"The reopening is a big chance that I've been longing for," says a middle-aged female visitor surnamed Huang, 55, who has been living in the Longhua area. "In the movie 'Nie Er,' the great composer (who wrote the music for China's national anthem) gets inspiration when standing on this pagoda. And that has always been my dream."

Built in 247 AD, Longhua Pagoda is a living fossil of ancient Chinese architecture. So how to protect it during public visits has been a major problem for a long time.

And with a 40-centimeter-wide and 75-degree upright interior stairway, the pagoda is difficult to climb, especially for old people. And the 1-meter-high-handrail also adds a safety risk, especially for children.

"We've spent a long time discussing such problems," says Zhao. "Now we have a security guard at every story to ensure the management."

Children under 1.4 meters and mothers carrying babies are not allowed to climb the pagoda.

To prevent damage, only 10 people are allowed to climb the pagoda and just 20 minutes are allowed per visit.

High-heeled shoes are banned for safety and to prevent damage to the old flooring. No cigarette lighters or knives are allowed.

"I'm a retiree and have to pay 10 percent of my pension to climb up the pagoda," says an old pious Buddhist follower who declined to be identified, "but it's worthwhile, because Longhua Pagoda is an important symbol for Buddhism in Shanghai."

For the 100-yuan (US$12.5) fee to climb the pagoda, visitors receive a box of mooncakes and a gilded Buddhist card, which altogether cost 80 yuan. The remaining 20 yuan pays for restoration of Longhua Pagoda.

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