Shanghai: Longhua Temple Buddhist tour with local expert

Explore the Longhua Temple in Shanghai on a guided tour. Learn about the architectural heritage and Buddhist culture of the temple, and savor a Song Dynasty–inspired vegetarian meal.
This is not an ordinary temple visit — it is a carefully curated, private cultural immersion.
Accompanied throughout by a bilingual cultural host fluent in both English and Chinese, you’ll step off the usual path and into Longhua Temple — the oldest and most storied Buddhist site in Shanghai.
Every detail of this experience has been thoughtfully arranged in advance, ensuring that the rhythm, space, and content of your journey are entirely your own.

Your exploration begins at the iconic Longhua Pagoda, followed by a guided walk through the temple’s central axis to visit the Five Main Halls — each a living symbol of Buddhist philosophy and ritual space.
But this is not just about what you see — it’s about what you come to understand.
Why do pagodas often have an odd number of tiers? Why is the left foot used first when stepping over temple thresholds? What do the rooftop creatures represent?
Each question opens a door to the layered language of temple architecture.

The heart of the experience lies in a peaceful meditative practice known as Tracing the Buddha, a traditional form of devotional art.
You will be provided with a personal seat and guided materials to trace the outline of a Buddha image — an act of mindful concentration and inner stillness.
Once completed, your artwork will be sealed with a custom commemorative stamp and presented in a specially designed brocade box for you to keep — a personal keepsake from your spiritual encounter.
Next, you’ll step into the exclusive Pagoda Reflection Courtyard — a tranquil waterside enclave that quietly echoes the poetic beauty of “autumn pagoda shadows mirrored in water.”
This serene garden is reserved privately for your group, allowing you time to take photos, sketch, or simply take in the atmosphere at your own pace.
Later in the journey, you’ll be invited to enjoy a meal of Intangible Cultural Heritage Vegetarian Cuisine — a style of monastic food rooted in the Song Dynasty and now recognized as part of Shanghai’s culinary heritage.
Served in a traditionally styled space, this temple meal is known for its refined flavors and elegant presentation.
Paired with a cup of temple tea, it offers a quiet yet memorable sensory experience.
To mark the occasion, a bottle of Longhua Temple Blessing Water will be gifted to you — a small gesture, offered with sincere wishes from the temple and our team.
This four-hour experience is designed to bring you into direct contact with a living 1,700-year-old cultural ecosystem.
Through space, ritual, architecture, art, and taste, you’ll gain access to a moment in time — and a place — that cannot be replicated.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.