Is Longhua Temple worth visiting in Shanghai?

Yes, especially if you want a working Buddhist temple rather than a polished tourist set-piece. It is the city's oldest and largest complex, founded in 242 AD, and its 977 AD octagonal pagoda is the only ancient pagoda left in Shanghai. The mood is quieter and more devotional than Jing'an Temple, with noticeably fewer foreign visitors.

How do I get to Longhua Temple and is there an entrance fee?

Take Metro Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua station; the temple is a short signed walk from there. Entry is a token fee of around 10 RMB, cash only, so carry small notes since card and foreign-app payment can be unreliable. There is no English-language service, so a translation app helps for signage and tickets.

Can you climb the Longhua Pagoda?

No. The seven-story brick-and-wood pagoda is admired from the outside only and is closed to climbers, so plan your visit around photographing it rather than going up. The best vantage points are from the temple forecourt and the adjacent street; allow about an hour to ninety minutes to also walk the main halls inside.

Longhua Temple, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Shanghai's oldest temple and its only surviving ancient pagoda, a brick-and-wood spire from 977 AD.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 龙华寺 (Lóng Huá Sì)
Opening hours: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or for the spring temple fair
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai · 徐汇区龙华路2853号

See Longhua Templetickets & tours

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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.

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.

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Arrive right at the 7am opening on a weekday morning to share the courtyards mainly with worshippers, not tour groups.
▸Buy a bundle of incense from inside the grounds rather than the street hawkers at the gate for a fairer price.
▸The on-site vegetarian hall serves the famous Longhua noodles; queues build fast around noon, so eat early or late.
▸The pagoda photographs best from the street outside the wall, where you can frame the full seven tiers without the crowds.
▸Pair the visit with the adjacent Longhua Martyrs' Memorial Park next door for free, quiet gardens few tourists reach.
▸Skip the temple entirely during the spring Temple Fair unless you actively want festival crowds rather than calm.
▸Dress with shoulders and knees covered as a courtesy; this is an active place of worship, not just a sightseeing stop.

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

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Walking Through a 1,000 Year Old Buddhist Temple in Shanghai - Longhua Temple 龙华寺 | China Travel 4K

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Frequently asked questions about Longhua Temple

Is Longhua Temple worth visiting in Shanghai?: Yes, especially if you want a working Buddhist temple rather than a polished tourist set-piece. It is the city's oldest and largest complex, founded in 242 AD, and its 977 AD octagonal pagoda is the only ancient pagoda left in Shanghai. The mood is quieter and more devotional than Jing'an Temple, with noticeably fewer foreign visitors.
How do I get to Longhua Temple and is there an entrance fee?: Take Metro Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua station; the temple is a short signed walk from there. Entry is a token fee of around 10 RMB, cash only, so carry small notes since card and foreign-app payment can be unreliable. There is no English-language service, so a translation app helps for signage and tickets.
Can you climb the Longhua Pagoda?: No. The seven-story brick-and-wood pagoda is admired from the outside only and is closed to climbers, so plan your visit around photographing it rather than going up. The best vantage points are from the temple forecourt and the adjacent street; allow about an hour to ninety minutes to also walk the main halls inside.