As the Chinese New Year of the Loong (Chinese dragon) approaches, within the corners of Shanghai, there lies a tapestry of ancient legends intertwined with the mystical lore of dragons. Journey back thousands of years to unravel the mysteries concealed within the heart of this bustling city.

Longhua Pagoda and Longhua Temple

Legends whisper that as early as the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), the Longhua area held a feng shui treasure. Feng shui is the study of geomantic omens used to determine the auspicious location and orientation of buildings and rooms.

Longhua Pagoda. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Longhua Pagoda is celebrated as the best-preserved pagoda in the region and was praised by Ming Dynasty poet Feng Qian as the "flying pagoda of a thousand years".

Adjacent to this architectural marvel stands Longhua Temple, a bastion of ancient scriptures and statues from the Tang (618-907), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

A night view of Longhua Temple. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

A sanctuary perennially adorned with incense and visited by pilgrims, it remains a cherished haven for the people of Shanghai, particularly during the New Year period.

Qinglong Temple

A view of Qinglong Temple in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

While not as renowned as its counterpart in Xi'an, Qinglong Temple in Shanghai boasts a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Situated in Qinglong village, its simple yet elegant architecture and solemn Buddha statues evoke a sense of tranquility.

Qinglong Pagoda

A view of Qinglong Pagoda in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Adjacent to Qinglong Temple, the imposing Qinglong Pagoda stands as a testament to ancient maritime prayers. Originally designed as a seven-story, eight-sided structure, only remnants from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) endure, serving as both a place of worship and a navigational guide.

Qinglong Port and Qinglong Town

While unfamiliar to many nowadays, Qinglong town was once a political, economic, and cultural hub of Shanghai in ancient times.

Established during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Qinglong Port served as an essential trading post along the Maritime Silk Road. In its prime, the port bustled with boats and merchants, drawing renowned literati such as calligrapher Mi Fu and poet Su Shi, all of whom left an indelible mark on the town's rich history.

Despite fading from contemporary view, the town's former prosperity is preserved within precious ancient records and remnants, offering a glimpse into its illustrious past.

Panlong ancient town

Panlong ancient town is an ancient settlement in Shanghai with a history dating back over 1400 years. Once a bustling market area where residents made a living through farming and weaving, it has retained the rich characteristics of Jiangnan, with its water lanes, small bridges, and enduring traditions.

A tranquil view of Panlong ancient town in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Following approval from the Shanghai municipal government, a four-year urban village renovation project has meticulously restored the town, reviving its commercial essence as a hub of Jiangnan water town life.

Visitors can now enjoy the town's ancient buildings, stone bridges and winding alleys, immersing themselves in its historical ambiance.

A bird's eye view of the Panlong ancient town in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

The teahouses by the river offers a serene setting to relax, sip tea, and savor the town's tranquil charm, providing a leisurely escape from the bustling modern world.

Source: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account