Long Hua Temple in Shanghai

The Long Hua Temple in Shanghai has been an absolute highlight for me thus far.  During October holiday many people travel throughout China and the vast majority leave Shanghai for relaxation and beaches elsewhere.  This leaves the city quite quiet and easier to travel within.  Cabs are abundant and the metro is less crowded.  Among my adventures within the city that week, I decided to make my journey to the Long Hua Temple.  Travel books will tell the average traveler to visit the Jing'an temple, but  I wanted to see something more authentic and a more accurate reflection of Buddhism.  Don't get me wrong, The Jing'an Temple is worth a stop, but if you can only visit one, there is no contest.  The Jian Temple is more like the Las Vegas of temples.  Lots of shiny gold and bling everywhere.  You are not overcome with a sense of spirituality or aww.  

                         

The Long Hua Temple was originally built in 242 AD and is the oldest temple in Shanghai.  The fact that it still takes up 20,000 square feet of space is astounding seeing as the city is a bit cramped and in need of space.   Through out its' history the temple has faced destruction during times of revolution and has persevered through it all.  Since the Ming Dynasty there has been a Long Hua Temple fair the third day of the third lunar month.  It is believed that great dragons come to the temple to grant wishes.  This coincides with the blooming of the peach trees in the gardens here. In addition, people will throw coins up into the structures on the grounds.  This is a similar practice to throwing coins in a wishing well.

When visiting the temple you will have to pay a whole 10RMB as an entrance fee.  This is less then $2US dollars, so it won't break the bank going here.  When you enter there are bundles of incense to take with you if you are there for worship.  You make your way through the temples to the back of the property and there will be a fire to light your incense.  It's believed that incense will help carry the peoples prayers and wishes as will it also purify the grounds.  The ritual of this was really very amazing to witness.  The smell of the incense was so strong and thick that your nose burned, but I enjoyed every second of it thoroughly.  

There are many different temples within the grounds itself.  All with different purposes and deities.  One of the rooms was filled with the 500 Lohan.  The 500 Lohan are known for their courage, wisdom and supernatural powers.  They are believed to be guardian angles for temples and keep evil away.

My favorite part of the temple was the jade Buddha.  The jade Buddha was brought from Burma in 1986 and is carved from one single piece of white Burmese Jade.  It stands at a height of 1.7 meters high and is absolutely amazing to be in the presence of.  

In addition to the amazing temples within the walls there is also the poetry garden.  You walk through a circular door and it's as if you have entered Narnia.  Your jaw drops as you see emerald green around you.  Beautiful bamboo grows around a deep pool of green in the center of the garden.  A small path circles the pond and cemented deities line the path.  When you reach the far side of the path you will find the Boundry Stone Temple.  

So while everyone else was off on their beach vacations and relaxing with a drink in their hand, I was happy I had the time to explore the city and discover this amazing treasure here in Shanghai.  Before leaving the temple I purchased a beautiful jade necklace of a hand holding the Dragons Pearl which is a symbol of truth, life, and wisdom.  The impression that this temple has left on me is lasting and I will surely be entering through its' doors again.