Shanghai Longhua Ancient Town

　　About one kilometer from Xujiahui, Longhua Town derived its name from the Longhua Pagoda and Longhua Temple. It is an ancient and renowned town in Shanghai, now located in the southern part of Xuhui District. During the Tang Dynasty, it was still a small village. A market formed during the Yuan Dynasty, and it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty that the town became densely populated with numerous shops and thriving commerce. The "Shenjiang Zhuzhi Ci" (Bamboo Branch Songs of Shanghai) from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty wrote: “The 15th of March is fine, many visitors gather at the ancient Zen gate; the boatloads of people drift away with the sound of the temple bell, passing through the eighteen bends of Longhua.” This shows how bustling Longhua Town was at the time. From the late Ming to early Qing Dynasties, a grand temple fair known as the “Longhua Temple Fair” was held every early spring and has continued uninterrupted to this day.

　　The Longhua Temple in the town is one of the oldest and largest ancient temples in the Shanghai area. The “Evening Bell of Longhua” was once listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Shanghai. In the twilight, the deep and resonant bell sounds emanating from the ancient temple are truly enchanting. The Longhua Pagoda, which complements the temple, is the only pagoda in downtown Shanghai. It is said to have been built during the Chiwu era of the Three Kingdoms' Wu Kingdom, though the current structure dates back to the original built in 977 AD, the second year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song Dynasty. In late spring, when the grass grows lush in the south, it’s the season when peach blossoms are in full bloom in Longhua. Half a century ago, this place was known as the hometown of Shanghai’s juicy peaches — “ten miles of peach blossoms, like waves of crimson clouds, set off by newly sprouted green willows,” creating a scenic view described as “willows encircle the riverside village, peach blossoms span ten miles.” Sadly, as time has passed, most of these peach orchards no longer exist.

　　In Longhua Town, you can also witness the “Moon Worship” ceremony held in the ancient Longhua Temple. It is said that moon worship began in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and was a way for people to express their good wishes and emotions. The evening moon worship is conducted in front of the Mahavira Hall. There are ingot-shaped candle stands lit with five giant candles, and the offering table is covered with red cloth. Offerings include mooncakes, fruits, taro, and water chestnuts, along with finely crafted incense forming a “Moon Palace.” When the bright moon is high in the sky and after three drumbeats, the moon worship begins. Monks clad in robes, holding Buddhist banners and standards, play Buddhist music and parade around the temple before gathering at the worship site to chant. The atmosphere is sacred. After the chanting, the resident monk offers the first incense, and the climax is the singing of the “Moon Palace Praise,” which generally prays for good fortune, peace, and prosperity. With this, the moon worship ceremony concludes.

　　Twin Lions Gate (Ancient Mountain Gate) — The ancient mountain gate was originally the entrance to Longhua Town. The existing gate pillars were built in the 11th year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1516). The pillars originally bore a plaque inscribed with “Longhua” on the front and “Ancient Temple” on the back, but these were destroyed during Japanese bombings in the War of Resistance. A pair of Ming Dynasty stone lions, each cradling a cub, with the cubs kicking a ball underfoot, are said to be among only two and a half such pairs remaining in the Jiangnan region. Now, although Longhua Ancient Town no longer exists, the Twin Lions Gate stands as a witness to the town’s transformation over time.

　　Transportation

　　Ancient Town Address: Hualong Town, Xuhui District, Shanghai

　　Transport Guide: Buses 41, 44, 104, 718, 734, 809, and 933 all go directly to Longhua Tourist City; buses 56, 111, 326, 714, 720, 770, 847, 857, 932, the Hu-Xin Line, and Metro Line 3 (get off at Longcao Road Station) pass by Longhua Tourist City.