Longhua Ancient Temple

龙华古寺

Most of the halls in Longhua Temple today were built during the Tongzhi and Guangxu periods of the Qing Dynasty, including the Maitreya Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Three Saints Hall, the Abbot's Room and the Sutra Library.
The Qinglong bronze bell, cast during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, became known as the "Longhua Evening Bell" and was once one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Shanghai." During the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, the 718-volume Tripitaka, the gilded thousand-petal lotus Vairocana Buddha, and the imperial gold seal were granted as the "Three Treasures" of Longhua Temple.

Attractions Location: No. 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (near Longhua West Road)

Tickets: free

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Longhua Ancient Temple tours

1-Day Itinerary: Explore Shanghai Longhua Ancient Temple and Surroundings

This itinerary focuses on the serene and historic Longhua Ancient Temple, one of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples, paired with nearby cultural spots to enrich your day.

  • Morning: Visit Longhua Ancient Temple (Metro Line 11 to Longhua Station, then a 10-minute walk). Explore the temple grounds and gardens (allow 2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Walk or take a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes) to the Shanghai Film Park, a movie set complex showcasing Shanghai's cinematic history.
  • Evening: Return to the Longhua area for dinner at local Shanghainese restaurants.

Accommodation & Food: Stay at hotels near Longhua Temple such as The Longemont Shanghai or nearby Xujiahui area. Try traditional Shanghainese cuisine like braised pork and steamed dumplings.

Souvenirs: Temple-themed items such as Buddhist charms, incense, and prayer beads; film memorabilia at Shanghai Film Park gift shop.


2-Day Itinerary: Longhua Temple and Xujiahui Cultural Exploration

Expand your visit to include the vibrant Xujiahui district, known for its shopping, churches, and museums.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Take Metro Line 11 or Line 1 from Longhua Station to Xujiahui Station (about 15 minutes). Visit St. Ignatius Cathedral and nearby Xujiahui Library.
  • Day 2 Afternoon: Explore shopping malls such as Metro City and Grand Gateway 66.
  • Day 2 Evening: Dine at one of Xujiahui’s many restaurants featuring Shanghainese and international cuisines.

Transport: Metro Line 11 or 1, approximately 15 minutes between Longhua and Xujiahui.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near Xujiahui or Longhua. Try local favorites or international dishes.

Souvenirs: Religious artifacts at St. Ignatius Cathedral; fashion and electronics in Xujiahui malls.


3-Day Itinerary: Longhua Temple, Xujiahui, and Historic French Concession

Combine your temple visit with the historic charm of the French Concession area and its artsy streets.

  • Days 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3 Morning: Take Metro Line 11 to Longhua, transfer to Line 7 or taxi to Fuxing Park (about 30 minutes). Enjoy the park and nearby Wukang Road historic district.
  • Day 3 Afternoon: Stroll through leafy streets, cafés, and boutique shops in the French Concession.
  • Day 3 Evening: Return to Xujiahui or Longhua for dinner.

Transport: Metro Lines 11 and 7, taxis for short rides.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near French Concession or Xujiahui. Explore café culture and Shanghainese eateries.

Souvenirs: Handmade crafts and local art in French Concession; temple souvenirs from previous days.


4-Day Itinerary: Longhua Temple, Museums, and Contemporary Art

This itinerary adds museum visits and Shanghai’s contemporary art scene to your cultural journey.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4 Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square (Metro Line 11 to Xujiahui, transfer to Line 1 to People’s Square, about 40 minutes total).
  • Day 4 Afternoon: Explore the M50 Art District (Metro Line 13, taxi recommended, about 30 minutes from People’s Square) for galleries and studios.
  • Day 4 Evening: Return to Longhua or French Concession for dinner.

Transport: Metro Lines 11, 1, 13 and taxis.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near Longhua or People’s Square. Try museum cafés or trendy restaurants.

