Lungshan Temple

I visited Longshan Temple in Taipei in December and really enjoyed the experience. The architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings, colorful roof details and beautifully crafted dragon sculptures. Despite being in the middle of a busy urban area, the atmosphere inside feels calm and spiritual. Watching locals pray and light incense adds authenticity to the visit. A meaningful cultural stop and definitely worth seeing when in Taipei.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An extraordinary place — busy, layered, and very much alive. This Temple dates back to the 18th century and has survived earthquakes, war and constant change, which gives it a quiet authority. This isn’t a museum piece — it’s an active temple woven into everyday Taipei life. From the moment you enter, there’s a lot happening: waterfalls and ponds at the entrance, koi gliding through the water, incense thick in the air, and a striking mix of colour, sound and movement. Reds, golds, carved dragons everywhere you look — it’s unapologetic and full-on, but it works. What’s fascinating is the religious mix. Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism all coexist here, with Guanyin at the centre and a wide range of other deities people turn to for very practical concerns — health, work, exams, relationships. Locals come in, light incense, say a few quiet words, and head straight back into their day. It can be busy, especially compared to quieter temples, but that’s part of its character. You’re watching belief in motion, not a performance for visitors. Rich, atmospheric, and deeply rooted in daily life —Lungshan Temple feels like Taipei revealing itself rather than explaining itself. Well worth visiting, even if just to stand still and take it all in.

My first visit to Lungshan Temple was on 5 January during my Taiwan trip. I went in the morning and it was already super crowded. Watching the worshippers gather, pray, and chant in their steady, almost hypnotic rhythm was really fascinating. The whole place felt so alive and full of energy. The architecture is amazing — detailed carvings, colorful roofs, and incense everywhere. You can really feel the history and culture the moment you step in. Even with so many people around, there was this calm, grounding vibe. Just standing there, observing everything, made the visit really memorable. Definitely a must-visit if you want to experience Taiwan’s culture beyond just sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a spiritual experience like no other, I highly recommend visiting Longshan Temple. I suggest coming in the evening. The way the temple is lit at night is beautiful and peaceful, creating a very special atmosphere. I was fortunate enough to be there while the monks (師父) were praying and chanting. The sound and energy of the moment were deeply moving. It felt like a true spiritual cleansing for the soul. Take time to walk through the entire temple and visit the different Buddhas and deities. Each area has its own meaning and history. And if you’re hoping for romance, don’t forget to visit Yue Lao (月老), the “Old Man Under the Moon,” who is believed to help people find true love. This is a must-visit place in Taipei, whether you’re spiritual, curious, or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience.

⸻ Visiting Longshan Temple Taipei is one of the best cultural experiences in the city. Getting there is very convenient—simply take the Blue Line to Longshan Temple Station, and the temple is less than a minute’s walk from Exit 1. The surrounding area is lively, with traditional shops and local food stalls adding charm to the visit. Taipei’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to prepare. On hot days, the temple courtyard can feel warm but breezy, while rainy days give the temple a mystical, calm look with reflections on the wet stone floor. Either way, the covered walkways make exploring comfortable in most conditions. Inside the temple, the atmosphere is peaceful despite the crowd. The moment you step in, you’ll smell incense and hear soft chanting blending with the sound of flowing water from the small fountain. The intricate carvings, dragon pillars, and glowing lanterns create a deeply spiritual ambiance. Locals praying, offering flowers, and drawing fortune sticks make the experience feel authentic and alive. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or photography, Longshan Temple offers a calm and beautiful escape from the busy city.

Lungshan Temple was the first temple I visited in Taipei, and I found it absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Its colors, architecture, and fish-filled fountains make it truly special. The atmosphere is peaceful and calming, and when the sunlight hits during sunset, it feels almost romantic. Compared to other temples in Taipei of the same importance, this one feels fresher, cleaner, and more serene. It’s definitely worth visiting this stunning place while always being respectful of local customs and beliefs. Take your time to admire the offerings, the intricate deities, and the sacred spaces — it’s a wonderful cultural and spiritual experience that stays with you.

