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Explore the history, art and symbolism of Buddhism as you visit two of Shanghai's major Buddhist temples with an East Asian art scholar as your professional guide. Delve into one of China's main religions and gain an in-depth understanding of Buddhism in China over the last 2,000 years.
Begin with a discussion on the basic beliefs of Buddhism and its spread from India to China around 2,000 years ago over a cup of soothing hot tea. Learn about Buddhism's fundamental concepts such as karma, enlightenment and the significance of deities like Bodhisattvas in temples.
Then, visit Jing'an Temple, where you'll see many pavilions, statues of Buddha and other deities. Inside, see the 12-foot (4-meter) Jade Buddha, the largest sitting jade Buddha in China. Your guide will share details about Buddha's life and influence on Chinese Buddhism.
Next, you'll travel by taxi (10 minutes) to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most active Buddhist temples. Here, you'll see the impressive 7-feet (2-meter) white jade Buddha brought from Burma in the 19th century by a monk. Your guide will explain the significance of the images of Buddha and how they fit into Buddhist practice and belief as you walk through the temple.
After your walking tour, you'll have a deeper understanding of Chinese Buddhism and its influence on contemporary China.
