawn here for the same reason: to make money.
Evidence of this can be found everywhere. Western businessmen flash their gold cards
at high-end bars alongside tycoons from all over the world. Meanwhile, migrant workers
are pulling an all-nighter at a high-rise tower construction site, hoping to send a few extra
yuan back to their families in the countryside. Shanghai is also the birthplace of China’s
new white collar professional. The arrival of foreign corporations in the 1990s raised the
demand for educated employees, and salaries are considerably higher than in public
sector jobs. The media image of this group has been rather glamorous and, for the
Chinese white-collar worker (bai ling), working for a large overseas corporation is a status
symbol.

Face

The concept of ‘face’ is prevalent throughout China and can never be

underestimated. People go to great lengths to acquire it through displays of wealth or
generosity. For example, never insist on paying for a meal hosted by a local, especially if
it is in their home. This would be a serious faux pas. Complimenting someone on their
appearance or business acumen – especially in front of their pals or colleagues – is a sure
winner. Confrontation and public criticism are guaranteed face-destroyers and will
inevitably be counter-productive. When in doubt, be lavish with compliments, or at the
very least be quiet and respectful.

In business, understanding ‘face’ can mean the difference between success and
failure or promotion and demotion. If you want to become a master, study how locals
handle social situations and pay attention to those situations where subordinates are
deferential to their superiors.

Public Behavior

Avoid expansive gestures, emotional displays, unusual facial expressions and

sarcasm, as these will generate confused reactions. The Chinese dislike being touched
by strangers. Conversely, the Chinese generally stand closer to each other than
Europeans or North Americans when they are speaking. Putting your hands in your mouth
is considered vulgar, so nail-biting and flossing in public are big no-nos. Shanghai is a
smoker’s paradise. Cigarettes are cheap and smoked by many. However, in recent
years, laws have been enacted to limit smoking in restaurants and public places,
meaning it is now possible to enjoy a meal without someone lighting up next to you.

The Chinese are generally not fond of public displays of affection such as kissing.
While you may see women holding the arms of their loved ones, bolder displays are
uncommon.

Conversation

Negative replies are considered impolite. Instead of saying ‘No’, answer indirectly.
Replies such as ‘Maybe’, ‘I’ll think about it’ or ‘We’ll see’ will generate a much better
reaction and allow the questioner to save face. When addressing a group, acknowledge
the most senior person first. Questions about your age, income and marital status are
common. If you don’t want to reveal this information, prepare non-specific responses. Do
not be surprised if there are periods of silence during dinner. It is a sign of politeness or
thought and need not be broken with uncomfortable small talk.

One-Child Policy

The One-Child Policy was famously introduced in 1979 by then leader Deng
Xiaoping to alleviate social, economic and environmental problems. In recent years the
policy has begun to be relaxed, and if both parents are from one-child families, they can
have a second child together. Often wealthy families have another child and pay the
fine. Some minorities have no restrictions at all and are allowed as many children as they
would like.
 WEATHER
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with an average annual
temperature of 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) for urban districts and 15.2–15.7 °C (59.4–60.3 °F) for
suburbs. The city experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are chilly and damp—
northwesterly winds from Siberia can cause nighttime temperatures to drop below
freezing. Each year, there are an average of 6.2 days with snowfall and 2.8 days with
snow cover. Summers are hot and humid, and occasional downpours or freak
thunderstorms can be expected. On average, 8.7 days exceed 35 °C (95 °F) annually. In
summer and the beginning of autumn, the city is susceptible to typhoons, which have
not caused considerable damage in recent years.

The most pleasant seasons are generally spring, although changeable and often
rainy, and autumn, which is usually sunny and dry. With monthly percent possible sunshine
ranging from 34% in March to 54% in August, the city receives 1,895 hours of bright
sunshine annually. Extremes since 1951 have ranged from −10.1 °C (14 °F) on 31 January
1977 (unofficial record of −12.1 °C (10 °F) was set on 19 January 1893) to 40.9 °C (106 °F)
on 21 July 2017 at a weather station in Xujiahui.
 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Public Transportation
Shanghai has an
extensive public transportation
system comprising metros,
buses, ferries, and taxis, all of
which can be accessed using
a Shanghai Public Transport
Card.

