Elia Mertz
As one of the most visited cities in the Chinese republic Shanghai exudes and old world charm of its own. From ancient cathedrals to sacred temples here are the city's top historic points of interest.
Perhaps the most well-known religious edifice in all of Shanghai the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the key historic sites in the city. Housing the exquisite Buddha statue in solid jade within its confines the venue is also an archeological marvel for the ages as it is a structure displaying classic Song dynastic features. The statue is its chief attraction as it was brought from Myanmar to its current residence as far back as 1882. Elaborate murals and scripture decorate the interiors of the sacred space that is the monastic residence of over 70 Buddhist priests.
Revered as one of the most ancient religious institution in Shanghai the Longhua Temple & Pagoda was completed in 241 AD. Sprawled across a vast expanse the temple compound showcases traditional temple architectural elements with the pagoda as its centerpiece. Spread out across seven floors the pagoda contains sharply curved roofs and hexagonal shaped windows. Towering above the landscape at a height of 131 feet the pagoda affords panoramic views of the city and the villages on the outer reaches of the city. Visitors staying in Citadines Biyun Shanghai or similar conveniently placed service apartments Shanghai will enjoy easy access to the site and others around the city.
Having been established by Jesuits devotees as early as 1848 the St. Ignatius Cathedral or the Xujiahui Cathedral as it's locally known is an iconic Gothic institution in Shanghai. Laden with red hued bricks the religious hub has served many a purpose in its long and tumultuous history. Once the headquarters of the Taiping Rebellion, the venue has served as a college, observatory, missionary seminary and an orphanage among other purposes in the past centuries. Beautifully restored and maintained the locale is a fully functioning church today with weekly Sunday Mass.
Taking visitors on a tour back in time to Old Shanghai and its walled confines this historic quarter of the city contains the largest number of historic structures in a single venue. Lined with steep alleyways and narrow lanes the traditional structures occupying the streets of Old Shanghai City exude an old world charm unique to its confines. Shanghai's city expansion however means that the old quarter's days are numbered. Locals and tourists alike therefore head to this charming part of Shanghai to explore the surroundings of this fast disappearing area.
As the former home of iconic Chinese leader Sun Yat-Sen this popular historic stopover offers visitors an intriguing look at the legacy of one of China's most revered local heroes. Dubbed the founding father of contemporary China Sun Yat-Sen famously ousted the Manchu dynasty from power in 1912. Restored and well maintained the residence in which Sun Yat-Sen and his wife occupied till their demise is now open to the public. Furnished in traditional style the locale is an imposing structure that celebrates the life and times of the iconic statesman.
