Cheap Car Rentals in Shanghai (SHA)

The Yu Garden, established around 1559, is situated towards the northeast of the old town. It is also known as the Garden of Happiness. The garden is spread over approximately 20,000 square meters. It comprises of an Outer & Inner Garden. The Outer Garden is the oldest section here. The Hall of Spring is amongst the famous place here as it served as the headquarters for Company of the Little Swords (Xiaodao Hui) from 1853-55. The artificial rocks in this part of the garden are of historical importance. The new Inner Garden dates around 1709 and includes features typical of a classical Chinese writer's garden. The little pavilions, decorative stones, miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls, small ponds, & a highly decorated theatrical stage.

The Jade Buddha Temple lies in the Anyuan Lu district of Shanghai. Housed here are two Shakyamuni statues. The Monk Huigen brought these with him from Burma. The original temple was constructed around 1882. During 1928, it was replaced by the present day building. The entire complex is divided into three halls & two courtyards including Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian). The Hall of the Kings of Heaven is noted for its statues of the four heavenly kings and two Shakyamuni sculptures. These sculptures are carved out of white jade. Another well known place here is the Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian). It is known for its Buddha’s of the Three Ages.

The Shanghai Museum is amongst very significant museum and was established during 1952. It is famous for classical Chinese art. The building of the museum has a round top & square base holding traditional Chinese concepts of the earth. The floor of the museum displays bronzes & ceramics from prehistoric period to the 19th Century, ink drawings, calligraphy, seals, & art from ethnic minorities. The museum serves as a home to huge collection jade, furnishings, & coins from the Ming and Qing eras.

The Longhua Temple is amongst the oldest religious sites in China. It has been constructed around 242 AD, along nearly 40 meter tall wood & brick pagoda. Till date, the temple has been reconstructed numerous times. The present structure dates back to around 10th Century. The temple is used on regular basis for Buddhist ceremonies. It consists of 5 large halls including the Maitreya Hall (has a large Buddha statue), the Heavenly King Hall (dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings), and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (holds fine statues & a 16th century bell). The bell tower here is also worth watching. It is nearly 2 meters tall and has a 5 ton bell from 1982 which is still used on special occasions. Apart from this available here is a library which holds old manuscripts and ceremonial instruments and the beautiful gold-painted Luohan Buddhas (approximately 500).