Longhua Temple and Pagoda

On Saturday, we paid a visit to the nearby Longhua Temple and Pagoda, the oldest working temple in Shanghai, with a history dating back to 242 A.D. and the only standing "pre-modern" pagoda in the city. The site has a sorted past, having served as a venue for public executions during the 19th century and Japan's largest internment camp in the area for Americans, British and other Allies during WWII. Today, it is still a bustling place, with a much more peaceful feel. On the day that we were there, there were services being held by monks, a stream of people coming in to pray, light insence, and visit any number of the many halls. We were also able to have lunch in the on-site vegetarian noodle hall. Delicious!

More pictures here: http://hsinchina.shutterfly.com/3776.