Souvenirs: Traditional crafts and books from Shanghai Museum; contemporary artworks and handmade items from M50.


5-Day Itinerary: Longhua Temple and Water Town Day Trip

Combine your cultural Shanghai tour with a refreshing visit to a nearby water town.

  • Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Water Town Station (about 45 minutes). Explore canals, historic streets, local snacks, and traditional crafts.
  • Return: Evening metro or taxi back to Longhua or Xujiahui area.

Transport: Metro Line 9 direct to Qibao; walking within water town.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near Longhua or Qibao. Sample famous sticky rice cakes and local specialties.

Souvenirs: Paper fans, water town handicrafts, and snacks from Qibao.


6-Day Itinerary: Longhua Temple with Greater Shanghai Exploration

This itinerary covers a broad range of Shanghai’s attractions, parks, and shopping districts alongside your temple visit.

  • Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6 Morning: Visit Century Park in Pudong (Metro Line 11 to Longhua, transfer to Line 2 to Century Park, approx. 1 hour total).
  • Day 6 Afternoon: Explore the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum near Century Park.
  • Day 6 Evening: Return to Longhua or downtown for dinner.

Transport: Metro Lines 11, 2 and taxis.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near Longhua or Pudong. Enjoy international and local cuisines.

Souvenirs: Science museum educational kits; park souvenirs; previous attractions’ crafts.


7-Day Itinerary: Full Cultural and Leisure Journey Including Longhua Temple

Enjoy a comprehensive Shanghai trip balancing ancient temples, modern art, historic neighborhoods, shopping, and leisure spots.

  • Days 1-6: Follow the 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7 Morning: Visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square (Metro Line 11 to Xujiahui, transfer to Line 1 to People’s Square, about 40 minutes).
  • Day 7 Afternoon: Explore Tianzifang Arts District (Metro Line 9 or taxi, about 30 minutes) for boutiques and cafés.
  • Day 7 Evening: Farewell dinner near Longhua Temple or French Concession.

Transport: Metro Lines 11, 1, 9 and taxis.

Accommodation & Food: Stay near Longhua or central Shanghai. Savor a variety of Shanghai’s culinary delights.

Souvenirs: Urban planning models and books; handmade crafts from Tianzifang; temple and park souvenirs collected during the trip.


User Reviews

By I wish to travel all over the mountains and rivers |

Longhua Temple is a municipal cultural protection unit in Shanghai. It was first built in the Song Dynasty and its main architectural style is the seven-hall system.

This time I went mainly to the Longhua Ancient Pagoda (I had passed by it several times before). The ticket was only ten yuan, but because the wooden pagoda is very old, you are not allowed to go upstairs to visit. However, the architecture and vegetation of the entire ancient temple reveal an ancient atmosphere.

By Little Pig Man |

Longhua Temple is an ancient temple in Longhua District, Shanghai. Many people come here to pray every year.

By silver |

The pagodas are now outside the temple. There are three particularly famous temples in Shanghai, and Longhua Temple is one of them. Besides its age, there's a saying: the Jade Buddha prays for health; the Jing'an Buddha prays for peace; and the Longhua Buddha prays for wealth. In recent years, the temple has been a constant source of worship.

By Travel |

Haha, I remember taking the bus. There was a big bell ringing the New Year's Day bell. I chose a wish. It was okay. The scenery was average. There were few people and it was not crowded.

By Big Bad Wolf |

Most of the halls in Longhua Temple were built during the reigns of Emperor Tongzhi and Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, including the Maitreya Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Three Saints Hall, the Abbot's Room and the Sutra Library.

By Free and refreshing breeze |

I went there when I was a kid, and it was pretty big and had a lot of incense.

By Mars User |

On weekdays, the incense money is 10 yuan, and it is more during festivals. The incense is always very popular and there are a lot of people.

By Tan Tan Tan Tan |

The environment is beautiful and the interior is quite large. The collection is exquisite! It is very quiet and peaceful.

