This scene occurs every year in Shanghai's Longhua Temple and it is said, according to Buddhist doctrine, that each stroke of the bell represents one kind of earthly happiness. With thousands of people bidding for the right to make the "first New Year's strike", the tranquil temple is again in the limelight.

Located to the south of the Xujiahui commercial area, Longhua Temple is the largest such edifice in the city and boasts the longest history. Folklore says the temple was established by Sun Quan, king of the Wu Kingdom in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) and its name derives from Buddhist Scripture. It is said that the Maitreya Buddha was conceived under a Longhua Tree.

The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the millennia. The three-storey bell tower dates from 1477 when the huge bronze bell - two metres high, 1.3 metres in diameter and weighing 3,000 kilograms - was installed. The temple was remodelled during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Since then, the "Longhua Evening Bell" has been regarded as one of the eight marvels of Shanghai.

The temple was badly damaged in the early 1920s and was restored to its original appearance in 1955 with funds earmarked for the purpose by the local government. But it was once again demolished during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). It underwent another reconstruction and was re-opened to the public in 1983 Since then it has received millions of visitors hoping for good luck and longevity.

Splendidly built, the temple today retains the features of the Buddhist "Chan" sect of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Buddhist scripture, gold seals and Buddhist statues from the Tang (618-907), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties are also kept in the temple.

As Longhua Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, it holds two important statues of the Buddha. In the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is a statue of Maitreya Buddha's Bodhisattva form, while in the Maitreya Hall is a statue of Maitreya Buddha's incarnation form known as the "Cloth Bag Monk". But, differently from other temples where either the 18 arhats who preach Buddhism or the 20 "Guardians of Buddhist Law" stand on two sides of the hall, here, they stand together.

The octagonal brick Longhua Pagoda stands in front of the temple. Seven storeys and 40 metres high, the pagoda has bronze bells hanging from each corner of the eaves and they can be heard ringing in the breeze.

The temple's vegetarian dishes are also very popular with tourists but on New Year's Eve, "over-year noodles" will be the only choice. Apart from its delicious taste, the dish also represents wealth and success in the coming year.

Address: 2853 Longhua Road, Xujiahui District. Tel: 64576327

Transportation: Bus73，87，41，44，104，733

(Shanghai Star December 31, 2002)