Longhua Temple Shanghai: Ancient Pagoda, Buddhist Halls, and Complete Visitor Guide - Guangzhou Day Trips | Top 1-Day Tours, Attractions & Itineraries

The Longhua Temple offers a different temple experience from the gold-roofed landmarks of central Shanghai. Instead of standing between luxury malls and skyscrapers, this spacious Buddhist complex unfolds through a sequence of traditional halls, quiet courtyards, old trees, and incense-filled ceremonial spaces.

Beside it stands Longhua Pagoda, a seven-story landmark whose surviving structure dates to the Northern Song period. Add the temple’s well-known vegetarian noodles, historic bell-ringing traditions, and convenient metro access, and Longhua becomes an excellent half-day cultural excursion.

The temple remains an active place of worship, not simply an architectural attraction. Visitors come to pray and make offerings alongside travelers interested in history, Buddhist art, photography, and local food.

This guide covers what to see, opening hours, admission, temple etiquette, vegetarian dining, transport, nearby attractions, and where to stay.

Longhua Temple at a Glance

Essential information	Details

Chinese name	龙华寺
Address	2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Chinese address	上海市徐汇区龙华路2853号
Traditional founding date	242 CE
Best-known landmark	Longhua Pagoda
Surviving pagoda structure	Traditionally dated to 977
Main halls	Maitreya Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Hall of Three Saints, Abbot’s Hall, and Sutra Library
Regular opening hours	Generally 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Admission	Often listed as free or approximately CNY 10; verify current arrangements
Recommended visit	1.5–2 hours; longer with lunch
Nearest metro	Longhua Station, Lines 11 and 12
Best for	Traditional architecture, Buddhist culture, pagoda photography, and vegetarian food

Regular opening hours are generally listed as 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Religious festivals and special events can use different hours and reservation arrangements.

Why Visit Longhua Temple?

One of Shanghai’s Oldest Religious Sites

Local tradition associates Longhua Temple’s origins with 242 CE, during the Three Kingdoms period. Its early history includes legend and later reconstruction, so it should not be interpreted as a complex preserved unchanged from the third century.

The temple’s surviving halls largely reflect later rebuilding, while Longhua Pagoda preserves the area’s most important early architectural connection.

A Spacious Traditional Layout

Longhua Temple is organized along a central axis. Moving through its gates and courtyards reveals one hall after another, creating a stronger sense of procession than at a compact urban temple.

The route allows visitors to slow down and observe how thresholds, courtyards, rooflines, and sacred images structure the religious space.

The Historic Longhua Pagoda

The pagoda is worth visiting in its own right. Its seven levels, octagonal plan, tiled eaves, and slender profile make it one of Shanghai’s most important surviving historic structures.

Famous Vegetarian Cuisine

Longhua’s vegetarian noodles are an established part of the local temple experience. Many visitors combine morning worship or sightseeing with a bowl of noodles and a selection of vegetarian side dishes.

A More Local Atmosphere

Longhua receives tourists, but it also retains a strong local religious function. On an ordinary morning, the rhythm of worshippers, monks, incense, and temple kitchens can feel less staged than at attractions designed primarily for sightseeing.

Longhua Pagoda: The Temple’s Historic Landmark

A Northern Song Architectural Treasure

Longhua Pagoda stands south of the temple complex. Xuhui’s official information dates the surviving structure to 977, during the Northern Song period.

The pagoda has an octagonal plan and seven stories, with each level becoming progressively smaller. Its total height is approximately 40 meters.

The structure has been repaired over the centuries. Its significance lies not in being untouched, but in preserving a historic form and construction tradition through repeated restoration.

Can You Climb Longhua Pagoda?

Visitors should not expect to climb the pagoda. It is generally appreciated from the exterior and surrounding public areas.

This is important when planning your visit: the pagoda is a visual and architectural highlight, not an observation deck.

Best Photography Angles

Look for viewpoints that include:

The full seven-story silhouette
Temple gates framing the pagoda
Trees or seasonal blossoms in the foreground
Reflections around Longhua Square when conditions allow
Traditional rooflines contrasting with newer development

Do not enter restricted areas or cross barriers for a closer photograph.

Best Things to See at Longhua Temple

1. Maitreya Hall

The Maitreya Hall introduces one of the most recognizable figures in Chinese Buddhist temples.

Maitreya is commonly associated with the future Buddha and is often represented with a cheerful, welcoming appearance. The hall provides a gentle transition from the public entrance into the temple’s sacred spaces.