Shanghai's rapid transit

system, the Shanghai Metro,
incorporates both subway and
light metro lines and extends to
every core urban district as well
as neighboring suburban
The Shanghai Metro is the second longest metro system in the world.
districts. As of 2019, there are 17
metro lines (excluding the Shanghai maglev train and Jinshan Railway), 415 stations, and
704.91 km (438 mi) of lines in operation, making it the longest network in the world. On 8
March 2019, it set the city's daily metro ridership record with 13.3 million. The average fare
ranges from CN¥3 (US$0.48) to CN¥9 (US$1.28), depending on the travel distance.

Opened in 2004, the Shanghai maglev train is the first and the fastest commercial
high-speed maglev in the world, with a maximum operation speed of 430 km/h
(267 mph). The train can complete the 30-kilometer (19 mi) journey between Longyang
Road Station and Pudong International Airport in 7 minutes 20 seconds,[182] comparing
to 32 minutes by Metro Line 2 and
30 minutes by car. A one-way
ticket costs CN¥50 (US$8), or CN¥40
(US$6.40) for those with airline
tickets or public transportation
cards. A round-trip ticket costs
CN¥80 (US$12.80), and VIP tickets
cost double the standard fare.

With the first tram line been

in service in 1908, trams were once
popular in Shanghai in the early
20th century. By 1925, there were
A Maglev Train leaving Pudong International Airport
328 tramcars and 14 routes
operated by Chinese, French, and British companies collaboratively, all of which
were nationalized after the PRC's victory in 1949. Since the 1960s, many tram lines were
either dismantled or replaced by trolleybus or motorbus lines; the last tram line was
demolished in 1975. Shanghai reintroduced trams in 2010, as a modern rubber-
tire Translohr system in Zhangjiang area of East Shanghai as Zhangjiang Tram. In 2018, the
steel wheeled Songjiang Tram started operating in Songjiang District. Additional tram
lines are under planning in Hongqiao Subdistrict and Jiading District as of 2019.

Shanghai also has the world's

most extensive bus network, including
the world's oldest continuously
operating trolleybus system, with 1,575
lines covering a total length of
8,997 km (5,590 mi) by 2019. The
system is operated by multiple
companies. Bus fares generally cost
CN¥2 (US$0.32).

As of 2019, a total of 40,000 taxis

were in operation in Shanghai. The
base fare for taxis is CN¥14 (US$2.24),
which covers the first 3 km (2 mi) and
includes a CN¥1 (US$0.14) fuel BRT line 71 on the Bund
surcharge. The base fare is CN¥18
(US$2.55) between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am. Each additional kilometer costs CN¥2.5
(US$0.40), or CN¥3.3 (US$0.47) between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am. In addition to traditional
taxis, ridesharing companies including DiDi and Uber play major roles in urban
transportation. Ridesharing costs are comparable to those of taxis and are sometimes
even lower due to promotional discounts from ridesharing companies.

Roads and expressways

Shanghai is a major hub of China's expressway network. Many national
expressways (prefixed with the letter G) pass through or end in Shanghai, including Jinghu
Expressway (overlaps with Hurong Expressway), Shenhai Expressway, Hushaan
Expressway, Huyu Expressway, Hukun Expressway (overlaps with Hangzhou Bay Ring
Expressway), and Shanghai Ring Expressway. There are also numerous municipal
expressways prefixed with the letter S. As of 2019, Shanghai has a total of 12 bridges and
14 tunnels crossing the Huangpu River. The Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge is the city's
only bridge–tunnel complex across Yangtze River.

