Shanghai is not only a bustling metropolis, but also a city replete with rich historical and cultural heritage.

You may not know that Shanghai has 13 ancient pagodas, each one of them offering a glimpse into the city's fascinating history. Let's go on a journey to explore these revered structures and discover some of the stories behind them.

In the second part of the journey, we will explore seven ancient pagodas.

Wanshou Pagoda

The Wanshou Pagoda is located in Qingxi Park in Qingpu district. The brick-and-wood pagoda is square in shape, with seven levels on each of its four sides. With a history of less than 300 years, it is the youngest ancient pagoda in Shanghai.

Qingxi Park is a typical Jiangnan-style garden with elegant pavilions and winding paths that exude a timeless charm.

If you go

Location: In the south of Qingpu town, Qingpu district

Qinglong Pagoda

As the oldest pagoda in Shanghai, the Qinglong Pagoda is a structure that remains from Qinglong town – the largest foreign trading port in Shanghai during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1127) dynasties.

Originally a seven-story structure, the Qinglong Pagoda was the landmark of the Qinglong town. Today's pagoda is a remnant from the Song Dynasty.

If you go

Location: Qinglong village in Baihe town, Qingpu district

Huayan Pagoda

The Huayan Pagoda is located inside Songyin Temple, which was built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The square pagoda adopts the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.

If you go

Location: In the north of Songyin town in Jinshan district

Fahua Pagoda

The Fahua Pagoda, also known as the Jinsha Pagoda, sits in the center of Jiading Ancient Town. It was built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Ten years after the Fahua Pagoda was erected, Jiading was officially established as a county. The town was subsequently built up around this pagoda. Indeed, the Fahua Pagoda was the highest point and the central landmark of the ancient town.

If you go

Location: Nandajie Street in Jiading town, Jiading district

Nanxiang Twin Pagodas

As the landmark of Nanxiang Ancient Town, the Nanxiang Twin Pagodas were built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-979). They are the only remaining structures of the former Nanxiang Temple, which was burned down in 1766.

If you go

Location: Jiefang Street in Nanxiang town, Jiading district

Longhua Pagoda

The Longhua Pagoda is built inside the Longhua Temple, which is Shanghai's oldest and largest temple. The temple is named after the pipal tree, or longhua, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Longhua Pagoda was originally built in 977 and it is known as the "Crown of Pagodas in Shanghai".

Each level of the seven-floor pagoda features overhanging eaves, corner-hanging wind chimes, and exquisite craftsmanship.

If you go

Location: No 2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui district

Source: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account