How about stepping into Shanghai’s oldest and largest monastery? This is the Longhua Temple, a place where history whispers from every corner.
Let’s explore this atmospheric site together. The Longhua Temple is named after the pipal tree. Buddha achieved enlightenment under this tree. Imagine that.
This temple is said to date back to the 10th century. It has been renovated many times, but it retains its charm. The trees here are adorned with red lanterns. Incense smoke fills the air creating a truly unique ambiance. You can often hear monks chanting.
Our journey begins at the Mile Dian. This is also known as the Maitreya Hall. Next, we’ll visit the Tianwang Dian or Hall of Heavenly Kings.
Be sure to note the four huge Heavenly Kings here. Each is in charge of a compass point. The Daxiongbao Dian or Grand Hall of the Great Sage is our next stop. Then, we will proceed to the Sansheng Dian or Three Sages Hall. Finally, there is the Laughing Buddha Hall to view.
The Longhua Temple is particularly famed for its 6500 kg bell. It was cast in 1894. The sound must be incredible. Inside the main hall or Daxiongbao Dian, you’ll find a large effigy of Shakyamuni. He is seated on a lotus flower.
The Sansheng Dian holds a golden trinity of Buddhist statues. Another highlight is the Thousand Luohan Hall. It shelters a huge legion of glittering arhat.
Opposite the temple entrance, you’ll see the seven-story Longhua Pagoda. It stands 44 meters high. It was originally built in AD 977. You might recognize it from Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun. Unfortunately, visitors cannot climb the Longhua Pagoda.
According to a legend, Sun Quan, King of the Kingdom of Wu, had obtained Sharira relics. These are cremated remains of the Buddha. To house these precious relics, the king ordered the construction of 13 pagodas. Longhua Pagoda is said to have been one of them.
The best time to visit Longhua Temple is during the Longhua Temple Fair. It is held in the third month of the lunar calendar usually in April or May. However, entry may be more expensive during festivities. The Longhua Temple Fair has been held since the Ming dynasty. It coincides with the blossoming of the peach trees in Longhua Park.
The Longhua Temple’s extensive gardens have since been almost entirely absorbed into the neighboring Longhua Martyrs’ Cemetery and have been extensively reconstructed in a contemporary monumental style.
Note the Longhua Temple occupies an area of more than 20000 square meters and the main axis of the compound is 194 meters long. The tallest structure is the Longhua Pagoda which stands 40.4 meters high.
Before we move on, take a moment to appreciate the Longhua Temple. It has been a sanctuary of peace and reflection for centuries. Its history is etched in every brick and every carving.