By cherry |

The incense is very strong, it is worth visiting when passing by 😊 Recommended

By BYLWWDSMW |

Longhua Temple has a subway link directly to the airport. The temple itself is quite old, reportedly built by Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period (though the existing buildings are another matter). Furthermore, the pagoda at Longhua Temple dates back to the Song Dynasty—a genuine artifact. So I rushed to Longhua Temple. The pagoda stands outside the temple, suggesting it must have been much larger in its time.

The main gate today is actually a memorial archway, and there should have been a mountain gate in the past.

Shanghai Longhua Temple is a municipal cultural relic protection unit, one level lower than the national key cultural relic protection unit.

Maybe it is a rare quiet place in Shanghai.

By Zhang Yang's Xiao Qiang |

There are a lot of things to say about Longhua Temple. Those interested can search it on Baidu. Most people just remember that it's the largest and oldest temple in Shanghai, and that it houses the city's only pagoda, the Longhua Pagoda. But compared to the most famous Jing'an Temple, which is tucked away in the city center, the environment here is much better. Normally, you need a ten-yuan ticket, but on the day I went, they didn't! They didn't! Hahaha, don't ask me why, maybe they knew I was coming, hahaha. The Longhua Pagoda is right at the entrance of the temple, and devout friends can walk around it three times.

By Aiolos |

The thousand-year-old temple is said to have been built during the Three Kingdoms period, but most of it has been renovated later. You can enter and visit for 10 yuan for 3 incense sticks.

By Ling |

When does Longhua Temple open? I looked on Baidu Maps and it says 7:00.

By Jenny |

During the Spring Festival and various bodhisattva birthdays, the temple is packed with people. Be prepared to burn incense. I've heard that Longhua Temple is the oldest and most popular temple in Shanghai. Visitors are not allowed to enter the Longhua Pagoda outside the temple, so you can only walk around the outside. The main buildings include the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Maitreya Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, and Three Saints Hall.

By Ren Yuhu's words |

Go go!

Worship as soon as you enter the temple!

Practicing Zen and worshiping Buddha is the right way!

By Peter |

Longhua Temple is a very spiritual Buddhist holy place, it is worth visiting.

By Ozawa Circle |

According to folklore, this is the oldest temple in Shanghai, built in the fifth year of Chiwu during the Three Kingdoms period (242). However, according to historical records, the temple was built in the second year of Taipingxingguo during the Northern Song Dynasty (977). The existing buildings were rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty.

By 🐳Old Fish |

Shanghai's ancient temples are also famous in the south of the Yangtze River.

By Shaolin Temple Shi Yanzheng |

some people,

Seeing or not seeing is all in the heart;

Whether you think about it or not, it is right in front of you.



Sometimes, those who think they will be together forever,

But they only stayed together for a short time.

Sometimes, those who think they can walk for a while,

But it only took a lifetime.



Treating people's hearts requires sincerity.

When it comes to relationships, you need to be attentive.

Don't break a heart easily,

Don't ignore someone easily.



When you feel helpless, a tight hug.

Let your heart not be lonely;

When you are sad, a deep hug,

Let the heart have something to rely on;

When you feel lost, a strong hug

Make your heart feel safe.



A road with someone by your side,

No matter how long it is, I will not feel bitter;

There is someone to share the tiredness,

No matter how difficult it is, I don’t feel any pain.



Some roads need to be walked alone;

Some things need to be carried by one person;

Some sufferings need to be borne alone.



In life, there are people who care about you and people who feel sorry for you.

It is the best to get;

Throughout my life, I have someone to accompany me and someone to rely on.

It is the most beautiful oath.

By Hou Xiaohou must work hard to save money |

It was near my best friend's house so I stopped by and made a wish for my boyfriend. It actually came true, which was surprising.

By Want Want Little Su |

If you come to Shanghai to see temples, besides Jing'an Temple, this one is a must-see.

