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Religion
Home » China » Shanghai - People and Culture » ReligionShanghai has an interesting background in terms of religion. After the Treaty of Nanjing opened Shanghai for international trade in the 1800s, foreigners plunged headlong into the city, bringing their various religions with them. As a result, Shanghai is filled with European-style churches, mosques, synagogues, and the traditional Buddhist temples.
One of the most interesting historical notes took place during World War II when thousands of Jews descended upon Shanghai in an effort to flee Hitler’s regime. The Japanese occupied the city at the time, but they discarded Hitler’s plans by allowing the Jews to live. They herded the Jews into what was deemed a “designated area,” forcing them to live side-by-side in ghetto conditions. With only their life to be thankful for, they formed a vibrant community centered on the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, a facility you can visit today. It is wonderfully preserved remnant of this portion of Shanghai’s complex religious past.
Even today, there is something for everyone in Shanghai. Houses of worship for just about every religion there is can be found in the city, though the residents as a whole do not consider themselves particularly religious.
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