The expressway network within the city center consists of North–South Elevated
Road, Yan'an Elevated Road, and Inner Ring Road. Other ring roads in Shanghai
include Middle Ring Road, Outer Ring Expressway, and Shanghai Ring Expressway.
 Interchange between Yan'an Elevated Road and North–South Elevated Road

Bicycle lanes are common in Shanghai, separating non-motorized traffic from car
traffic on most surface streets. However, on some main roads, including all expressways,
bicycles and motorcycles are banned. In recent years, cycling has seen a resurgence in
popularity due to the emergence of a large number of dockless app-based bicycle-
sharing systems, such as Mobike, Bluegogo, and ofo. As of December 2018, these
ridesharing systems have a joint average of 1.15 million daily riders within the city.

Bicycle-sharing systems, such as ofo (yellow) and Mobike (orange), are common in Shanghai
 Private car ownership in Shanghai is rapidly increasing in 2019, there were 3.40
million private cars in the city, a 12.5% increase from 2018. New private cars cannot be
driven without a license plate, which are sold in monthly license plate auctions. Around
9,500 license plates are auctioned each month, and the average price is about
CN¥89,600 (US$12,739) in 2019. According to the city's vehicle regulations introduced in
June 2016, only locally registered residents and those who have paid social insurance or
individual income taxes for over three years are eligible to be in the auction. The purpose
of this policy is to limit the growth of automobile traffic and alleviate congestion.

Railways
Shanghai has four major railway stations: Shanghai railway station, Shanghai South
railway station, Shanghai West railway station, and Shanghai Hongqiao railway station.
All are connected to the metro network and serve as hubs in the railway network of
China.

Built in 1876, the Woosung

railway was the first railway in
Shanghai and the first railway in
operation in China by
1909, Shanghai–Nanjing
railway and Shanghai–Hangzhou
railway were in service. As of
October 2019, the two railways
have been integrated into two main
railways in China: Beijing–Shanghai
railway and Shanghai–Kunming
railway, respectively. A CR400AF bullet train departing from Shanghai railway station

Shanghai has three high-speed railways (HSRs): Beijing–Shanghai HSR (overlaps

with Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu passenger railway), Shanghai–Nanjing intercity railway,
and Shanghai–Kunming HSR. Two HSRs are under construction: Shanghai–Nantong
railway and Shanghai–Suzhou–Huzhou HSR.

Shanghai also has four commuter railways: Pudong railway and Jinshan Railway
operated by China Railway, and Line 16 and Line 17 operated by Shanghai Metro. As of
October 2019, three additional lines—Chongming line, Jiamin line and Shanghai Airport
Link —are under construction.

Air and sea

Shanghai is one of the largest air transportation hubs in Asia. The city has two
commercial airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao
International Airport. Pudong International Airport is the primary international airport,
while Hongqiao International
Airport mainly operates
domestic flights with limited
short-haul international flights.
In 2018, Pudong International
Airport served 74.0 million
passengers and handled 3.8
million tons of cargo, making
it the ninth-busiest airport by
passenger volume and third-
busiest airport by cargo
volume. The same year, Shanghai Pudong International Airport terminal at night
Hongqiao International Airport
served 43.6 million passengers, making it the 19th-busiest airport by passenger volume.

Since its opening, the Port of Shanghai has rapidly grown to become the largest
port in China. Yangshan Port was built in 2005 because the river was unsuitable for
docking large container ships. The port is connected with the mainland through the 32-
kilometer (20 mi) long Donghai Bridge. Although the port is run by the Shanghai
International Port Group under the government of Shanghai, it administratively belongs
to Shengsi County, Zhejiang.

Overtaking the Port of Singapore in 2010, the Port of Shanghai has become world's
busiest container port with an annual TEU transportation of 42 million in 2018. Besides
cargo, the Port of Shanghai handled 259 cruises and 1.89 million passengers in 2019.

