Located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Bangka Longshan Temple(艋舺龍山寺)is a famous temple in Taipei and also a second-grade municipal heritage site, which attracts thousands of visitors from local and foreign every year.
Additionally, it is listed as one of the top three must-see attractions for foreign visitors coming to Taipei, along with the National Palace Museum and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Before you go there., there are 8 things you should know about Longshan Temple:
- Why Should You Go?
- When Should You Go?
- How to Get There?
- What to Eat near Longshan Temple?
- What Else Fun near Longshan Temple
- Where to Stay near Longshan Temple
- What About Tonight?
1. Why Should You Go
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple has over 200 years of history.
The temple enshrines Guanyin and other almost 100 gods and goddesses that attract countless worshippers who come to pray for the good fortune, health, and even seek their true love by its effective matchmaking god.
You can admire this historical temple, check out Taiwan’s only pair of bronze dragon pillars when entering the temple, as well as many elaborate works of wood and stone carving on the wall and ceiling.
In 1985, Longshan Temple was designated a 2nd-grade municipal heritage site by the government, It was even listed of Top 3 must-visit historical monuments in Taiwan for international tourists along with the National Palace Museum and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
2. When Should You Go
Longshan Temple hours of operation open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The temple is a well-known sightseeing spot, so you can try to come early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds of tourists.
3. How to Get There
Take Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Longshan Temple Station [BL10], Exit No.1 and take about 3 minutes walk.
4. How to Pray at Longshan Temple
The temple consists of three halls: the front hall, the main hall and the rear hall. The rear hall is divided into Tianshang Shengmu Hall、Wenchang Dijun Hall、 Huatuo Hall、Guan Sheng Di Jun Hall and Yuelao Hall.
The front hall, called Sanchuan Hall, is the main entrance of the Temple, with two gates chamber on both sides: Dragon gate (Longmen) on the right and Tiger gate (Humen) on the left.
When entering into the temple, please pass through the Dragon gate (Entrance) on the right, and leave the temple by the Tiger gate (Exit) on the left.
Make sure to step over the wooden threshold while passing through the gate because it’s kind of disrespect to gods.
First of all, face the incense burner and pray to the Sky God.
Next, go to the main hall which is located at the center of the temple, where worship main god of the temple Guanyin, here you can ask Guanyin a question and throw the Moon Blocks (Jiaobei) in order to get an answer.
Then go to the rear hall, pray to follow a sequence from right to left: Huatuo Hall (pray for health), Wenchang Dijun Hall (pray for a good grade in the exam), Tianshang Shengmu Hall (pray for peace), Guan Sheng Di Jun Hall (pray for wealth) and Yuelao Hall (pray for true love).
< 10 Steps to pray in Longshan Temple >
- Pass through the Dragon gate (Entrance) on the right.
- Face the incense burner and pray to the Sky God.
- Pray to the main god of temple Guanyin in the main hall
- Go to the rear hall, first pray to Hua Tuo for health.
- Pray to Wenchang Dijun for a good grade in the exam.
- Pray to Tianshang Shengmu (Mazu) for peace.
- Pray to Guan Sheng Di Jun for wealth.
- Pray to Yue Lao for true love.
- Back to the main hall and ask Guanyin a question and throw the Moon Blocks (Jiaobei) in order to get a “Yes” or “No” answer.
- Leave the temple by taking the Tiger gate (Exit) on the left.
5. What to Eat near Longshan Temple
Fried Swordfish Tempura(東港旗魚黑輪)
Fried Swordfish Tempura is a popular snack, they wrap boiled eggs in the fish paste and then fry it, so it is crispy outside and tender inside, also you can apply some wasabi sauce and spicy sauce on the top making it more taste.
Fried Swordfish Tempura(東港旗魚黑輪)
- Avg. Cost:NT$10 ($0.3)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 909-427-565
- Hours:Mon – Sat 14:00~01:00 | Sun 14:00~24:00
Budai Fresh Oysters(布袋鮮之蚵)
Budai Fresh Oysters has always served fresh and big oyster directly coming from Budai, in here you can have many delicious oyster dishes such as oyster Noodles, oyster omelet, and oyster porridge.
