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Entrance of a traditional Chinese temple with yellow walls, grey tiled roof, red lanterns, and stone guardian lions against a blue sky

Longhua Temple in Shanghai: A Step-by-Step Visitor’s Guide

You can visit shanghai longhua temple easily. Look at the main details below:

Ticket Price

Opening Hours

Location

10 RMB

7:10–16:30 (earlier on special lunar dates)

No. 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Many travelers from other countries find longhua temple easy to get to by Metro Line 12. If you plan ahead, your visit will go smoothly from beginning to end.

Key Takeaways

  • Longhua Temple is located at 2853 Longhua Road in Shanghai. It is easily accessible by Metro Line 11 and 12, making your visit quick and convenient.

  • The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Plan your visit during the spring for beautiful peach blossoms and the lively Longhua Temple Fair.

  • Entry to the temple grounds is free, but a ticket costing 10 RMB is required to access the main halls. This ticket allows you to see important cultural and historical sites.

Shanghai Longhua Temple Guide

Location

Longhua Temple is at 2853 Longhua Road in Shanghai. It is in the Xuhui District. This area is busy and easy to reach. You can use public transportation to get there. The metro is a fast way to arrive. Longhua Metro Station is very close, only 178 meters away. Both Metro Line 11 and Line 12 stop at this station. This makes your trip easy and quick. You can also come from Longcao Road Station. It is less than one kilometer away.

Bar chart showing distances from Longhua Temple to nearby Shanghai metro stations

Here is a simple look at how far the metro stations are:

Metro Station

Distance

Line

Longhua

178m

12

Longhua

178m

11

Longcao Road

843m

3

Longcao Road

843m

12

Yunjin Road

1.0km

11

You can also take a taxi or ride the bus. The temple is in the center of the city. It is a good place to start exploring Shanghai.

Opening Hours

Longhua Temple is open every day. You can visit from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can go in the morning or afternoon. On special festival days, the temple opens earlier. These events bring many people. If you want to join, try to come early.

Day

Opening Hours

Weekdays

7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tip: If you visit on the third day of the third lunar month, you can see a temple fair. There are dragon and lion dances, crafts, and snacks. In spring, peach blossoms make the temple look pretty.

Tickets

You can walk into the temple grounds for free. To see the main halls and special places, you need a ticket. The ticket costs 10 yuan, which is about $1.50. You can buy your ticket at the gate. Most people scan a QR code to pay. There are no discounts for students or seniors. The price is low for everyone.

  • Entry to the temple grounds: Free

  • Admission fee for main halls: 10 yuan (ticket required)

  • No special discounts for students or seniors

Note: The ticket lets you visit the main halls. You can see old statues, incense, and beautiful buildings.

Why Longhua Temple Matters

Longhua Temple is not just for tourists. It is a place with a long history in China. The temple was built in 242 AD. This was during the Three Kingdoms period. Over time, it was fixed and changed many times. The Song and Ming dynasties made it even nicer. The seven-story pagoda is a famous part of the temple. The temple’s design follows the Song dynasty Chan School style. This makes it feel calm and spiritual.

Historical Event

Description

Construction

Built in 242 AD during the Three Kingdoms period by Sun Quan, showing Buddhism’s growth in Eastern China.

Renovations

Big changes during the Song and Ming Dynasties made the temple beautiful.

Restoration

After the Cultural Revolution, the temple was fixed and became a spiritual place again.

Cultural Hub

The temple was a center for learning and culture during the Tang and Song dynasties. Many scholars and monks came here.

The temple is important for culture. Every year, there are festivals and ceremonies. Some people believe a dragon protects the temple. This makes visiting feel special. When you walk around, you see old traditions and spiritual life in Shanghai.

Getting There

Visiting shanghai longhua temple is easy. You have several options for transportation. Let’s look at the best ways to reach longhua temple.

By Metro

You can take the metro if you want a quick and simple trip. Metro Line 11 and Line 12 stop at Longhua Station. Use Exit 2 for the shortest walk. Metro Line 3 stops at Longcao Road Station, Exit 7. The nearest metro station is Longhua. It sits about 671 meters from the temple. You can walk there in about 10 minutes. The metro is clean and safe. You will see signs in English and Chinese.

Transportation Mode

Details

Metro

Take Metro Line 11 or Line 12 and get off at Longhua Station (Exit 2).
Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Longcao Road Station (Exit 7).

Tip: If you want to know how to get to longhua temple, the metro is the fastest way.

By Bus

Buses stop near longhua temple all day. You can choose from many lines, such as Bus 41, 166, 44, 73, 87, 104, 178, 733, 734, 809, 864, 932, and 933.

These buses run often and drop you close to the temple gate. You will see bus stops with clear signs.

  • Bus 41

  • Bus 166

  • Bus 44

  • Bus 73

  • Bus 87

  • Bus 104

  • Bus 178

  • Bus 733

  • Bus 734

  • Bus 809

  • Bus 864

  • Bus 932

  • Bus 933

By Taxi

You can take a taxi if you want comfort. Taxis in Shanghai are easy to find. Just tell the driver “Longhua Temple” or show the address. The ride from downtown takes about 20 minutes. You will arrive right at the entrance.