Due to Yangshan Port, Shanghai has become the world's busiest container port
LODGING, AMENITIES, FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
As the gateway to Xintiandi, the lifestyle and entertainment hub of Shanghai,
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi is ideally located adjacent to the retail utopia of
Huaihai Road, surrounded by various trendy clubs, glamorous international restaurants
and designer boutiques.
Boasting Chuan Spa, an indoor pool and
gourmet cuisine across several stylish restaurants, this
property is a 1-minute stroll from South Huangpi Road
Subway Station (Line 1), which provides easy access
to the top tourist attractions in Shanghai. The
Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi is a 5-minute drive
from People’s Square, a 15-minute drive from the
Bund and a 18-minute drive from Hongqiao
International Airport. Pudong International Airport is a
45-minute car journey away. Airport shuttle buses are
provided. Shanghai Disneyland can be reached in
37 minutes by car Modern rooms feature dark wood interiors and over-
sized windows overlooking the city. Other comforts
include a tea/coffee maker and a spacious
bathroom with twin vanities and a bathtub.
Guests can unwind with a workout in the 24-
hour fitness center or soothe tired muscle in the
hot tub. For those who wish to travel around,
the staff at the concierge can assist with
sightseeing arrangements. Car rental service is
available.

Enjoy sumptuous local dishes and Cantonese delicacies at the hotel’s

signature restaurant Tang Court. Cachet restaurant offers all-day dining.
Afternoon tea and refreshing beverages are available at the lobby lounge and
bar. Huangpu is a great choice for travelers interested
in shopping, architecture and skyline views.
 Metropolo Classiq, Shanghai, Bund Circle
Situated in Huangpu district in Shanghai, about 7 minutes' drive from Shanghai East
Jinling Road Ferry Station, Metropolo Classiq, Shanghai, Bund Circle features air-
conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site
restaurant. Built in the 1930's, the property features unique Baroque semicircle concave
architecture.

Every room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms feature a
seating area where you can relax. You will find a coffee machine and a kettle in the
room. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer in the individual
bathroom.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. The property comes with a business
center that provides fax and photocopying. Daily housekeeping and laundry service is
provided. Guests can have currency exchange and luggage storage service for their
convenience.

Dining options are provided at the on-site restaurant.

 Pullman Shanghai Skyway
Pullman Shanghai Skyway is located in Huangpu District, 150 m from Dapuqiao
Subway Station (Line 9) and 750 m from the popular Tianzifang and SML Shopping Mall.
Featuring the spectacular view of city skyline, it boasts a gym, indoor heated pool, 6
dining options and accommodation with free wired internet access.

Luxuriously decorated, the guestrooms feature modern interiors and clear floor-to-
ceiling windows that overlook the city or Huangpu River. Each well-appointed unit comes
with a TV with cable and satellite channels, minibar and safety deposit box. En suite
bathrooms have showers and bathtubs.

Guests can enjoy soothing spa treatments, relax in the sauna, or use free Wi-Fi in
the public area. Other conveniences include Plus Clefs d’or concierge service. 3,000-
square-metre space is available for conferences and events.
 Enjoy the meals at the Gingembre 15, which provides an international buffet, or
have Shanghai cuisine at the Hua Fu Restaurant. The Blu Bar overlooks the city’s skyline
and serves cocktails.
TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai, China's largest city, offers many exciting sightseeing opportunities for
travelers. Despite having a population of more than 24 million, this always busy city offers
quieter historic districts and attractions alongside its many newer tourist sites. One of the
world's busiest container ports thanks to its position at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the
city also provides opportunities for exploration by water along the Chinese coast and its
inland waterways.

Things to do here include visiting a number of world-class museums and art galleries,
such as the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum; wandering through lovely
gardens and parks; shopping (especially in the "New World" pedestrian area with its luxury
boutiques and galleries); and exploring fine old temples and traditional pagodas. Plan
your visit with our list of the top attractions in Shanghai.

1. Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund

Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund

Best known by its Anglo-Indian name of Bund (Wàitan), the Zhongshan Lu is a

lovely broad promenade running along the west bank of the Huangpujiang River. It's
particularly popular among tourists as the area has retained a European feel (it was once
the location of the city's International Settlement) that is particularly noticeable in the
many old English and French buildings now serving as restaurants, boutique stores,
galleries, and offices. Always bustling, it's a splendid place for a stroll day or night as you
take in the Bund's 52 unique buildings constructed in a variety of styles including Gothic,
Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance influences, along with what
amounts to one of the world's most impressive collections of Art Deco architecture.

