Longhua Temple
Shanghai, China
No visit to Shanghai is complete without a peek at the various temples and pagodas that are deeply ingrained part of local culture. The largest complex of the various Buddhist temples in the city, is the Longhua Temple (meaning ‘Luster of the Dragon’). It is named so because according to folklore, once upon a time the fabled dragons made an appearance at this site. It is also believed to house one among 13 pagodas built by an emperor from the Three Kingdoms Period after he discovered cremated remains of Buddha and ordered to house them within the Pagodas. However, the Temple was extensively rebuilt (after suffering destruction) during the Northern Song Dynasty and it is that architectural façade that it retains to this day.
Since the Longhua temple is a major attraction, there are plenty of public transport options that will help tourists get here. Metro lines 11 and 12 have an eponymous stop for the temple and many buses stop at Longhua station on Longhua road. The entrance is charged at RMB10 (and includes incense to burn) but this price is increased substantially for the New Year (as per the Gregorian calendar) ceremony to RMB120. Opening time is 07:00 and the complex closes at 16:30 except on special events. Spring is an ideal time to go to appreciate the peach blossoms in bloom and enjoy the Temple fair (expect hordes of tourists though!).
The complex is built in what is considered a sacred style for Buddhist temples i.e., with a south to north axis along which five main buildings are aligned, which can be seen as soon as the visitors enter from the Shanmen (main gate). There are other buildings inside the 5-acre complex of the Longhua Temple one of which is the Bell Tower, home to the Qing era copper cast bell which weighs a whopping 5000kgs and is struck about 108 times in a ceremony to usher in the New Year on December 31st each year. This brings in luck for the worshippers and is one of the most popular events at the Temple.
Another wildly popular attraction is the famed Longhua pagoda which has Hollywood star power since it was featured in Steven Spielberg’s movie. But due to its age of over 17 centuries the pagoda can only be viewed from behind a designated spot. It has started leaning a bit to one side as well. But the details etched on the pagoda are amazing and go back to the authentic style of imperial times. The seven storied pagoda has each floor decreasing in height as they go up with balconies protruding underneath upturned eaves.
When originally built, the Longhua Temple complex had extensive beautiful gardens but because of many executions carried out there during turbulent times, the gardens have been curtailed in favor of a memorial hall and cemetery to honor the spirits of the dead. However, this has not dampened appeal and the complex still has much positive energy and celebrations around the year.
Other Attractions In Shanghai
Commemoration Exhibition of Expo 2010 Shanghai
The 2010 World Expo had reportedly cost $40 billi…
Dagu Lu
Dagu Lu is a renowned street situated around Peop…
Daning Lingshi Park
Situated on Guangzhong road, Daning Lingshi Park …
Dino Beach
Dino beach is one of Shanghai’s summer destinatio…
Disc Kart Indoor Karting
This is a great place for people who want some fu…
Dongtai Lu Antiques Market
Dongtai Road Antique Market is located in Luwan D…
Duolun Museum of Modern Art
Duolun Museum of Modern Art, Duolun MOMA, is the …
Fengjing Ancient Town
Considered an artist’s delight, the Fengjing Anci…
French Concession
During 1849 an area of almost 160 acres was conce…
Fuxing Island
As Shanghai is a coastal city, there are bound to…
Fuxing Park (Fuxing Gongyuan)
Fuxing park has been grassy retreat since the Min…
Gongqing Forest Park
Gongqing Forest Park is considered the second lar…
Grand Gateway Shopping Mall
The Grand Gateway Shopping Mall is a trading venu…
Guangqi Park (Tomb of Paul Guangqi)
With many a shopping malls and commercial avenues…
Hengshan Community Church
It is situated along Hengshan road, on the south-…
Hengshan Moller Villa
It takes one 10 minutes to walk to this place fro…
Hongkou Soccer Stadium
This is the first soccer stadium ever built in Ch…