Budai Fresh Oysters(布袋鮮之蚵)
- Avg. Cost:NT$80~150($2.6~5)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2308-3463
- Hours:Mon – Fri 11:00~14:00 / 16:00~20:30 | Sat 11:00~15:00 / 16:00~20:30 | Sun Closed
Zhouji Meat Porridge(周記肉粥店)
Zhou Ji is famous in locals and has been serving meat porridge for over half a century, the meat porridge is soft and chewy, don’t forget to try signature roast pork, crispy outside and soft in the middle, makes a perfect match with porridge.
Zhouji Meat Porridge(周記肉粥店)
- Avg. Cost:NT$100 ($3.3)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2302-5588
- Hours:Mon – Sun 06:00~16:30
Dingji Tempura(頂級甜不辣)
Dingji Tempura is famous for the fresh ingredients and the homemade sauce, that’s why attracting many people every day, and don’t forget to taste free soup after eating.
Dingji Tempura(頂級甜不辣)
- Avg. Cost:NT$45 ($1.5)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2302-6022
- Hours:Mon – Sun 13:00~22:00
Huainian AiyuJelly(懷念愛玉冰)
This old shop has been serving pure aiyujelly nearly 70 years, the pretty cool thing is they’ll put aiyujelly in a plastic bag instead of a cup, it’s a kind of old-fashioned way to drink it.
Huainian AiyuJelly(懷念愛玉冰)
- Avg. Cost:NT$40 ($1.3)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2306-1828
- Hours:Mon – Sun 15:00~22:30
Wang’s Broth(小王煮瓜)
Wang’s Broth is a well-known queue food shop, the signature braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan) and steamed minced pork with pickles in broth are must-eat, it has attracted more people after being selected in one of the Michelin Guide Taipei 2019, not only attracts many locals but foreign tourists to come.
Wang’s Broth(小王煮瓜)
- Avg. Cost:NT$60 ($2)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2370-7118
- Hours:Sun – Mon 09:00~20:00 | Tue Closed
Ayi Braised Pork Rice(阿義魯肉飯)
Besides Wang’s Broth, Ayi is also famous for braised pork rice, but the only difference is they braised pork rice topped with an overflowing amount of fresh oysters, which looks so enticing!
It has even won the Taiwan braised pork rice festival award in 2018.
Ayi Braised Pork Rice(阿義魯肉飯)
- Avg. Cost:NT$140($4.6)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 909-427-565
- Hours:Tue – Sun 11:00~08:00 | Mon Closed
Chen ji Mee Sua(陳記專業蚵仔麵線)
Opened over 20 years, Chen Ji’s Mee Sua is voted the best mee sua in Taipei, this typical Taiwanese dish includes fresh oysters and tender pig’s intestine, also you can add chill, black vinegar for more layered taste.
Chen Ji Mee Sua (陳記專業蚵仔麵線)
- Avg. Cost:NT$65($2.1)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2304-1979
- Hours:Mon – Sun 06:30~19:30
Huaxi Street Zenguo Fruit & Juice Bar(華西街珍果)
Taipei’s remaining traditional Ice and fruit store, Huaxi Street Zenguo Fruit & Juice Bar has a history of more than 40 years.
There are a variety of fresh cut fruit platter and fresh juices which can be freely matched according to personal preferences.
Here you can enjoy signature Assorted Fruit Shaved Ice and Ginger Tomato at affordable prices.
Huaxi Street Zenguo Fruit & Juice Bar(華西街珍果)
- Avg. Cost:NT$70($2.3)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2308-9090
- Hours:Mon – Sun 13:00~01:030
36 Tangyuan Shop(36圓仔店)
With a history of more than 70 years, the 36 Tangyuan Shop is famous for its variety of dessert, from red tortoise cakes, tangyuan soup, adzuki bean soup to mochi with peanut powder, etc.
Here definitely is heaven for those people having sweet tooth.
36 Tangyuan Shop(36圓仔店)
- Avg. Cost:NT$70($2.3)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2306-3765
- Hours:Mon – Sun 08:30~21:30
Longdu Iced Fruit Store(龍都冰菓專業家)
Established in 1920, Longdu Iced Fruit Store is famous for the signature “Eight Treasures Ice”, consisting of 8 different ingredients from peanut, adzuki bean, red kidney bean, mung bean, taro, tapioca, taro balls, to tangyuan, all of which create an amazing taste.
