Religious sites

Religious buildings, scattered all over the city and its outskirts, are well known for their long history, immense scale, various styles, and architectural beauty.

Longhua Temple is the earliest and most immense religious complex in Shanghai. The Longhua Evening Bell used to be one of the eight tourist attractions in Shanghai. On occasions such as New Year's Eve or a temple fair, you can climb the bell tower and beat the ancient bronze bell; the echoes will bring you peace and happiness year after year. The style of the seven-story octagonal pagoda harmonizes with the temple building; it has upturned eaves and hanging bells on the corners of the eaves.

Yu Fo Temple (Jade Buddha Temple) is the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai. There are two white-jade Buddhas brought to China from Burma--one standing, the other reclining.

The Orthodox Eastern Church on Xinle Road strongly expresses the Russian church style. The roof consists of five large domes in peacock blue, with the largest dome in the middle. On each dome there is a small copper-covered dome, on top of which is a golden cross. The outer walls consist of a mixture of yellow sand and cement.

The She Shan Catholic Church on top of the hill named She Shan looks like a medieval European castle. The building culminates in a bell tower that seems to touch the sky. On top of the bell tower is a steel-molded statue of the Virgin Mary. There is an annual pilgrimage to this site in May.

Other religious sites

Xujiahui Cathedral (largest Catholic church in Shanghai)
Dongjiadu Cathedral
The Community Church (the largest Protestant church in Shanghai)
Songjiang Mosque (in Songjiang County, the oldest mosque existent in China)
Xiaodaoyuan (Mini-Peach Orchard) Mosque
Xiao Tao Yuan Mosque (the main Islamic monastery in Shanghai)
Baiyunguan (White Cloud) Daoist Temple
Jiagan Temple (a complete Buddhist monastery)