Shanghai's sacred spaces
China's religious communities are starting to peek out from under the shroud of communism
Shanghai Daoist Institute”上海道教学院, Dongyue Temple
Shanghai Daoist Institute is one of three Daoist official learning centers in China. The 50 students (between the ages of 20 and 28) study for six hours a day and take classes in history, phi
Rabbi Avraham Greenberg and his children, Pudong Jewish Center
The vitality of the expatriate Jewish community in Shanghai today is illustrated by their strong organizational structure. Rabbi Avraham Greenberg, brother of the rabbi who set up the Shangha
Fang Sheng gathering, Shanghai Ferry Port
Many Buddhist networks gather donations for the practice of releasing animals from captivity. The traditional ritual of "freeing the fish" is performed on the various waterways that cross Sha
Catholic couple
A couple practice singing before a Taizé prayer evening. Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order that started in Burgundy, France. A young Shanghai man introduced the practice to Catholic churc
Fire ceremony gathering, Chongming Island
Every month one of the two Indian yogis in Shanghai hosts a fire ceremony for Chinese devotees on Chongming Island. Most attendees discover the ritual event through their yoga studios.
Diwali Festival
Around 50 Hindu expatriate families live in the apartments of the Shimao Riviera garden compound in Pudong, Shanghai. Although Hinduism is not officially recognized by the state, the Indian H
Eid al-Adha, Fuyou Road Mosque
Fuyou Road Mosque is the smallest of Shanghai's mosques, constructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). While there is no separate prayer hall for women, on major festival days, the prayer
Orthodox Easter service, Russian consulate
The status of the Orthodox in Shanghai has remained ambiguous. This Easter 2016 service was held within the Russian consulate and attended by both foreigners and Chinese.