By Ruofeng |

Longhua Temple is a place for praying. It is quite beautiful when viewed from a distance with just a tower.

By pale |

The oldest temple in Shanghai, it is said to have been built by Sun Quan for his mother during the Three Kingdoms period.

By Alcohol-induced ghosting |

The first Zen temple in Jiangnan, I heard it is very effective, go and try it

By Rain moistens the dust |

Shanghai's ancient temples are full of history and are very popular.

Tickets are 10 yuan, and a free bouquet of incense is given.

The entire temple is small in scale, with four courtyards, including the mountain gate, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, etc.

The 500 golden arhats are also quite distinctive.

By ~Leaf 🍃Bodhi |

It must be the oldest ancient temple in Shanghai, and it is very popular.

By easytoplay |

It is a small temple with a long history, but everyone knows the monks today.

By hansorchen |

The weather is good, the temple still looks like it has a long history, and the incense is still very prosperous, but parking is not very convenient, the so-called Longhua parking lot cannot be parked casually

By Mount Kailash |

It is a little far from the city, but there are still many pilgrims.

By Wisdom |

The temple is not big but it is very popular. When we arrived at 10 o'clock, it seemed that the incense had already burned out.

By VIKA |

The iconic Longhua Temple building is the Longhua Pagoda outside the mountain gate. It's not crowded and quite quiet. There are four main halls: the Maitreya Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, and the Three Saints Hall. After burning incense and paying respects to the Buddha, we went to the vegetarian restaurant for some vegetarian noodles. It was very cost-effective and highly recommended.

[Transportation] Metro Line 11, 12, Longhua Station, Exit 2, Bus 167, 44, 41, 933, etc.

[Ticket] 10 yuan (50 yuan for ringing the bell). After checking your ticket, you will receive 3 incense sticks and burn them in front of the Maitreya Hall.

【Nearby attractions】Longhua Martyrs Cemetery, Duoyunxuan Art Center, etc.

By Alex |

A patriotism education base, a park within walking distance from home, with many children playing there.

By Three Five Cards |

Shanghai Longhua Ancient Temple has a history of more than 3,000 years.

By P-duxuan |

The ancient temple has a solemn and majestic appearance and is very effective.

By Charlotte |

This ancient temple, built during the Three Kingdoms period, has a history of nearly 1,800 years. It is easily accessible via Metro Lines 11 and 12. This Pure Land Buddhist temple holds a grand bell-ringing ceremony on December 31st each year, and a temple fair is held in the third month of the lunar calendar.

By @_Axk_@ |

I have only seen Longhua Temple from the outside and I can't tell how it is different from other temples.

By Most-Beginning |

I go there whenever I think of it. The vegetarian dim sum is delicious! Especially the vegetarian rice dumplings during the Dragon Boat Festival, they are very delicious, but a little small.

By Le Han |

Longhua Ancient Temple is an ancient temple with a long history. It is usually crowded with pilgrims burning incense. Tourists are not recommended to visit it.

By Shanghai Uncle |

Temples are so sacred to a city or even a country. They are like holy light, leading believers to abide by the creed that has been passed down for thousands of years.



Shanghai, one of China's most modern cities, has done a remarkable job preserving and restoring its temples. I recently visited Longhua Temple with my camera. After more than a decade, I revisited the site and found not much has changed. It's true that the flowers remain the same year after year, but the people remain different.

Longhua Temple is the largest temple in Shanghai. Its name derives from the Buddhist legend of Maitreya Bodhisattva attaining enlightenment beneath the Dragon Flower Tree. Legend has it that Longhua Temple was built by Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period for his mother, dating back over 1,700 years. However, historical records indicate that Longhua Temple was built in the second year of the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (977 AD). In the third year of the Zhiping reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (1066 AD), Longhua Temple was renamed "Kongxiang Temple." Remnants of the stone tablet inscribed with "Kongxiang Temple" still exist. During the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424 AD), the original name "Longhua Temple" was restored. In the second year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1574 AD), the temple was renamed "Daxingguo Wanshou Cihua Zen Temple," but it retained the name Longhua Temple.