Hongqiao New World Pearl Market
A little under tourists’ radar for the time being…
Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road)
Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road) is a busy street in Sha…
Hu Xi Mosque
Shanghai Huxi Mosque construction was completed i…
Jade Buddha Temple
Went to Shanghai and never paid a visit to the Ja…
Jing'an Temple
Like an oasis in a desert, the Jing’an (meaning ‘…
Jin Mao Tower
Dominating the skyline in Pudong New District, sa…
Jinshan Beach
Jinshan Beach is a charming beach on Xincheng Roa…
Jinxian Lu
Jinxian Lu is a captivating street in Shanghai si…
Longhua Cemetery of Revolutionary Martyrs
Longhua Cemetery of Revolutionary Martyrs is situ…
Longhua Temple
No visit to Shanghai is complete without a peek a…
Lupu Bridge
Hailed as an outstanding structure by IABSE when …
Lu Xun Park (Hongkou Park)
With a foundation laid in 1896 for a shooting ran…
Madame Tussauds Shanghai
Madame Tussauds Shanghai can be found on the tent…
Maglev train
The Shanghai Maglev Train was built in 2002, reco…
Mao Pagoda Lighthouse
Built in the 9th century, the Mao Pagoda Lighthou…
Memorial Hall of Artist Zhang Chongren (Qibao)
The Memorial Hall of Zhang Chongren was built at …
Modern Electronic City
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Moganshan Lu (M50 Galleries)
What was once an industrial district has now been…
Moon Boat (Saudi Arabia Expo Pavilion)
The Shanghai Expo 2020 was a grand event on an in…
Nanjing Lu Fake Market - Fenshine Fashion & Accesories Plaza
Nanjing Lu Fake Market is a great place for fake …
Nanjing Road
When a place manages to score 1st position in wor…
Nihong Kids' Clothing Market
If you are searching in Shanghai for retail outle…
Oriental Arts Center
It is abbreviated as SHOAC and it is located at t…
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
This tall tower’s entire structure is neatly made…
Peace Cinema
The Peace Cinema began its operations in 2004 and…
Pearl & Jewelry Market - First Asia Jewelry Plaza (3rd Floor)
It will not be an exaggeration if you say that th…
People's Square
People's Square in Shanghai is situated at the ce…
Power Station of Art
Established in 2012, the Power Station of Art is …
Qibao Catholic Church
Tourists going to Minhang district, are usually p…
Qibao Old Street (Qibao Ancient Town)
It is one thing to learn about history through bo…
Qipu Lu Fashion & Accessories Market
Qipu Lu Fashion & Accessories Market was the bigg…
Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena
Designed by a Japanese architecture firm which wo…
Rico Rico Beach
Being a popular place for beach parties in the su…
Rockbund Art Museum
The Rockbund Art Museum is a museum of contempora…
Russian Orthodox Mission Cathedral
Built in 1934, the Russian Orthodox Mission Cathe…
Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum
Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum, popularly known …
Shanghai Botanical Gardens
Shanghai Botanical Garden boasts of great collect…
Shanghai Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple)
The Shanghai Chenghuang Miao, also known as City …
Shanghai Circus World
The area that is covered by Shanghai circus world…
Shanghai Culture Square
Although not the largest theater in the city (tha…
Shanghai Disneyland
The second but largest one in China and the sixth…
Shanghai Exhibition Center
The Shanghai Exhibition Centre was built in 1955 …
Shanghai Food Street: Fangbang Lu
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Shanghai Food Street: Huanghe Lu
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Shanghai Food Street: Shouning Lu
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Shanghai Food Street: Taizhou Lu
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Shanghai Food Street: Wujiang Lu
Wujiang Lu is the most prominent food street in S…
Shanghai Food Street: Yunnan Nan Lu
At the intersection of Yan'an Road and Xizang Roa…
Shanghai Food Street: Zaoyang Lu
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Shanghai Friday Muslim Market
The market occurs every Friday at the junction of…
Shanghai Glasses Market