I truly enjoyed my visit to Lungshan Temple! The architecture is absolutely stunning, a real feast for the eyes. 🤩 The intricate details and vibrant colors make it a truly special place to explore. So much history and culture here. ✨ I highly recommend a visit! 💯

A beautiful temple to visit and listen to chanting. Chanting occurs three times a day. Offerings can be purchased onsite and there are handouts explaining the features of the temple

i have visited LS-TEMPLE multiple times during each taipei trip :) it is situated in wanhua district & right by mrt station theres alwayz a huge crowd here prayin 4 buddhas blessings & theres a sense of peace after each visit

*** Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted *** Bangka Lungshan Temple (built in 1738) is the most popular and crowded temple in the entire Taipei . This temple was listed as a National Historic Site by the Ministry of Culture in November 2018. Our party came here at 9 AM and was super crowded because the temple was having a ceremony. [Guided tour]: This temple only provides free scheduled guided tour in Mandarin every Tuesday from 1:30 PM to 3 PM, every Wednesday from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, and every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. [Entrance and exit]: All visitors must enter the temple through the Dragon Gate (龍門) on the right and exit through the Tiger Gate (虎門) on the left. Unaware of this rule, one of my family members tried to enter the temple through the Tiger Gate. A staff member stopped my family member from entering & explained that entering through the Tiger Gate is believed to bring bad fortune. [Snack and gift stalls]: Visitors will find a stall selling traditional Taiwanese pastries near the Dragon Gate entrance and a souvenir shop near the Tiger Gate exit. I was really impressed by their charm selection and this temple has one of the best souvenir collections I've come across during my trip to Taiwan. I ended up spending over 1,000 NTD and purchased some super cute Chinese zodiac charms [Praying]: The Rear Hall is where visitors seek guidance and answers. Key shrines include: + Mazu (媽祖) the Heavenly Lady: Her shrine is at the center of the hall. Worshiped for blessings and protection. + Ju-sheng Niang-niang (註生娘娘), the Goddess of Fertility, and the Twelve Helpers: Worshiped by those that wish to enter or are expecting parenthood. + Wenchang Dijun (文昌帝君): Worshiped by those who wish to excel academically or professionally. + Hua-tuo, the God of Medicine (華佗): Worshiped by those who seek for health. + Guan Sheng Di Jun (關聖帝君), the God of Business and Finance: Worshiped by business people. + The Hall of the Divine Matchmaker Yue Lao (月老): The most popular place in the temple. Hundreds of local and international visitors come daily to ask for the Red Thread and his blessings on their love life or marriage. [How to ask for an chien-shi (籤詩 oracle poem) with the fortune sticks]: There wasn't time for our party to draw fortune sticks since the temple was hosting a ceremony, but a small section of the temple had many believers casting divination blocks (also known as moon blocks) and drawing fortune sticks. Here's the process: (1) Take and hold a pair of poé (divination blocks) from the Front Hall in your hands and face the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. (2) State your name, place of residence, and the question you would like to ask. Ask the Bodhisattva "please give me a divine sign if you would grant me an answer today," then toss the blocks. (3) A divine sign (聖筊) mean the answer is yes (one block faces up and the other faces down). If you receive this, proceed to step 4. (4) Draw a stick from the 'chien tong' (簽筒 fortune stick bucket) just enough to see the number marked on it. Take note of the number, then put the stick back to the bucket without pulling it entirely out. (5) Use the poé blocks again to confirm with Bodhisattva if you've been granted the answer. The blocks would yield three consecutive divine signs (聖筊) if the answer from the god is affirmative. Otherwise, go back to step 4 and repeat the process until they do. (6) Go to the poem cabinet and take one poem marked with the same number as the one you've drawn from the fortune sticks. You can ask one of the poem readers at the temple to explain it for you. [Conclusion]: While I do think this a must-visit tourist attraction in Taipei, just be prepared for large crowds from waves of non-stop tourist buses. If you have an extra time, then take the opportunity to pay respects to the various gods and pray for different aspects of your life.

A very beautiful, peaceful temple. When you walk in, you see the very beautiful waterfall on your right and a dragon fountain on your left. The details of the temple roof and walls are very intricate. When you walk in, there are different hallways with different rooms for different gods. We managed to come during a time when prayer was going on. The craftsmanship of the temple is very beautifully done and is definitely a must-visit.

