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Visit the stunning Quanzhou Longshan Temple to admire its ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and the beautiful surrounding gardens. It's an ideal spot for peaceful reflection, taking photographs, and learning about the local Buddhist heritage.
Longshan Temple, located at the foot of Longshan Mountain in the north of Anhai Town, Jinjiang City, is a renowned millennium-old temple in southern Quanzhou. Designated one of the 142 national key Buddhist temples by the State Council in 1983, it was first built during the Sui Dynasty (618-619) and was originally named Puxian Temple, also known as Tianzhu Temple and more commonly as Guanyin Hall. Anhai Longshan Temple is the ancestral temple of over 400 Longshan Temples in Taiwan.
In front of the temple lies a moon-shaped pond. The gate is crowned by a stone archway inscribed with the four large characters "天竺凡钟". Once inside, a large stone tablet inscribed with "龙山宝地" (Longshan Treasure Land) is embedded in the temple's front wall. Flanking it are bell and drum towers. In front of the main entrance porch stands a pair of stone lions and a pair of stone drums. Above the gate hangs a wooden plaque inscribed with "一片慈云 (A Cloud of Compassion). Inside the gate are a worship hall and an altar, with a pavilion above the altar.
Longshan Temple also preserves many calligraphy works and original works by famous people: the couplet on the gate of the front hall "Why do we hate and love each other for twelve hours without interruption in worldly ties? Indeed, five hundred pairs of hands and eyes rescue the drowning people, and the Dharma is boundless" is the original work of Zhuang Junyuan of the Qing Dynasty; the huge plaque "Succession of the Buddha" under the north eaves of the hall is the original work of Master Hongyi; there is a plaque "Longshan Temple" inscribed by Zhao Puchu himself on the Temple of Heaven; and the "Puxian Hall" authentic work by Zhu Xi of the Song Dynasty; the plaque "Zhenguo Buddha" inscribed by Prime Minister Li Wenzhen and written by Juren Ke Conghuang, etc.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
free
8:00~17:00
Quanzhou Longshan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with over a thousand years of history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is a key cultural landmark in Quanzhou, symbolizing the region's deep Buddhist traditions and architectural achievements.
The temple is located in the eastern part of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from Quanzhou city center. Walking from nearby attractions is also a pleasant option if you're already in the area.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as it’s less crowded and the lighting is perfect for photography.
There is usually a small entrance fee of around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance on the day of your visit. It’s not necessary to book in advance.
No advance booking is required. Tickets can be bought on-site, and you can visit at your convenience during opening hours.
A visit to Quanzhou Longshan Temple will take around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. If you're interested in exploring the gardens and taking photos, plan for a longer visit.
Key highlights include the main prayer hall, the beautifully carved statues, and the peaceful gardens surrounding the temple. Don’t miss the temple’s ancient architecture and intricate wood and stone carvings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and you can request one at the entrance. Audio guides may also be offered, but English-language options may be limited. It’s advisable to bring a translation app if you don’t speak Mandarin.
For the best views, head to the main prayer hall and the surrounding gardens. The temple's architectural details, especially the rooflines and intricate carvings, provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Start at the main entrance, exploring the outer courtyard before entering the main hall. Afterward, stroll through the temple’s peaceful gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Take time to observe the carvings and statues scattered throughout the site.
There are no light shows or special tours at night, but the temple’s nighttime atmosphere is peaceful and quiet. Visiting at night allows you to experience the temple in a more tranquil setting, although facilities may not be open.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons like late autumn or winter.
Basic facilities like toilets and drinking water are available at the temple. There are no large food outlets inside the temple, but small snack shops may be found nearby.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may involve stairs. For visitors with disabilities, there might be limited access due to the temple’s ancient architecture. It’s best to check with the temple staff for specific accessibility information.
Cash is generally accepted for entrance fees, but mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also widely accepted at the temple and surrounding shops.
Nearby, you can find local eateries offering Fujian cuisine, such as dumplings and noodle dishes. There are also small tea shops where you can enjoy local tea.
There are vegetarian options available in nearby restaurants, especially in dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Halal food options may be more limited in this area but can be found in some local restaurants.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses in Quanzhou city center, just a short taxi ride away from the temple. For a more luxurious stay, there are higher-end hotels in the vicinity as well.
Nearby attractions include the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Kaiyuan Temple, and Qingjing Mosque. All are within a short distance and can be easily combined into a day trip.
You can find small souvenir shops selling religious artifacts, local handicrafts, and traditional Fujian items such as tea, pottery, and silk products.
From the temple, taxis or local buses are available to continue your journey to other Quanzhou landmarks or transportation hubs. Quanzhou’s central bus station and train station are easily accessible from the temple area.