Shanghai is a shopaholics paradise and it should …
Shanghai Grand Theatre
Looking like a glass palace, the Shanghai Grand T…
Shanghai International Circuit Formula 1 Race Track
Opening its doors to speed junkies and motorheads…
Shanghai International Convention Center
Shanghai International Convention Center forms a …
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, located on C…
Shanghai Library
Shanghai Library is situated at Huaihai Zhong Lu …
Shanghai MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is sit…
Shanghai Modern Military Sports Club
Shanghai Modern Military Sports Club is situated …
Shanghai Museum
Museums are always filled with interesting facts …
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Tucked away behind the super tall and super famou…
Shanghai Old City
The Shanghai Old City was the seat of power of an…
Shanghai Postal Museum
The Shanghai Postal Museum is perched on the nort…
Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center
The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center (PPAC) …
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
If you want to exploit the secret of science, Sha…
Shanghai Tower
Peer down the clouds if you dare! Featuring the S…
Shanghai Urban Planning Museum
Those new to Shanghai, feel like the city will sw…
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
There are many natural reserves spread over Shang…
Shanghai Wild Insect Kingdom
The Shanghai Wild Insect Kingdom is located on Fe…
Shanghai World Financial Center
When built in 2008, the Shanghai World Finance Ce…
Shaoxing Lu
Shaoxing Lu is a marvelous street in Shanghai wit…
Shengsi Island
The newly popularized Shengsi Island is actually …
Sheshan Astronomical Observatory
Part of the Sheshan National Tourism Park in Song…
Sheshan National Tourism Park
A distinguished AAAA rated site by the National T…
Shikumen Open House Museum
Shikumen homes (meaning ‘Stone Gate House’) were …
Shiliupu Fabric Market
Although less known than the "Fabric Market", Shi…
Shouning Lu Snack Food Street
This is the most amazing attraction ever and this…
Sinan Mansions
Reminiscent of the times when the French ruled pa…
SMP Skate Park
SMP Skate Park is situated at 2100 Songhu Lu, nea…
Song Fang Maison de Th‚
Established in the year 2007 by Florence Samson, …
Songjiang Square Tower
Songjiang Square Tower is a Buddhist pagoda in Si…
South Bund Fabric Market
This place is home to hundreds of tailors. In Fab…
St Ignatius (Xujiahui) Cathedral
This is a Catholic cathedral which is situated at…
Sun Island
With almost 60kms between downtown Shanghai and S…
Suzhou Creek
It is also known as Soochow creek or Wusong River…
Thames Town
This town is new in Songjiang District, around 30…
The Bund
The famous waterfront promenade in Shanghai, know…
The Cool Docks
Located in the Huangpu district, towards the sout…
Tianzifang
The tourist destination of Tianzifang is part of …
Tongchuan Lu Seafood Market
If you want to get the freshest seafood in Shangh…
Waibaidu Bridge
It is an all-steel bridge which is the first one …
Xing Guan Photographic Equipment Market
For the local Chinese as well as tourists, the be…
Xintiandi
Xintiandi square is located in the heart of Shang…
Xuhui Riverside Public Open Space (Shanghai Corniche)
Transforming an area that had once bore the brunt…
Yatai Xinyang Fashion and Gift Market
A big city like Shanghai has something for everyb…
Yinqixing Indoor Ski Center
Yinqixing Indoor Ski Center is a leading tourist …
Yu Garden
Of the many ancient gardens in China, Yuyuan (lit…
Yuyintang Livehouse
The Yuyintang Live house can be easily found in t…
Yuyuan Bazaar (Yuyuan Market)
Originally called the City God Temple, the Yuyuan…
Zendai Museum of Modern Art
Situated at the Thumb Plaza in Pudong New Area in…
Zhenru Temple
The Zhenru Temple (meaning ‘reality as it is’) da…
Zhongshan Park (Shanghai)
Zhongshan Park is located in Changning district. …
Zhou Enlai Residence
Zhou Enlai was China's premier between 1949 and 1…
Zhou's Miniature Carving House (Qibao)
Zhou's Miniature Carving House (Qibao) is located…
Zhujiajiao
Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao …
Home > Shanghai > Shanghai > Longhua Temple