The largest and oldest temple complex in Shanghai, traditionally founded in 242 AD, with a seven-storey octagonal pagoda across the road from it whose current form dates from the tenth century — the oldest structure of any kind in the city.
It is a working monastery well outside the tourist centre, and it feels like one.
What it costs
A small admission to the temple. ⚠️ The pagoda cannot be entered or climbed — it is a structure to look at, not a viewpoint, and visitors regularly travel out here expecting otherwise.
When to go
⭐ Late March into April, for the peach blossom, which the temple is locally famous for.
Chinese New Year brings the bell-ringing ceremony and very large crowds.
Getting there
Longhua station on line 11, or Longcao Road on line 12. It is a genuine journey out from the centre — allow the travel time.
If you only have an hour
The pagoda first, from the road, because it is the thing you came for. Then through the temple halls in sequence — this is a full monastic layout, unlike the single-courtyard temples in the centre, and the depth of it is the difference.
The vegetarian restaurant in the grounds is used by the monastery itself.
What people get wrong
Combining it with anything. It is far enough out that it is its own half-day.
Nearby
Ticketing arrangements, closing days and boat timetables as published and checked on 6 September 2026. These change without much warning — confirm with the place itself before you travel. More sights, and how they fit together, in Landmarks & Sights.