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I've been guiding travelers in Taipei for over a decade, and Longshan Temple is always on every visitor's list. But the first question I always get? "How much are the Longshan Temple tickets?" So let me clear it up right now—there are no tickets. The temple is completely free to enter. But that doesn't mean you can't get tricked. Let me walk you through everything so you arrive confident, avoid scams, and make the most of your visit.
Do You Need a Ticket?
Nope. Longshan Temple is a public religious site, open to everyone without any admission fee. Unlike some temples in China or Japan that charge entry, this one stays free—and has been for centuries. But here's the catch: outside the temple, you might encounter touts selling "skip-the-line tickets" or "donation passes." Don't fall for it. There's no line, and donations are voluntary—you can drop a few coins in the box if you wish, but no one checks.
How to Enter Without Wasting Money
Just walk in. That's it. The main gate is open during operating hours, and there's no ticket booth or turnstile. If someone approaches you offering a ticket, politely say no and keep walking. My advice: arrive with small change if you want to burn incense (you can buy a set for around NT$30–50 from the stalls inside), but don't let anyone sell you a "temple entrance ticket." It's a scam.
Longshan Temple Hours & Best Times to Visit
| Day | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | No formal last entry; gates close at 10 PM |
The temple opens early—locals arrive right at 6 AM for morning prayers. Best time to visit? I always tell my groups: come before 8 AM. The light is soft, the crowds are thin, and you'll see the morning rituals without elbowing through tourists. Afternoon? Expect busloads of visitors between 11 AM and 3 PM. Evening is nice too (8–9 PM) for a quieter, illuminated atmosphere.
Getting There by MRT & Bus
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Nearest MRT: Longshan Temple Station (BL10), Exit 1. Once you exit, walk straight for about 2 minutes—you'll see the temple's ornate entrance.
Bus: Take bus 218, 264, or 701 to the "Longshan Temple" stop, which drops you right at the northwest corner.
If you're coming from Ximending, it's just one MRT stop (from Ximen Station to Longshan Temple). Or you can walk 15 minutes—I do it often, especially in good weather.
What to Expect Inside
The main hall is dedicated to Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), and you'll see devotees shaking fortune sticks, burning incense, and offering flowers. The architecture is stunning—intricate wood carvings, golden altars, and dragon pillars. Photography is allowed (no flash inside the main hall). The temple grounds also include a small garden and a hall for celestial beings.
One thing that surprises visitors: the incense smoke can be overwhelming. If you have respiratory issues, bring a mask or stand upwind. Also, watch your step—the threshold at the main entrance is high, typical of traditional temples, so don't trip.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Dress respectfully: No sleeveless tops or shorts that end above the knee. It's an active place of worship, not just a tourist site.
- Bring cash: The temple's donation box, incense stalls, and fortune reading services are cash-only. ATMs are nearby but avoid the fee.
- Use the free Wi-Fi: Taipei Free Wi-Fi is available at the temple entrance—log in with your passport number. Handy for looking up translations.
And here's a pet peeve of mine: don't touch the statues or climb on anything. I once had a tourist try to pose on a dragon pillar—security wasn't amused. Respect the sacred space, and you'll have a much better experience.
If you're in Taipei, you can't miss this. Perfect example of how free attractions can still be world-class. I loved watching the elderly locals expertly perform the whole ritual — bowing, tossing moon blocks, shaking the stick cylinder. The temple is vibrant, colorful, and full of life. I even got a red string from the Yue Lao (matchmaker) shrine for luck! Highly recommend going on a weekday evening when it's calmer but still active.
Hands down my favorite spot in the city. I've been three times and each visit feels different — morning light hitting the dragon pillars, evening lanterns glowing, even the rain adds a moody charm. The best part is that it's free and you can just wander around. I joined a local in offering incense and got a surprisingly accurate fortune reading from the bamboo sticks. Tips: bring coins for donations and don't forget to visit the small garden in the back!
Meh, it was okay. Feels a bit too touristy now. The temple itself is nice, but I was expecting more of a spiritual vibe — instead it’s just packed with people taking selfies and loud tour groups. Also, the 'how to visit like a local' advice online doesn't really prepare you for the chaos. Free entry is nice, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back. Maybe try a smaller temple instead.
A solid 4 stars. Longshan Temple is beautiful and the free entry is great, but honestly it gets insanely crowded, especially on weekends. Hard to find a quiet moment. The architecture is stunning though, and I liked that you can see the whole prayer process up close. The night market right outside is a nice bonus. Just go early morning if you want a more peaceful experience.
Absolutely loved this place! The energy here is incredible — the smell of incense, the sound of wooden blocks, and the sight of locals praying so devoutly. It's free to enter, which is a huge plus. I spent over an hour just watching people go through the rituals. If you want to visit like a local, definitely try pulling a fortune stick (qian) — the instructions are in Chinese but other tourists will help you out. A must-see in Taipei!