The Longhua Temple in Xuhui District is inviting visitors to make a New Year's wish by ringing its bell or tying a wish to its "auspicious tree" in the temple on December 31.

The temple will also invite 10 people born on December 31 and five couples who were married on that day to attend the New Year's event, the Xuhui Tourism Administrative Bureau said yesterday.

The first 20 eligible listeners calling in to a radio program will be offered free tickets to the event, the bureau said. Details in English and Chinese can be heard by calling 021-6436-9592.

Masters in the temple will welcome visitors on the night, and the bell will be rung 108 times to welcome the New Year. Tradition has it that after striking the bell 108 times, all unhappiness will disappear during the new year.

Admission to the temple will cost 200 yuan (US$29.25).

(Shanghai Daily December 18, 2008)