Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, the Longhua Historical and Cultural Block stands as a testament to the city's rich religious, folk, revolutionary, and industrial heritage.

Spanning 45 hectares, the block encompasses cemeteries, temples, former military factories and commercial facilities. The coexistence of these diverse cultural influences is the block's defining characteristic.

The Longhua Temple, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the region. Meanwhile, the Longhua Temple Fair, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, has been celebrated since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The Longhua Temple is located in Xuhui district, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Longhua's strategic location along the Huangpu River and crossed by the Shanghai-Hangzhou railway made it an ideal military hub, housing important facilities like the government's "gunpowder factory" in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and administrative offices of the Beiyang government (1912-28).

Tragically, this site also witnessed the sacrifice of many revolutionary martyrs during the April 12th Incident in 1927, leading to the establishment of the Longhua Martyrs Memorial Hall.

The exterior view of the Longhua Martyrs Memorial Hall. [Photo/WeChat account: longhuayinglie]

Longhua, with its unique blend of ancient and modern, remains a shining gem in Shanghai's cultural landscape. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the city's history.

Sources: shtong.gov.cn, "shanghaifabu" WeChat account, "longhuayinglie" WeChat account