Longhua Temple

Shanghai's oldest and largest temple complex - over 1,700 years of history - paired with its landmark octagonal pagoda. Grounds are free; the main halls cost about 10 yuan. Open 7am-4:30pm. Less touristy and more atmospheric than Jing'an, especially at the spring peach-blossom fair.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Longhua Temple?

It is at 2853 Longhua Road. Metro Lines 11 and 12 both stop at Longhua Station, about a five-minute walk away. Convenient and rarely as mobbed as the central sights.

What is the peach blossom festival?

In spring the surrounding area and temple hold a peach-blossom temple fair, a Shanghai tradition with blooms, snacks, and crowds. Late March into April is the window - lively and photogenic, but busier than usual.

Is there a vegetarian restaurant?

Yes, the temple has a well-known vegetarian dining hall serving Buddhist-style food at modest prices - a good, quiet lunch stop after touring the halls.

What are the opening hours?

Daily from 7:00am to 4:30pm, opening earlier on major festival days. New Year's Eve is special here for the bell-ringing ceremony, and spring brings the famous peach-blossom temple fair.

How much does Longhua Temple cost?

Entering the temple grounds is free, and a ticket of about 10 yuan gets you into the main halls. It is one of the better-value temple visits in Shanghai, and it feels less commercialized than the downtown temples.

Is Longhua Temple worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a temple that feels lived-in rather than staged. It is the oldest in the city, genuinely active, and draws more locals than tour buses - a calmer, more authentic experience.

How does it compare to Jade Buddha or Jing'an?

Longhua is bigger, older, cheaper, and less touristy, with the bonus of the pagoda. Jade Buddha wins for its jade statues and Jing'an for central convenience, but Longhua feels the most like a real neighborhood temple.

Can you go inside the Longhua Pagoda?

No - the historic seven-story pagoda is preserved and closed to interior visits, so you admire it from the outside. It sits just across from the temple entrance and is the complex's most photographed feature.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• West Bund Art & Design DistrictAttraction1.38 km · 17 min walk
• Long Museum West BundMuseum1.69 km · 21 min walk
• Xujiahui ParkPark2.55 km · 32 min walk
• Bar No. 3Bar3.51 km · 44 min walk
• Jiashan MarketMarket3.75 km · 47 min walk