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Longhua Temple

龙华寺
Lóng Huá Sì
Heritage Site1-1.5 hours7 AM – 4:30 PM70/100 popularity
Scenic view of Longhua Pagoda in Shanghai framed by trees under a clear blue sky.
Founded by Sun Quan in 242 AD and rebuilt countless times, Longhua is Shanghai's oldest and largest Buddhist complex. Its octagonal seven-story pagoda — visible from afar — dates to 977 AD and is the only ancient pagoda left in the city. Inside the temple grounds you'll find the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and a vegetarian restaurant. The atmosphere is calmer and more devotional than Jing'an, with fewer tourists. The annual Longhua Temple Fair around the third lunar month brings crowds. Entry 10 RMB; pagoda is admired from outside (closed to climbers). Combine with the adjacent Longhua Martyrs' Memorial Park.
Address
2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
徐汇区龙华路2853号

Highlights

  • Ancient Pagoda (古塔)Only surviving ancient pagoda in Shanghai, built 977 AD; admire from outside only.
  • Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿)First hall inside the complex; houses statues of the four heavenly kings.
  • Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿)Main worship hall; central to the temple experience.
  • Vegetarian Restaurant (素斋)On-site dining; try the famous Longhua vegetarian noodles.
  • Longhua Temple Fair (龙华庙会)Annual event around third lunar month; lively crowds and festivities.

For foreign visitors

  • English service: none
  • Cards accepted: cash_only
  • Booking / entry: not needed
  • Best time: Weekday mornings or for the spring temple fair
  • Wi-Fi: none
  • Transit access: metro direct

Photos

Beautiful traditional Chinese temple gate in Shanghai, captured during sunset, highlighting cultural architecture.
Jing'an Temple's golden rooftops surrounded by modern skyscrapers in Shanghai cityscape.
A vibrant scene of Jing'an Temple with modern skyscrapers in Shanghai, China.
Explore the majestic Buddhist temple under a clear blue sky in Shanghai, capturing intricate gold details and ancient architecture.
A bustling scene at a traditional Chinese temple with worshippers and architectural beauty under a clear blue sky.
View of the historic Kaiyuan Temple towers amidst Quan Zhou Shi's urban landscape.
Low angle view of a beautifully lit traditional Chinese building in Shanghai at night.
Beautiful view of the Kaiyuan Temple pagoda surrounded by lush greenery in Quanzhou, China.
Group of people in a courtyard at Jingan Temple, Shanghai, enjoying the cultural ambiance.
Traditional Buddhist pagoda with ornate tiled roofs surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing tranquility and cultural heritage.
Beautifully illuminated traditional Chinese pagoda at night in Sichuan, China, showcasing intricate architecture.
Intricate details of traditional Chinese temple roof eaves, showcasing cultural heritage.
Stunning night view of a traditional Chinese pagoda beautifully illuminated in Shanghai.
Aerial view of a traditional Chinese temple in Nanchang surrounded by modern cityscape.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Stephen W.·TripAdvisor·4/5

The 1000-year pagoda is the highlight. Less touristy than Jing'an or Jade Buddha — feels authentic.

2026-03-10
Yuki L.·Google Maps·5/5

Came for the Spring Temple Fair — incredible food stalls and traditional performances.

2026-04-02
古寺寻幽·Xiaohongshu·5/5

上海最古老的寺庙，七层古塔是上海唯一的古塔遗存，值得一来。

2026-01-28

Videos

Shanghai's Hidden Gem - Longhua Temple ᴴᴰ ● 龙华寺 上海 中国 [Cinematic Edition]⎮SUPERGENKI in China
Shanghai's Hidden Gem - Longhua Temple ᴴᴰ ● 龙华寺 上海 中国 [Cinematic Edition]⎮SUPERGENKI in China
SUPERGENKI
Walking Through a 1,000 Year Old Buddhist Temple in Shanghai - Longhua Temple 龙华寺 | China Travel 4K
Walking Through a 1,000 Year Old Buddhist Temple in Shanghai - Longhua Temple 龙华寺 | China Travel 4K
Ambient Explorers
Shanghai's Longest Line for Noodles? Longhua Temple
Shanghai's Longest Line for Noodles? Longhua Temple
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