This one is not as big as some of the other temples in Taiwan but if you happen to be in the area, stop by for a visit. There are a good amount of visitors here and a beautiful waterfall feature at the entrance. Nice architecture as well.

Three days into my trip, this has to be my favorite temple. Located in the Wanhua District in Taipei. The original Buddhist temple was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian and served as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers. Along with the Buddhist elements, it has halls and altars to Chinese deities such as Mazu and Guan Yu. Today's temple was rebuilt in 1919 and completed in 1924. As you walk down the street you begin to notice a white stone wall with beautiful intricate designs on top. Bright blue, red and green bring out the swirls and curls in the carvings. Then you enter the gate to the front courtyard and hear running water. To your right is a two story tri of waterfalls that remove you from the city and make you feel like you are in the mountains nearby. On the other side of the courtyard in a pond with two different fish fountains. But stand in the middle and just be in awe of the fine detailed carvings and dragons that adorn the facade. Especially the dragons, I love the perfection of them. Now walk into the inner courtyard- the largest I've seen so far, and it needs to be. This is a very busy temple. The main shrine in the center is flanked by a couple of smaller shrines. Then walk down the left side and discover a magical walkway that continues the vibrant colors and has large lanterns swaying in the breeze. This temple also has more and different works of art than the others so far. Large sheets of marble with simple portraits etched in them. Framed silks with depictions. A must see. MRT station located right across the street.

The style of the temple is typical of temples in Southern China. So, if you have visited temples in places like Fuzhou or Guanzhou (Canton), the architecture would not appear that interesting.

Historical temple to visit when touring the "snake alley". Very simple to come here via MRT from practically anywhere in Taipei, although transfer may be needed. Highly recommended for first time visitors. In fact, it is even great for repeated visitors.

This temple is very easy to get to on the MRT. It's a beautiful and busy temple, with people who come to pray all throughout the day. If you come during a service, try to stay to the sides so you don't interfere. It's lovely hearing everyone chanting together.

This is a very nice temple. One star subtracted because the area can be sketchy. A lot of homeless. There are different gods that you can pray to. Restrooms are down the stairs but be warned that you may have to grab some toilet paper before going into the stalls.

One of the oldest temple around Taipei. It's very pretty and well maintained. There are plenty of photo opportunities and you can catch locals and monks praying throughout the day. The temple is located right across from the MRT station. There are plenty of local eats ariund the area (might look old but they're clean, I've been eating in this area for 12+ years and never been sick). At night the WanHua Street market is right at the intersection... so lots to do! Tip: Buy some jasmine and orchard flowers from the people outside to bring in to not only support locals, but also get some good karma!

One of the popular destination in Taipei, Longshan Temple is a buddhist temple open to the public and free for all to visit. It's easily accessible by bus and MRT, and the temple's traditional architecture is well preserved.  The staff are friendly to explain the worship process. There are many gods and deities ranging from birth to death, so it's important to visit them all at Longshan Temple and in the correct order: 1. You enter through the dragon gate on the righthand side to proceed to the front hall to pay respect to Amitabha (阿彌陀佛),  Shakyamuni (釋迦摩尼)  Bhaisajyaguru (藥師佛). 2. Then go to the main hall (enter hall) to visit Guanyin Bodhisattva (觀音佛祖) and Jade Emperor (天公). 3. Go to the rear hall to see the other deities. Many come here to pray to Yue Lao (月老 the Matchmaker) or ask for a chien-shi (籤詩 oracle poem), but one should visit all the deities first before doing so. I really enjoyed visiting Longshan Temple absorbing the culture and serene vibe. A must visit temple in Taipei. TIP: If you forgot to bring offerings, you can buy snack/candy on site for worship.

Longsan Temple located in Wanhua area, is probably the oldest temple in Taiwan. It's definitely a popular place to explore. There is a night market right a block away. The local food is very yummy and it's the area I always came when visiting taipei.