Observe the expression, posture, attendant figures, and decorative details while following interior photography rules.

2. Hall of Heavenly Kings

The Hall of Heavenly Kings contains protective figures associated with guarding Buddhist teachings.

Their fierce expressions can surprise first-time visitors, but these are not villains. Their dramatic gestures, armor, weapons, and facial expressions symbolize protection and the removal of obstacles.

Keep doorways clear and allow worshippers to pass.

3. Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall is the temple’s principal ceremonial space and the architectural center of the main visiting route.

It houses important Buddha images and serves as a setting for worship and religious ceremonies. The hall’s scale, roof structure, altars, carvings, and arrangement of sacred figures make it one of the most rewarding places to pause.

If a service is underway, observe quietly from an appropriate place. Do not walk directly in front of people praying or position yourself as though the ceremony were a staged performance.

4. Hall of Three Saints

The Hall of Three Saints continues the central sequence and offers another opportunity to examine Buddhist iconography.

Compare the central and attendant figures, hand gestures, halos, clothing, and symbolic objects. You do not need to recognize every figure to appreciate the craftsmanship and structure of the space.

5. Abbot’s Hall and Sutra Library

The Abbot’s Hall and Sutra Library complete the traditional axial arrangement.

These areas have administrative, scholarly, and religious functions. Public access may be more limited than in the principal sightseeing halls, and visitors should never enter spaces marked as private or restricted.

Their presence is a reminder that Longhua is a functioning monastic community rather than an open-air museum.

6. Bell and Drum Towers

Bells and drums traditionally help regulate religious life and mark important moments within Chinese temples.

Longhua’s bell is particularly associated with New Year celebrations. During ordinary visits, visitors should not assume they can strike it. Bell-ringing experiences are tied to specific ceremonies, permissions, and event arrangements.

7. Courtyards, Trees, and Quieter Corners

Some of the temple’s best moments occur between the major halls.

Allow time to notice:

Old trees and planted courtyards
Stone inscriptions
Incense smoke
Roof ornaments
Monks moving between buildings
Worshippers making offerings
Seasonal flowers
Quieter side paths

Do not disturb temple animals or feed them without permission.

Longhua Temple Vegetarian Noodles

A Local Culinary Tradition

Longhua’s vegetarian cuisine developed alongside the temple’s religious life. Noodles, tea, dried bean curd, and other vegetarian dishes became popular with worshippers and visitors over successive generations.

The Shanghai government’s food guide highlights the restaurant’s signature noodles, flavorful broth, toppings, vegetarian chicken, kaofu, mung bean cakes, and other plant-based specialties.

What to Try

Depending on availability, look for:

Arhat or Luohan-style vegetarian noodles
Mushroom and vegetable toppings
Kaofu, or spongy wheat gluten
Vegetarian chicken or duck made from bean products
Mung bean cakes
Seasonal mooncakes or packaged vegetarian foods

Practical Dining Tips

Eat earlier or later than the busiest lunch period.
Check the day’s serving hours before making noodles the focus of your visit.
Follow current ordering and payment instructions.
Return bowls or trays where indicated.
Ask about egg, dairy, gluten, peanuts, and other allergens.
Do not assume every vegetarian dish is vegan.
Avoid wasting food.

The restaurant’s Longhua Road location is listed at 2787 Longhua Road, within the wider temple area.

Longhua Temple’s New Year Bell Tradition

Longhua Temple is famous for its New Year bell-ringing celebrations.

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the bell is traditionally struck 108 times, a ritual associated with removing worries and welcoming good fortune. The surrounding celebrations have also included cultural performances, wish-making, lantern displays, and vegetarian noodles.

This is a special event, not part of an ordinary evening visit. It may require advance reservations, security checks, and a separately announced entry process.

Do not arrive on December 31 expecting regular daytime admission to guarantee access to the midnight ceremony.

The temple is also historically associated with spring fairs and peach blossoms. Dates and event formats vary, so check current Xuhui cultural-tourism announcements before planning around them.

Longhua Temple Tickets and Opening Hours

Opening Hours

Regular hours are generally:

Opening: 7:00 a.m.
Closing: 4:30 p.m.

Arrive at least one hour before closing if you want to see the principal halls without rushing.

Special hours may apply on:

Lunar New Year occasions
Major Buddhist festivals
New Year’s Eve
The first and fifteenth days of the lunar month
Special religious ceremonies

Admission: Check the Latest Policy

Current English visitor listings are inconsistent. Some report free general entry, while others list an approximately CNY 10 entrance or incense-and-flower voucher.