With China Explorer Tour

If you want a stress-free experience, China Explorer Tour can help. This travel agency specializes in tailored tours for international visitors. You get a local guide, easy transport, and help with tickets. The team knows how to get to longhua temple and can plan your day. You will enjoy a smooth visit and learn more about the temple’s history. China Explorer Tour makes your trip simple and memorable.

Note: Many travelers choose China Explorer Tour for a hassle-free way to explore longhua temple and other hidden gems in Shanghai.

What to See at Longhua Temple

There are many things to see at longhua temple. This buddhist temple is one of the oldest and biggest in shanghai. Most people spend about 1.5 to 3 hours here. That is enough time to see the main sights.

Main Hall

The Grand Hall of the Great Sage is the main building. It is the center of longhua temple. Inside, you will find Buddha statues and carvings of his followers. You can also see the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in her female form. There is an old bell from the Ming dynasty in the hall. Many people say this place feels calm and special.

Feature

Description

Buddha Statues

Main Buddha and two disciples

Bodhisattva Carving

Avalokitesvara in female form

Ancient Bell

Built in 1586 CE, Ming dynasty

Pagoda

The Longhua Pagoda is a tall tower with seven stories. It stands above the temple grounds. The pagoda was built during the Three Kingdoms period. It has been fixed many times. Long ago, it held important relics. Now, you cannot climb it except on some festival days. Only a few people can go inside at those times. You must wear flat shoes if you enter. The pagoda is a famous part of the temple.

Bell and Drum Towers

You will see the bell and drum towers near the main hall. These towers are used for temple ceremonies. The bell rings during special events. The drum tower helps make the temple feel lively. Both towers show the temple’s long history.

Festivals and Events

The Longhua Temple Fair is a fun event in spring. It happens on the third day of the third lunar month. You can watch worship, local opera, and folk art. There are martial arts shows too. Try some vegetarian food and see cultural performances. Spring is the best time to visit for peach blossoms and fun things to do.

Attraction

Description

Historical Importance

Longhua Temple

One of the oldest religious sites in China, originally built around AD 242.

Represents over 1,700 years of Buddhist worship and cultural heritage in Shanghai.

Longhua Pagoda

Seven-storied, 40.4 meters high pagoda, brick body and wooden staircases.

Song Dynasty style, landmark through history.

Traditional Garden

Designed with Buddhist symmetry and Chinese beauty concepts.

Enhances spiritual atmosphere, attracts visitors during fairs.

Tip: Spring is the prettiest time to visit. The peach blossoms are blooming. The gardens look nice and the temple feels festive.

Useful Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit

If you want to see Longhua Temple at its most beautiful, plan your trip for late spring. This is the best time to visit because the peach blossoms in Longhua Park are in full bloom. The temple fair also happens during this season, usually on the third day of the third lunar month. You can watch traditional dances, enjoy local snacks, and feel the lively spirit of this ancient buddhist temple in shanghai.

Dress Code & Etiquette

You should dress modestly when you visit Longhua Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid bright colors. Here’s a quick guide:

Aspect

Recommendation

Respectful Dress

Wear modest clothes; cover shoulders and knees

Photography

Ask before taking photos of Buddha statues

Quiet Observation

Stay silent during prayers and meditation

Shoe Removal

Take off shoes before entering sacred halls

Donations

Optional, but always appreciated

Learning a few basic Buddhist customs will help you enjoy your visit more. For example, the temple fair is a 400-year-old tradition, and on New Year’s Eve, people strike the bell 108 times to welcome the new year.

Facilities

You will find clean restrooms and places to sit inside the temple grounds.

The paths are flat, so it’s easy for everyone to walk around. If you need help or want to learn more, China Explorer Tour offers local guides who can share stories and answer your questions.

Food Nearby

Don’t miss the vegetarian noodle meal near Longhua Temple. This dish is tasty and follows Buddhist food customs. It’s a great way to experience local culture. If you join a tour, you might get to try this meal as part of your visit.

Tip: Use these useful tips to make your trip smooth and meaningful. For deeper cultural insight, consider joining a guided journey with China Explorer Tour.

This guide helps you have a simple and fun trip to Longhua Temple. If you plan ahead, you will enjoy learning about the temple’s long history. The temple feels calm and quiet. If you want extra help, China Explorer Tour has some good things for you:

Benefit

Description

Expert guide

Hear local stories and learn new facts at each place

Flexible experiences

The plan can change to match what you like

Private transfer

You do not need to worry about getting there

You can see Shanghai in your own special way!

FAQ

Can you visit Longhua Temple without speaking Chinese?

Yes, you can. Signs use English and Chinese. Staff help with tickets. Guided tours make your visit even easier.

Is Longhua Temple suitable for kids and seniors?

You will find flat paths and clean restrooms. The temple is safe for families, seniors, and children. Everyone can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Where can you find travel advice on shanghai longhua temple?

You can check official websites, ask local guides, or join a China Explorer Tour for expert tips and a smooth experience.