Ticket price: 10 yuan

Opening hours: 7:10-16:30, 5:00-16:30 on the first and fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year[19]

Subway: Longcao Road Station on Metro Line 3, Longhua Station on Metro Lines 11 and 12 (near Longhua West Road)



When talking about Longhua Temple, we have to mention Longhua Pagoda.



Longhua Pagoda, a relic of a building dating back to the second year of the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (977 AD), is located in Shanghai's Xuhui District. Legend has it that it was built by Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu Kingdom (222-265 AD) during the Three Kingdoms period to honor his mother, hence the name "Repaying Gratitude Pagoda."



It is not open to the public yet and can only be viewed from a distance!



Some friends ask me why I like going to temples. They say you don't believe in Buddhism, and there's nothing fun to do in temples.



While I'm not a Buddhist, the second sentence isn't quite right. Buddhism is a fascinating subject. As a concrete manifestation of faith, the existence of temples is inherently fascinating and intriguing to me. Furthermore, I enjoy the tranquility, peace, and reverence of the place; it's like gazing upon a reflection of the formless realm.

By annegu111 |

Longhua Temple is also a popular temple in Shanghai. People come early to ring the bell during the Chinese New Year, and the temple also provides porridge during Laba Festival. Next to it is the Longhua Martyrs Cemetery.

By I want to use 3G |

This is a famous temple in Jiangnan. It is very popular in Shanghai and is also said to be effective.

By Rhyme |

Good good good good good good good good good good

By Zhifu Cat Juehui |

1. This is the temple I've felt most connected to since coming to Shanghai. I've loved coming here since I was in college. Back then, I felt like being in the temple calmed my mind.

2. There was a Dharma distribution center. Lots of books. All for connections. Whatever you like to read, they seem to have it all. It's a very good temple.

3. Longhua's vegetarian food is also very famous. Eating a bowl of vegetarian noodles is also quite happy. I once went to find a humane vegetarian restaurant. But they moved.

4. This is one of the oldest temples in Shanghai. It's not just the scenery that allows you to learn about culture. The profound Buddhist teachings are still very beneficial. If you have the chance, you must visit it.

By Steamed buns |

The temple is peaceful, the worshippers are devout, the monks are kind, and there are many cats. I went to a small courtyard and was locked in. I had to use a back door to get out, but by accident I ended up taking a shortcut. It was quite magical. Many people here pay their tribute by tossing coins, and the jingling sound is quite amusing. I was also very lucky that day. The entrance fee is an incense and flower voucher, which allows you to pick up three sticks of incense.

By Flowers bloom half a lifetime |

Admission is 10 yuan. This is one of Shanghai's more ancient temples. It can be reached by taking Metro Lines 11 and 12 at Longhua Temple Station. It's definitely worth a visit.

By Royal |

One of the three major temples in Shanghai

Vegetarian noodles are worth a try

By China-TravelNote user 92808690 |

Haha, I prayed for marriage at Longhua Temple, I hope it comes true

By An's Farewell |

A very famous temple in Shanghai. It is very popular with many people coming to pray and fulfill their vows at the beginning and end of the year. The temple is located in the city and is easily accessible by bus or subway. It may be a little difficult to park if you drive!

By Little cute rice cake |

I went there to worship before taking the college entrance exam. I ate vegetarian food there and it was pretty good.

By Second Lieutenant Carl |

When I went there, they were either building a building or expanding the Longhua Temple. Anyway, I could only see it from a distance and take the subway line 11 to get there.

By anniely7 |

Tianguan Maitreya Temple, one of Shanghai's famous temples, is large and famous for its vegetarian cuisine.

By 1417301585 |

There are not many historical sites in Shanghai, and this is one of them. However, the surrounding area is too commercialized.

