23/43.- Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, courtyard

In order to visit a Buddhist temple you do not have to be a Buddhist. Temples welcome visitors from all countries and all religions. Outside the temples you can buy incense sticks, which you can burn in the temple to make a wish, or to give thanks for a wish that has already come true.

Although China is a country with a long Buddhist tradition, nowadays only a minority of its citizens consider themselves Buddhist. Most Chinese do not follow any religion in particular. Other major religions in China are Taoism and Christianity.

Another temple worth visiting in Shanghai is the Jing'an Temple, located on Nanjing Road West. This temple is older than the city itself, it dates from the 3rd century, and it holds the largest sitting jade Buddha in China.

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