LUWAN. The beginnings of a revolution started behind the walls of this building. And what occurred inside in August of 1921 changed China forever. The First Communist Congress museum honors the 12 delegates that met at the house on 78 Xingye Lu. Originally a French home, it is now restored to depict the furnishings and lifestyle of the 1920s and features a wall with the portraits of Communist China's founders. METRO: Huangpi Lu (Line 1)

This is the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai and serves as host to the beautiful jade Buddha statues brought to China from Myanmar in 1882. Built in the traditional Song Dynasty style, Buddhist scriptures and paintings grace the interior of this temple that was saved during the Cultural Revolution when monks plastered paintings of Mao on the doors. The Red Guards dared not violate them. More than 70 monks live here today.

JINGAN. Built between 220 and 280 AD, this is thought to be one of the oldest temples in Shanghai. With its unmistakable bright yellow walls shining brightly on Shanghai's busiest road, Nanjing Xi Lu, this is a popular attraction where monks can often be seen chanting. METRO: Jingan

LUWAN. Built in 241 AD, this is one of the oldest temples in Shanghai. The temple grounds are traditional and impressively large, and the pagoda, with its dramatically curved eaves and hexagonal windows, stands seven stories high. At 131 feet, if offers far-reaching views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The temple abuts a stark communist park that honors the history of the revolution in Shanghai.

YANGPU. Russian immigrants built this synagogue in 1927. From the mid-1800s through World War II, the city was a refuge for people escaping religious persecution. Through the use of photographs and written documentation, the museum chronicles the area's Jewish influence and Hongkou's ghetto life. Because of communist rule, the area north of the Suzhou Creek is where local Jews where forced to live after 1943. The museum was restored and is now considered a symbol of religious tolerance and acceptance.