By Coordinator Wang Lei |

The oldest temple in Shanghai, leaving behind historical culture!

By Particles |

It is hard to imagine that this temple is 1600 years old.

Its main buildings were built during the Qing Dynasty

By Ah Bin Luffy |

The temple is not big, but it is very popular. You need to enter on weekdays, but you don’t need to enter on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.

By Jessy Ding |

I often go there to burn incense, especially during festivals. It is very quiet when there are few people. It is a quiet temple in the city. The vegetarian noodles there are very tasty. Those who are sincere can go there to worship.

By wandering |

It was Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s birthday, so I knelt down with my husband and there were still a lot of people.

By kartzk |

Every year during the Spring Festival, I have to go there to burn the first incense. If you want to say what the characteristics are, if you are not traveling, you can go there. It should be much quieter than Jing'an Temple.

By Slowly |

I went there with my sister. It felt very peaceful and quiet, with a very Buddhist atmosphere.

By Rainy sky |

In Xuhui District, I used to live near IKEA and would often ride my bike there on weekends. The entrance fee was 10 yuan per person. I would occasionally go there to worship. Every New Year, many people would go there to be the first to ring the bell. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, many people would also go there to buy vegetarian mooncakes.

By Bangkok Second Miss |

The most famous thing about Longhua Temple may not be the temple itself, but the abbot who presided over it at that time.

By Ren Aiyue Wuhen |

Longhua Temple is one of Shanghai's oldest temples. It's not very large, but its vegetarian mooncakes, made during the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, are renowned throughout Shanghai. The temple is popular with tourists, including many foreigners. I visited the temple for lunch to enjoy vegetarian noodles, and the large restaurant was nearly full. The noodles were delicious and reasonably priced, making it a great weekend getaway. It's convenient to take the subway to Longhua Station.

By Ni Xiaozhi. |

The incense here is quite popular and there are many people. The scenery is very nice. It is worth a visit.

By Jackie Chen |

Every year during the Spring Festival, a large number of people line up here to ring the bells. It is also one of the places for students to go on spring and autumn tours because there is a Longhua Martyrs Cemetery here.

By HaHa |

There are only two relatively famous temples in Shanghai, and this one is more simple than Jing'an Temple.

By Tengo |

This is one of Shanghai's famous temples. I visit it occasionally when I have free time. I love their vegetarian noodles. Transportation is also very convenient now. It's just a short walk from Longhua Temple Station on Line 11. The incense and flower coupon is currently 10 yuan.

By Wind dances in the distance |

Built during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi and Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, it is now famous both at home and abroad for the ringing of the New Year's bell every year.

By Fei Bo & Mi Xiu |

It is an older temple. There are so many people during holidays.

By Rendering |

Longhua Ancient Temple is famous. It is here that the New Year bell rings every year.

By White |

Longhua Temple requires a ticket. Many of the people who come here are locals, and there are not many tourists during this period, so the temple is particularly quiet.

By Dylan |

There is an ancient temple in Longhua, which is very popular.

By Duoduo |

This place is the most lively during the New Year every year. Many people choose to come here to ring the bell to welcome the New Year. We also participated in a temple fair with traditional performances and traditional snacks. The atmosphere was very lively.

By Unlimited Freedom |

It's a very quiet Buddhist holy place, with a lot of incense, and it's well managed. There are no random charges or other unpleasant things. Like other temples in China, there are huge crowds of people going to burn incense on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Basically, there are a lot of people gathered in front of each hall.

By Evil Emperor 811 |

Longhua's landmark building is very close to Zhengda Lecheng, you can go shopping together

By Thirteen Too Full |

Longhua Temple is very popular. Usually when I want to burn incense, I will choose Longhua Temple. In addition to its long history, the vegetarian food there is particularly delicious, the best among all the temples in Shanghai, especially the vegetarian duck and vegetarian ham... However, the taste used to be better.