If you have only one day in Taiwan and your wondering what you would want to see, I would highly recommend going to the Longshan Temple. It is one of the oldest, from 1738!! I love going to temples all around the world but by far this one seriously makes me feel like your back in time. It's really pretty with lots of details all around. The dragons are all on the top and all around the temple. You can see a lot of locals praying and using incense all around the area. You can enter inside and go all towards the back as well. I came during the Lunar New Year which was my first time doing that and they had a lot of gigantic lanterns everywhere!! Also you can get to this temple by subway, they have their own stop which is named Longshan Temple. Tip- It's free to go and look around but if you feel in anyway to donate money you are able to! If you do want to see the lanterns like how I have in the photos you should try to come during the Lunar New Year which happens every year around February, but it does sometimes change.

Longshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Taiwan. It was built in the 1700s and eventhought the exterior color/paintings have faded away, the temple itself is still standing in good condition. Lots of tourists and locals come here each day to visit the temple. The temple is located in the city and is right across from the MRT. Longshan is surrounded by highrises. Yes the temple is very small. The columns/pillars here are beautifully/detailed carved back in the days. If you go close you can see the details clearly. They offer free fortune telling here. By picking a stick, you can go grab a piece of paper from the drawer that will tell your fortune. There are quite a bit to see. Incenses are free unless you want the giant one.

Cool temple to visit in Taipei, went as part of a walking tour and the intricate details of the temple were awesome. It is an older temple so yes the color has faded in some places. There is almost always a crowd here, so expect that when you visit. You can consider leaving an offering if you visit (it is free to enter and walk around) but you certainly don't have to. Lots of locals come for praying.

Longshan Temple is a very popular tourist destination when visiting Taipei. One of the oldest in Taipei and very accessible by Metro station. Most temples in Taiwan are free to visit, including this well-known largest and most famous temple. I came to visit with some friends as this was on our itinerary. Upon walking in, there is a beautiful artificial waterfall near the entrance (definitely make sure to take a photo!). A very peaceful temple that can be crowded depending on the day you visit. During the time I went, it was pretty crowded. There were many faithful locals dressed in very ordinary Western clothing and were all around in various poses of worship: kneeling, bowing, clasping hands together and holding smoldering incense sticks which they tossed into the censers. I appreciated the architecture and the age of the building. Also, the detail in the craftsmanship is mind-blowing! This really took some work!! The temple has ornate carvings of oriental mythical figures on its roof and each of its many prayer halls is graced by a statue of a different deity on an altar decked with oil lamps, an urn for devotees to place their incense/joss sticks, and offerings of fresh fruit and flowers. Overall, there is tons of energy here; you feel it all around! If you're interested, make sure to check out the interesting souvenirs at the exit. *There is nothing to do except stroll around and take it all in, but what an experience. **This temple is near 3-night markets, including the Snake Alley, so make sure that you make a special visit!

The most popular temple in Taipei, so many people come to pray day and night, and it has a very long history with few hundreds of years.

We came here because my husband and I were visiting from the United States and my dad brought us here. We came in New Years Day, so they were doing a New Years prayer, which was neat to see. The temple was beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. It was not too crowded, which was nice. I would come back for a visit

A very popular temple when tourist visit Taipei. There is a MRT station across street, very convenient! Huge temple, very organized. Staffs are very friendly. Many of the tourists are confused who to pray or how to pray. The staffs are nice enough to show them. During Chinese New Year, they decorate the temple. Feeling the holiday spirit! There are many temples in Taipei, if you only have time to visit one, highly recommend this temple.

Features: -Longshan Temple is by far, one of the greatest temples of all. This religious place is worshipped by the many people of Taiwan as you can tell by the massive amounts of people that visit this site. Locals and tourists from all over come to pray and worship the Buddhas here. Upon walking to the site, you can smell the incense smoke blocks away. -In front and around the area, there are ladies that sell flower offerings for a few bucks. You can take these flowers and leave them in front any altar inside. -The workers here were really happy and nice. They were helpful and taught me what I was supposed to do and which direction I should follow. -Near the exit, you can purchase religious beads for yourself or whomever. The one I decided to get was all black which signified opportunity. Improvement: -There were a ton of people here, so many that it was hard for me to walk around. When you see a place with so many visitors, you know it is legit. My suggestion is to come early to avoid the crowd. Tips: -Come early! -Make sure you see all the buddhas (around and on the sides). -Buy a bracelet for good luck!

