Longhua Temple (龙华寺)

🛕💫 Longhua Temple (龙华寺)
— The oldest temple in Shanghai that you simply cannot miss!

If you want to experience "a peaceful side of Shanghai" beyond the towering skyscrapers and dazzling lights, this is the place to be 🧘♀️
Longhua Temple is the oldest Mahayana Buddhist temple in Shanghai, with a history spanning over 1,700 years! It’s renowned for its spiritual atmosphere, authentic Chinese architecture, and is a popular spot for locals to pray and make wishes 🪷

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📍 Location:
Longhua Temple, Xuhui District, Shanghai
🚇 Take Metro Line 11 or 12 to Longhua Station, then walk less than 5 minutes
🕰️ Open daily from 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💸 Entrance fee: Around 10 RMB (~50 THB)

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🌸 Atmosphere inside the temple:
Peaceful and serene, surrounded by large trees, it feels like stepping back into ancient China 🏮
The highlight is the Longhua Pagoda, a 7-story structure in the Song Dynasty style—majestic yet simple. Photos taken here exude warmth and a sense of spirituality!

Inside the temple, you’ll find shrines, large Buddha statues, various deities according to Chinese beliefs, and the fragrant scent of incense wafting through the air. For those seeking tranquility and a "slow travel" vibe, this place is heaven ✨

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🌿 Popular spots for prayers and wishes:
• Praying for health, family, career, and a smooth life
• Lighting incense and walking around the pagoda three times as a symbol of merit accumulation
• If you’re feeling confused or unsettled, try meditating or quietly strolling under the old Chinese wooden buildings—it’s calming without any effort.

📸 Photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss:
• Stone pathways and ancient Chinese wooden roofs = vintage Korean-Chinese mood
• The front view of the pagoda is stunning, especially with the soft light in the morning or evening
• If you visit during cherry blossom season (March–early April), the temple becomes even more breathtaking with flowers blooming all around 🌸

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💡 Small tips:
• Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds, cooler weather, and clear, beautiful photos
• Dress in Chinese/vintage style to match the setting for amazing pictures
• Don’t forget to bring a film camera or a good smartphone—the lighting in the temple is perfect for soft mood shots

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📌 Longhua Temple
🏯 Xuhui District, Shanghai
🚇 Get off at Longhua MRT Station
🕘 Open daily 07:00 – 16:30
💸 Entrance fee: 10 RMB (~50 THB)