The largest and most authentic ancient temple complex in Shanghai, the Longhua Temple is devoted to the Maitreya Buddha. Occupying an astounding area of more than 20,000 square meters, the highest structure is the Longhua Pagoda which stands at 40.4 meters. Highlights include the Heavenly King Hall housing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, as well as the Maitreya Hall containing a statue of Maitreya Buddha and his incarnation as a Cloth bag monk. Enter the Grand Hall of the Great Sage and be awed by the statues of Shakyamuni and the 500 arhats. Check out the Bell Tower which houses a copper bell cast in 1382. At 2 meters tall, it has a maximum diameter of 1.3 meters and weighs five tons. On New Year's Eve, it is used in the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony. For the devout Buddhists and anyone who wants to have an enlightening experience, Longhua Temple will not disappoint.