The safest approach is to:

Budget for a small admission charge.
Bring a convenient payment method.
Check the temple’s current notice before visiting.
Confirm whether special ceremonies require a separate reservation.

Do not treat “free admission” as a permanent guarantee.

Incense and Donations

Incense, candles, donations, amulets, and religious items may involve separate costs. Participation is optional.

Follow staff instructions and avoid purchasing items you do not understand simply because a seller claims they are necessary.

Best Time to Visit Longhua Temple

Early Morning

Early morning is usually best for a quieter religious atmosphere, softer light, and fewer tour groups. It also leaves time for vegetarian noodles afterward.

Weekdays

Ordinary weekdays are generally more relaxed than weekends and religious festivals.

Spring

Spring can bring blossoms and seasonal cultural activities to the Longhua area. Flowering dates depend on weather, so avoid promising peak blossoms on a fixed calendar date.

New Year’s Eve

This is the most atmospheric but also one of the most crowded and logistically demanding times to visit. Use only the official reservation and entry instructions announced for that year.

Rainy Days

The halls provide shelter, but moving between them involves outdoor courtyards and steps. Bring rain protection and wear shoes with good grip.

How to Get to Longhua Temple

By Metro

The easiest route is:

Take Metro Line 11 or Line 12.
Get off at Longhua Station.
Follow current signs toward Longhua Temple and Longhua Pagoda.
Walk to the temple entrance.

Xuhui’s official guide to Longhua Square uses Exit 2 as a reference route to the pagoda and square area.

Exit arrangements can change, so follow a current map rather than relying solely on an older blog.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Show the driver:

龙华寺
上海市徐汇区龙华路2853号

If you are going specifically to the vegetarian restaurant, confirm its separate address rather than assuming the driver will know the correct gate.

By Car

Parking around religious festivals and special events can be difficult. Public transport is usually more convenient.

If driving, check current parking locations and pedestrian routes around Longhua Road.

Temple Etiquette for Foreign Visitors

Dress Respectfully

Wear modest, comfortable clothing. There is no need for formal dress, but avoid attire that would be inappropriate in an active religious setting.

Keep Your Voice Low

Speak quietly and silence your phone, especially inside halls and near ceremonies.

Ask Before Taking Interior Photographs

Photography rules can vary by hall and occasion. Avoid flash and never photograph worshippers at close range without permission.

Do Not Touch Sacred Objects

Do not touch Buddha statues, altars, offerings, ritual instruments, or religious texts unless explicitly invited.

Incense Is Optional

You do not need to offer incense to visit respectfully. If you participate, use designated areas and follow instructions.

Do Not Ring Bells Without Permission

Temple bells are religious instruments, not interactive exhibits.

Respect Monastic Areas

Do not enter residential, administrative, or ceremonial spaces marked as restricted.

Suggested Longhua Temple Visiting Route

A simple 1.5–2-hour route works well:

Photograph Longhua Pagoda from public areas.
Enter the temple through the designated gate.
Visit Maitreya Hall.
Continue to the Hall of Heavenly Kings.
Pause in the main courtyard.
Visit Mahavira Hall respectfully.
Continue to the Hall of Three Saints and other accessible areas.
Observe the bell and drum structures where permitted.
Finish with vegetarian noodles or a walk around Longhua Square.

Avoid rushing directly to the restaurant without experiencing the temple itself.

A Half-Day Longhua and West Bund Itinerary

8:00–9:45 a.m. — Longhua Temple

Explore the main halls, courtyards, and pagoda exterior.

10:00–11:00 a.m. — Vegetarian Meal

Have an early noodle lunch or try vegetarian side dishes and pastries.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Longhua Square

Photograph the pagoda and explore the surrounding public spaces.

Afternoon Options

Walk or take a short ride toward the West Bund.
Visit a current exhibition in the riverside cultural district.
Continue to Xujiahui for shopping and dining.
Visit Longhua Martyrs’ Cemetery for a separate, solemn historical experience.

Things to Do Near Longhua Temple

Longhua Square and Longhua Hui

The area around the temple combines public space, dining, retail, and pagoda views. It is the easiest place to continue after your visit.

Longhua Martyrs’ Cemetery

This nearby memorial site commemorates revolutionary martyrs and has a very different atmosphere from the temple.

Treat it as a solemn historical site, check opening arrangements, and behave respectfully.