Longdu Iced Fruit Store(龍都冰菓專業家)
- Avg. Cost:NT$60($2)
- Get Location
- Tel:+886 2 2308-3223
- Hours:Mon – Sun 11:s0~01:00
6. What Else Fun near Longshan Temple
Bopiliao Historical Block (剝皮寮歷史街區)
Bopiliao is a historical block that completely preserves Qing dynasty architecture.
In 2009, the Taipei City Government completed the restoration of the Bopiliao historical block and turned it into a cultural and educational landmark.
U-mkt(新富町文化市場)
U-mkt, also known as Xinfu Market, was once a bustling traditional market during the Japan occupation era, after renovated by Taipei City Market Administration Office and reopened it in 2017.
It’s famous for the unique u-shaped building, also a popular photo-taking spot.
Ximending(西門町)
Ximending is a famous outdoor shopping area in Taipei city, has over twenty cinemas, six thousand shops, and street performances, which attracts many youths to here.
7. Where to Stay near Longshan Temple
Caesar Metro Taipei
Caesar Metro Taipei has scenic views of Taipei located directly above the Wanhua Railway Station, it’s only a 3-minute walk from MRT Longshan Temple Station, all stylish rooms featuring stunning city views come with free WiFi, private bathroom, and TV.
- Price: $ 110 +
- Internet review: 4.8/5(1k+ reviews from Klook)
- Reservation website: Caesar Metro Taipei
Cho Hotel
Cho Hotel is a pretty cool hotel featuring old-style design and decoration of Taiwan’s early times, all room comes with air-conditioned, private bathroom, and flat-screen cable TV, you can experience the nostalgic atmosphere.
- Price: $ 59 +
- Internet review: 4.5/5(1k+reviews from Klook)
- Reservation website: Cho Hotel
Monka Hotel
Right next to Longshan Temple, Monka Hotel provides rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom, free WiFi, and a shared kitchen. Additionally, you can see the temple view from the window of your guest room.
- Price: $ 69 +
- Internet review: 4.3/5(157reviews from Klook)
- Reservation website: Monka Hotel
Ximen Duckstay Hostel
Close to Bopiliao Historical Block and about 3-minute walk from Longshan Temple MRT Station, Duckstay Hostel is the best choice for backpackers, they offer lounge area, shared kitchen, shared bathroom, and rooms with air conditioning, reading lights, and free WiFi.
- Price: $ 20 +
- Internet review: 3.8/5(215reviews from Klook)
- Reservation website: Ximen Duckstay Hostel
8. What About Tonight
Sakebono Sake Bar
Located at opposite of MRT Longshan temple station Exit 1, Sakebono Sake Bar is a modern bar around the historical site, they serve a variety of sake from Japan, so you can enjoy sake and relax after a long day of exploring.
- Get Directions
- Hours:Mon – Sat 17:00~24:00 | Sun Closed
- Website
- Reservation:+886 2 2308 2369
Geography Bar
Geography Bar is located in the bustling area of Ximending. There is no signboard and on the fourth floor of the old commercial building, the way to go upstairs is by the elevator which is next to the fast-food store(TKK Fried Chicken).
The menu shows a map of Taiwan and each city has a special cocktail that is used with local elements such as Taiwanese fruit, tea, soy milk, ice jelly, and Kinmen Kaoliang (Sorghum) Liquor.
You can pick out a city as the start point and then drink around Taiwan!
Geography Bar
- Get Directions
- Hours:Sun – Thu 19:00~02:00 | Fri – Sat 19:00~03:00
- Website
- Reservation:+886 2 2331 0255
HANKO 60
Located at No.60, Hankou Street, Ximending, here is an old theater with a bar hidden behind. Pressing the push button at the door, the door will automatically open, then you will enter this secret bar with a nostalgic atmosphere.
You must have popcorn while going to the cinema, give 「cinema」a try, a special one with real popcorn over the cocktail, which is one of the most popular cocktails.
HANKO 60
- Get Directions
- Hours:Sun – Thu 20:00~02:00 | Fri – Sat 20:00~03:00
- Website
- Reservation:+886 2 2381 0808
I hope you enjoyed reading this post, in this post, you’ve learned every information about Longshan Temple, what’s fun and must eat around Longshan Temple. Moreover, If you still have any questions on your trip to Longshan Temple, please leave in the comments below, I will be more than happy to help you out:)