Longhua Temple Shanghai: Explore a Millennium-Old Sanctuary of Faith and Culture

Located at 2853 Longhua Road in Shanghai’s Xuhui District, Longhua Temple Shanghai opens a window to the Eastern spiritual world with over 1,700 years of accumulated history. Known as the “Tushita Heaven on Earth” (a reference to the Pure Land of Maitreya), this ancient monastery is not only a key Pure Land Buddhist site dedicated to Maitreya Bodhisattva but also a living cultural museum, carrying the Chinese people’s aspirations for the future, life wisdom, and a faith tradition that spans epochs.

1. History and Culture of Longhua Temple Shanghai

• Founded in 242 AD during the Eastern Wu Kingdom, legend says Sun Quan built the temple for his mother’s health.
• Current structures mostly rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, yet ancient relics remain:
  • Song Dynasty Gialan Seven Halls layout
  • Ming Dynasty stone carvings “Three Kings Lion”
  • Qing Dynasty imperial gold seals
• Unique feature: Longhua Temple is Shanghai’s only temple centered on Maitreya worship. The Heavenly King Hall houses a crowned Maitreya statue, reflecting Chinese adaptations of Buddhist culture.

2. Faith in Daily Life: How Visitors Engage

Visitors flock to Longhua Temple on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, during Buddhist festivals, and the Lunar New Year. Popular activities include:

• Career & Studies: Pray in the Main Hall for smooth careers and wisdom.
• Love & Offspring: Tie red ribbons in the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall for love or fertility.
• Health & Peace: Offer flowers in the Thirty-Two Incarnations of Guanyin Hall for wellbeing.

3. Must-Do Experiences for Visitors

Ring the New Year Bell

• Every December 31st, the New Year Bell Striking Ceremony draws crowds.
• The 108 tolls symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming blessings.
• Astonishingly, the auction for the right to strike the bell has fetched bids exceeding a million RMB—a testament not only to wealth but to the extreme importance placed on the New Year blessing. Today, the temple uses some of the auction proceeds for charity, adding warmth and greater love to the sound of the bell.

Taste Traditional Vegetarian Cuisine

• Luohan Noodles: mushrooms & bamboo shoots
• Guanyin Noodles: light, fresh broth
• Vegetarian pastries: mooncakes, mung bean cakes
• Cleansing for both palate and soul

Join the Longhua Temple Fair (Miàohuì)

• Held on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month
• Features dragon & lion dances, handicrafts, local snacks
• Peach blossom season offers stunning photo opportunities

4. Souvenir Shopping: Take Zen Home

• Cultural Vegetarian Delicacies: Luohan Cakes, Walnut Cloud Slices, Mid-Autumn mooncakes
• Buddhist Souvenirs: Mini pagoda bookmarks, incense burners, engraved copper bells
• Hands-On Experiences: Personalized prayer plaques and scripture rubbing

5. Practical Information

• Address: 2853 Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 3, Longhua Station (Metro Line 11/12)
• Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 04:30 PM
• Admission: Free (some dharma assemblies require reservations)

Tips for Visitors: Morning temple visit, lunch at temple vegetarian restaurants, explore the temple fair, evening return to city.

Why Visit Longhua Temple Shanghai

Longhua Temple combines history, faith, and human warmth. A stick of incense, a bowl of vegetarian noodles, or the chime of a bell lets visitors experience centuries of culture. A visit here is a spiritual pause from city life, offering reflection, peace, and insight into Chinese tradition.  And if you’re planning more places to see in the city, check out my page on Shanghai Tourist Attractions for more ideas.