
Shanghai's oldest and largest Buddhist temple, featuring a historic pagoda and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese spirituality.

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Must-see attractions
Shanghai's oldest and largest Buddhist temple, featuring a historic pagoda and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese spirituality.
"A beautiful temple with a calming atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape and rich history."

You can often enter the temple grounds for free, no ticket needed! 🎟️
Dress modestly to show respect for this active place of worship. 🙏

4.8 · 294 reviews
Buddhist Temple
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Front of Longhua Temple
Shanghai's only thousand-year-old pagoda, a seven-story marvel with Song Dynasty style and melodic bells.

Temple Complex
Explore impressive halls with intricate statues and beautiful wooden sculptures, offering a sense of peace and history.

Temple Grounds
Wander through serene gardens, once famous for peach blossoms, offering a tranquil escape within the city.

Temple Restaurant
Savor delicious and famous vegetarian noodles, a culinary highlight for many visitors.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
You can often enter the temple grounds for free, no ticket needed! 🎟️
Dress modestly to show respect for this active place of worship. 🙏
Don't miss the famous vegetarian noodles served at the temple restaurant. Delicious! 🍜
Learn a bit about Buddhism beforehand to better appreciate the statues and rituals. 📚
from all over the internet
You can often enter the temple grounds for free, no ticket needed! 🎟️
Dress modestly to show respect for this active place of worship. 🙏
Don't miss the famous vegetarian noodles served at the temple restaurant. Delicious! 🍜
Learn a bit about Buddhism beforehand to better appreciate the statues and rituals. 📚
Take Line 12 to Longhua Station, Exit 3 for convenient access. 🚇
Visitors praise Longhua Temple for its historical significance, serene atmosphere, and impressive architecture, particularly the ancient pagoda. Many appreciate the free entry and the opportunity to experience traditional Buddhist culture. Some suggest researching customs beforehand for a richer visit.
"Longhua Pagoda & Longhua Temple
Located on the Longhua Road in Xuhui District, Longhua Park is famous for the ancient Longhua Temple, Longhua Pagoda, the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony and the peach blossoms.
First built in 242 AD, which is during the period of the Three Kingdoms, Longhua Temple is the oldest temple in Shanghai for its long history of over 1,700 years. Because of the several destructions by the wars, most of the buildings here were reconstructed during the reign of the Emperor Tongzhi and Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty.
The seven-storied, 40.4 meters high Longhua Pagoda stands in front of the Longhua Temple, the brick body and the wooden staircases make up its main structure. Each storey is smaller than the storey below, and all the levels are encircled by balconies and banisters. Bells on each corner of the octagonal eaves make cheerful and lively sounds as the wind passes by. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times, but the style of the Song Dynasty still remains to today.
In late spring, when the peaches in Longhua Park are in full blossom and the temple fair (on the 3rd March, lunar calendar) is under way, large numbers of visitors and pilgrims will come and the Longhua Temple will become a place of great hustle and bustle. The whole courtyard was built strictly in the style of traditional Buddhist symmetry and it's in accordance with the Chinese concept of beauty."
Cocowlyn
"It is said that Longhua Temple was built by Sun Quan for his mother during the Three Kingdoms period, more than 1,700 years ago. The architecture of Longhua Temple is the seven-hall system of the Song Dynasty. Longhua Pagoda is the only thousand-year-old pagoda in the center of Shanghai. It is known as the "crown of pagodas" in Shanghai and was once the commanding height of the Longhua area."
FS Chong
"My Family fave temple! Big and really focus on praying (not like some temple focus on selling some products)
Its big and have a calming atmosphere :)"
Hellen
The easiest way to reach Longhua Temple is by metro. Take Line 12 to Longhua Station and use Exit 3. This station is conveniently located right across from the temple complex. 🚇
Yes, Longhua Temple is very accessible by public transport, primarily via the Shanghai Metro. Line 12 is the most direct route. 🚌
For a day trip, the metro is highly recommended for its efficiency and ease of use. It avoids Shanghai's notorious traffic. 🚇
Taxis are readily available in Shanghai, but traffic can be unpredictable. Using a ride-sharing app might be more convenient. 🚕
While parking might be available, it's generally not recommended due to potential congestion and difficulty finding spots, especially during peak times. 🚗
Many visitors report that entering the main temple grounds is free of charge. However, specific areas or exhibitions might have separate fees. 🎟️
The temple is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's advisable to check for the most current information closer to your visit. 🕐
While the temple grounds are often free, access to climb the pagoda or enter certain inner sanctums might incur a fee. :moneybag:
Yes, you can visit during CNY, but be prepared for very large crowds as it's a significant time for prayer and temple fairs. 🎆
Historically, the temple fair on the 3rd of March (lunar calendar) is a major event, attracting many visitors. 📅
Don't miss the historic Longhua Pagoda, the impressive main temple halls with their statues and wooden sculptures, and the serene traditional gardens. 📷
Absolutely! The temple's architecture, the pagoda, and the gardens offer many beautiful photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :iphone:
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as calming and peaceful, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. :dove:
Yes, Longhua Temple is known for people praying for career success. You are welcome to visit and make your wishes. :chartwithupwards_trend:
Some visitors have noted seeing animals roaming around the temple grounds. :cat2:
Yes, Longhua Temple is famous for its delicious vegetarian noodles, which are a must-try for many visitors. 🍜
Besides noodles, you might find other vegan options like seitan and pickles, reflecting the Buddhist tradition of vegetarianism. :leafy_green:
The temple itself has a restaurant. For more diverse dining options, the surrounding Xuhui District offers numerous choices. 🍴
The food is generally considered affordable, offering good value for a unique temple dining experience. :moneywithwings:
While the temple focuses on vegetarian fare, the Xuhui District is a large urban area with a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. :hamburger:
The Longhua Pagoda, the intricate details of the temple halls, the serene gardens, and the floral arrangements are all excellent subjects. :camerawithflash:
Photography rules can vary. It's best to observe signage or ask discreetly. Generally, exterior shots and garden photos are welcomed. :noentrysign:
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the temple's beauty. Golden hour is particularly stunning. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around religious sites and densely populated urban areas in Shanghai. :drone:
It's respectful to avoid photographing individuals who are actively praying or participating in religious ceremonies without their explicit consent. :respect:
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