Shanghai West Bund

The West Bund offers riverside walks, contemporary architecture, galleries, museums, and cultural venues. It is a good choice if you want to combine traditional religious heritage with modern Shanghai.

Check individual museum closing days before choosing a specific exhibition.

Xujiahui

Xujiahui provides shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and metro connections. It is useful if you want more dining choices after a simple temple meal.

Where to Stay Near Longhua Temple

Most visitors can stay elsewhere in central Shanghai and reach Longhua easily by metro. Staying nearby makes sense if you want to explore Xuhui, the West Bund, or the southern part of the former French Concession in greater depth.

Longhua and Xujiahui

This area is convenient for:

Early temple visits
West Bund attractions
Xujiahui shopping and dining
Shanghai South Railway Station connections
A less tourist-centered base than the Bund

Hotels range from practical mid-range properties to larger business hotels.

When comparing accommodation, check:

Actual walking distance to a metro station
Recent guest reviews
Room size and window availability
Breakfast
Family-room options
Noise from roads or sports venues
Cancellation terms

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West Bund

The West Bund suits travelers interested in contemporary art, riverside walks, and newer hotels. It is less convenient for a traditional first-time itinerary focused entirely on the Bund and old city.

Former French Concession

This area works well for historic streets, cafés, boutiques, and neighborhood walks. It offers a good balance between Longhua and central Shanghai.

People’s Square or Jing’an

These districts remain better all-round bases for first-time visitors. Longhua Temple can be reached by metro without changing hotels.

Practical Tips for Visiting Longhua Temple

Visit early for a calmer atmosphere.
Check current admission rather than assuming it is free.
Do not expect to climb Longhua Pagoda.
Allow time for vegetarian noodles before they sell out or service ends.
Dress modestly and comfortably.
Follow interior photography restrictions.
Do not touch statues or ritual objects.
Do not ring the temple bell without permission.
Watch for raised thresholds and steps.
Ask staff about step-free access if needed.
Reserve special New Year events separately.
Keep children close around incense and ceremonies.
Combine the visit with West Bund or Xujiahui rather than rushing back immediately.

Longhua Temple FAQ

Is Longhua Temple free?

Current visitor listings differ: some report free general entry, while others list an approximately CNY 10 admission or incense-and-flower voucher. Check the latest policy before visiting.

What are Longhua Temple’s opening hours?

Regular hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special religious events may use different hours and reservations.

How old is Longhua Temple?

Tradition associates its origins with 242 CE. The complex has been rebuilt repeatedly, so the current halls are not unchanged third-century structures.

How old is Longhua Pagoda?

The surviving pagoda structure is traditionally dated to 977, with later repairs and restoration.

Can you climb Longhua Pagoda?

Visitors should not expect to climb it. The pagoda is normally enjoyed from exterior viewpoints.

What is Longhua Temple famous for?

It is known for its long history, traditional axial layout, Longhua Pagoda, vegetarian noodles, and New Year bell-ringing tradition.

How long should you spend there?

Allow 1.5–2 hours for the temple and pagoda. Add approximately 45–60 minutes for a relaxed vegetarian meal.

Is there a dress code?

There is no elaborate tourist dress code, but modest and respectful clothing is recommended.

Can you take photographs?

Exterior and courtyard photography is generally easier than interior photography. Follow signs, avoid flash, and do not photograph worshippers intrusively.

How do you get there by metro?

Take Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua Station, then follow current signs toward the temple and pagoda.

Longhua Temple or Jing’an Temple?

Choose Longhua for a spacious traditional layout, Song-era pagoda, and vegetarian food. Choose Jing’an Temple for gold-colored roofs and a dramatic contrast with central Shanghai’s skyscrapers.

Longhua Temple or Jade Buddha Temple?

Choose Longhua for architectural scale and the pagoda. Choose Jade Buddha Temple for its famous jade images and a different central-city temple experience.

Final Thoughts: Why Longhua Temple Deserves a Place in Your Shanghai Itinerary

Longhua Temple combines religious life, traditional architecture, historic pagoda views, and local vegetarian cuisine in one rewarding destination.

It is especially worthwhile if you want to go beyond Shanghai’s most photographed landmarks and experience a temple with a strong local atmosphere. Visit early, move through the halls respectfully, photograph the pagoda from public viewpoints, and stay for vegetarian noodles if service is available.

Staying nearby is not essential, but it can be convenient if you plan to explore Xuhui and the West Bund.

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