Longhua Temple

• Region: Shanghai
• Region type: Municipality
• City: Not yet specified
• Destination type: Not yet specified

Longhua Temple is widely considered the oldest and largest Buddhist temple complex in Shanghai, with a history traditionally traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, though most of its current buildings date from Qing dynasty reconstructions. The temple complex, laid out along a traditional central axis with five main halls, sits beside the equally historic Longhua Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal brick-and-wood structure that is one of the city's oldest standing pagodas. Longhua is especially famous for its annual temple fair around the Lunar New Year and for its bell-ringing ceremony on New Year's Eve, drawing large crowds hoping to ring in the new year with the temple's giant bronze bell.

The temple stands in Xuhui District in southwestern Shanghai, near Longhua Road, somewhat removed from the central Bund and People's Square area but within reach via metro and a short walk or taxi ride.

Shanghai's humid subtropical climate means mild spring and autumn weather, hot humid summers, and cold damp winters. Since the temple grounds include open courtyards between halls, spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for a relaxed visit.

Weekday visits are quieter, while the temple becomes extremely crowded during its Lunar New Year temple fair and the New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony, both major annual events. For those wanting a peaceful visit, avoiding these festival periods is advisable, though the fair itself is a notable cultural experience for those who enjoy crowds and festivity.

Longhua Temple's founding is traditionally dated to the Three Kingdoms period around the 3rd century CE, though like many ancient Chinese temples it has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. Most of the current temple halls date from a major Qing dynasty reconstruction in the 19th century, while the adjacent Longhua Pagoda, though also rebuilt over time, is believed to occupy a site with origins going back over a thousand years, making the complex one of the oldest continuous religious sites in the Shanghai region.

As the oldest and largest Buddhist temple complex in Shanghai, Longhua holds particular significance for the city's religious history, and its adjoining pagoda is a rare surviving example of pre-modern Shanghai architecture. Its annual temple fair and New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony are important local cultural traditions, drawing residents from across the city to participate in rituals that predate Shanghai's modern development by many centuries.

Tour the temple's series of halls along its central axis, admire the Longhua Pagoda from the temple's forecourt, and if visiting during the Lunar New Year period, take part in the temple fair with its stalls, performances and crowds. Visitors may also observe or join in incense-burning and prayer rituals conducted by resident monks.

Highlights include the Maitreya Hall, the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, and the temple's giant bronze bell, alongside the neighboring Longhua Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal structure that, while not open for climbing, is an impressive sight from ground level. The temple's traditional garden areas and stone carvings are also of interest to visitors.

Longcao Road metro station on Line 12, or Xujiahui and Longhua area stations on other lines followed by a short taxi ride, provide access to the temple. Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop passengers close to the temple entrance on Longhua Road.

The temple is typically open daily during standard daytime hours, generally from morning until mid-to-late afternoon, with special extended hours around the Lunar New Year bell-ringing ceremony. It's best to confirm the current schedule via official channels before visiting, particularly around major festivals.

Admission is ticketed at a modest fee, which is adjusted periodically; checking the current rate at the entrance or through official Shanghai tourism information before visiting is recommended, especially since festival-period access may differ from standard admission.

Most visitors spend about forty-five minutes to an hour touring the temple halls and pagoda grounds, though those attending the Lunar New Year fair or bell-ringing ceremony should allow considerably more time given the crowds and festivities.

Xuhui District has a range of accommodation, including mid-range and business hotels, though the area around Longhua Temple itself has fewer tourist-oriented options than central districts; many visitors combine a Longhua visit with accommodation elsewhere in the city, reached by metro.

The temple has a vegetarian restaurant serving traditional Buddhist temple cuisine, and the surrounding neighborhood offers local eateries, though the area is less dense with dining options than central tourist zones like the Bund or Nanjing Road.

Xujiahui, with its cathedral, shopping centers and the Xujiahui Library, is a relatively short distance away and can be combined with a Longhua Temple visit for a fuller exploration of Xuhui District's mix of religious and modern sites.

Longcao Road metro station on Line 12 is among the closer stops to the temple, with a further walk or short taxi ride needed to reach the entrance on Longhua Road.

The temple is generally safe and quiet outside festival periods, but the Lunar New Year fair and bell-ringing ceremony draw very dense crowds, so keep an eye on belongings and children, and be prepared for significant queuing to enter during these events.

Cash or a mobile payment option for admission and any temple fair stalls, and modest clothing suitable for an active place of worship. Warm layers are worth carrying if attending the winter New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony.

For a peaceful visit, go on a weekday outside the Lunar New Year period; for a lively cultural experience, plan specifically around the temple fair or bell-ringing ceremony but expect large crowds and arrive early to secure a good spot.

For police call 110, for ambulance call 120, and for fire call 119. China's national tourism hotline, 12301, can assist with tourism-related issues.

Current opening hours, admission fees and festival schedules, including the New Year's Eve bell-ringing event, are available through the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and Xuhui District government tourism pages.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.