Moving from south to north, the dominant buildings are the former headquarters
of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation with its splendid cupola, the harbor
customs office with its bell tower, the old Peace Hotel, and the Bank of China. Huangpu
Park, located at the north end of The Bund, opened in 1886 and is famous as the country's
oldest public park. It's a pleasant place to visit, and has an interesting museum dedicated
to The Bund's history. The Bund is also a great place from which to embark upon a
sightseeing tour aboard a boat around the port and the confluence of the Huangpujiang
and Yangtze rivers.

Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai

2. Yu Garden

Yu Garden

To the northeast of the old town and laid out in 1559, the splendid Yu Garden (Yù
Yuán), also known as the Garden of Happiness, covers an area of more than 20,000
square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden. The oldest section is
the Outer Garden, with further changes being made in the 18th century when Sansui
Tang, the park's main hall, was added (the building is notable for its lovely roof ornaments,
figurative representations in bas-reliefs, and window openings, as well as its dragon-
adorned walls).

The best-known building is the Hall of Spring where the Company of the Little
Swords (Xiaodao Hui) had its headquarters between 1853 and 1855 when it ruled
Shanghai. Of great historical importance are the artificial rocks in this part of the garden,
the only work of the master garden designer Zhang Nanyang that has been preserved.
The newer and much smaller Inner Garden dates from 1709 and includes features typical
of a classical Chinese writer's garden: attractive little pavilions, decorative stones and
miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls and small ponds, and even a richly decorated
theatrical stage.

Address: 218 Anren St, Huangpu, Shanghai Shi

3. The Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple

In the Anyuan Lu district of Shanghai, the beautiful Jade Buddha Temple houses
two Shakyamuni statues, which the monk Huigen brought with him from Burma. The
present building, erected in 1928 to replace the original temple built in 1882, is divided
into three halls and two courtyards and includes the splendid Hall of the Kings of
Heaven (Tian Wang Dian), notable for its statues of the four heavenly kings and two
Shakyamuni sculptures. Carved from white jade, one of these impressive statues stands
nearly two meters high in the Wentang Main hall, where a collection of Buddhist
manuscripts is also kept (the smaller statue is in the west courtyard). Also of interest is the
charming Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) with its Buddhas of the Three Ages,
along with 18 Luohan figures. Another of Shanghai's many important Buddhist sites is the
stunning Jing'an Temple on Nanjing West Road.

Address: 170 Anyuan Road, Jing'an, Shanghai

4. The Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum

Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains China's most important museum
of classical Chinese art. In a modern building that's something of a work of art itself - its
unique round top and square base encompasses traditional Chinese concepts of the
earth - the museum's four floors include impressive displays of bronzes and ceramics from
prehistoric cultures to the 19th century, ink drawings, calligraphy and seals, as well as
large collections of art from ethnic minorities. It's also home to large collections of jade,
coins, furnishings from the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1912), and a well-stocked gift
shop.

Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, China

5. Longhua Temple and Pagoda

Longhua Temple and Pagoda

In a pleasant park in the southwest area of Shanghai, the splendid Longhua

Temple remains one of the oldest religious sites in China. Built along with the nearby 40-
meter-tall wood and brick pagoda around AD 242, this important place of worship was
destroyed and rebuilt many times through the years, with the present structure dating
back to the 10th century. The site is still used for regular Buddhist ceremonies and consists
of five large halls, including the Maitreya Hall (Mile Dian), with its large Buddha statue; the
Heavenly King Hall (Tian Wang Dian), dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings; and the
Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Daxiong Baodian), with its fine statues and a 16th-century
bell. Other highlights include the Bell Tower with an even older, two-meter-tall, five-ton
bell from 1382, which is still used on special occasions; the Library with its old manuscripts
and ceremonial instruments; and the impressive sight of some 500 gold-painted Luohan
Buddhas.

Address: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai