Longhua Monastery

By Longhua Town in the southern suburbs of Shanghai, the Longhua Monastery and pagoda were built in 247 AD during the Three Kingdoms Period. The octagonal tower has seven storeys and is made of wood and brick. It is 40. 40 meters high with heavy curved eaves. The present monastery was rebuilt in the late Qing Dynasty. Positioned on an axial line are the Maitreya Hall, Devaraja Hall, Mahavira Hall, Sansheng Hall and the Abbot's Room. Each building has acourt yard. On two sides are bell-drum towers and side halls. The "Evening Chimes of the Longhua Beir was once one of the eight famous scenes of Shanghai. When spring comes, the air is filled with the aroma of peach blossoms.