Long Shan Temple (龍山寺) was founded in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian. (Fun fact: separated by a strip of water, Fujian and Taiwan are regarded as sister provinces because their people have blood ties and have similar dialects.) Long Shan Temple is one of the top religious sites in Taipei. People go there to worship and also to explore the art and architecture. Like most Taiwanese temples, they have a main bodhisattva, goddess of mercy Guanyin, and a lot of other gods and goddesses in the other halls. Buddhists believe that when their loved ones leave this world, Guanyin places them in the heart of a lotus and then sends them to the pure land. After many earthquakes, typhoons, and bombings in World War II, this temple has been rebuilt over and over again. It was pretty amazing seeing so many worshippers gather together and engage in hypnotic changing. After praying at the main alter, Stephanie S. and I checked out the alters on the sides. I overheard a Taiwanese guy tell his female friend (who he was showing around) that people prayed to this certain goddess if they wanted to get pregnant. When in Rome... "Please let me be able to have a child. NOT NOW THOUGH! Maybe in a few years after I settle down and get married..." That was pretty much the gist of my prayer. We'll see if that goddess heard my prayer! Ever since visiting our first temple in Japan, I've been meaning to buy a Buddhist bracelet. I finally did at this temple! I had a hard time deciding between the all pink or all jade green one. But in the end, I got a multi-colored one. Because I'm a child. Actually, I did purchase a child sized bracelet. If you've seen my wrists, they are tiny! So why buy an adult one when I can fit a kid's one? :) The lady that handed me the bracelet commented, "You know this is for kids, right?" And then she side-eyed me real hard after I nodded.

I've been here twice, on two separate trips. If you can get past the hustle and bustle, it really is a moving place to be. Watching everyone pay respects and seeing the intricate detail put into every shrine (not sure if that's the right word) is something that is worth seeing. There is tons of shopping and places to eat nearby, and if you're not looking closely, you could walk right by the entrance and not realize it.

Apart from the gobs of homeless pensioners outside the gates, the temple itself is fine with the proper facilities for the necessary rituals. There's a small mart for goods in addition to non-aggressive hawkers, handwashing station, just enough space at peak after-work prayer time, easy ingress & egress, security guards keeping the situation sane, and overall alright maintained. Despite being a big tourist destination, it's not overwhelmed by them.

This is one of my favorite temples in town. Its roofs are beautifully decorated, everything in the place so stunningly intricate. The courtyard entrance is gorgeous, with an artificial waterfall pouring water out day and night. It's peaceful, serene even. And I love the juxtaposition of this peaceful spiritual place next to the seediness of the Huaxi Street Night Market and Snake Alley. But if you really want to see Longshan Temple in all its glory, you have to check it out during the Lantern Festival after Chinese New Year. The lanterns they set out are amazing, intricate sculptures of light and paper. In such a setting, they're truly remarkable. But they're only out for a short time each year.

I love Longshan Temple. I visit it on every visit to Taipei. It reminds me very much of the temples in Korea (Mahayana). Grounds are immaculate and well looked after, and are a reflection of the Holiness of this place. I agree with Cassandra - if you only have time to see one Temple in Taipei, go the to Longshan Temple. I participated in a Sangha and the feeling of peace stayed with me throughout my visit.

Old beautiful Buddhist Temple. Lots of people. Be respectful, but come visit.

Longshan Temple is a favourite for visitors to Taipei. The temple itself is lovely to wander round, and it is refreshing to experience the sudden calm when you enter the courtyard from the bustling Wanhua area. There's a nice coi pond to the right of the courtyard as you enter, which is nice as you can comfortably take photos there without feeling that you are being impolite to worshippers (this temple has been packed every time I have gone there). Inside there are many different alters to peruse - as with all temples remember to be considerate to the worshippers and not cross between a praying person and an alter. If you wait a short while most people will move on so you can take a photo if you wish, although this may not be possible at the main altar, as it is a very busy temple. It's a great temple to visit being in an old part of town and it exemplifies Taiwan Temple culture. It's also not far from the now rather run-down infamous Snake Alley.