Fang Wang
Quick Look: What You'll Find Below
Let me save you some trouble — I've brought dozens of groups to Longshan Temple, and the number one complaint is always the same: too many people, too hot, and they can't breathe. Most online guides just say go early. But what does early mean? 7 AM? 6 AM? And what about the afternoon? Here is the catch: if you show up at 10 AM on a weekend, you'll be stuck in a line that snakes past the main gate under a blazing sun. I've seen tourists faint. Not kidding.
So here's my straight answer: the best time to visit Longshan Temple is between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM, any day except the 1st and 15th of the lunar month (and avoid Chinese New Year week). Why? Because the temple opens at 6:00 AM, the morning worshippers finish their prayers by 7:00, and the tour buses roll in around 9:00. You get a peaceful atmosphere, soft golden light for photos, and no elbow-to-elbow shuffling. I always tell my clients: if you want to actually feel the spirituality instead of the crowd, be there before the incense smoke thickens.
Now, let's dive into the details so you can plan your visit perfectly.
Best Time of Day: Dawn or Dusk?
I've tested both, and dawn wins hands down. The temple is bathed in warm morning light, and the air is still cool. Plus, you'll see locals doing their genuine morning worship — not a performance for tourists.
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Temp (Summer) | Photo Quality | Insider Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Low (locals only) | 26-28°C | Excellent golden hour | Best for quiet reflection; no queue at main hall |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | High (tour groups arrive) | 30-33°C | Harsh shadows | Long wait at entrance for security check |
| 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Moderate (lunch break) | 35°C+ | Overexposed | Heatstroke risk; avoid unless you love saunas |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Moderate (second peak) | 30-32°C | Good backlight | ⚠️ 5 PM security starts closing some side halls |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Low (few visitors) | 27-29°C | Night lights | Atmosphere changes; but note main hall closes at 10 PM |
Honestly? I'd pick 7:00 AM. You'll see the elders chanting sutras, smell the sandalwood, and feel the cool breeze from the courtyard. Oh, and bring a small fan – even at 7 AM in July, you'll sweat.
Best Season: Weather vs. Crowds
Taipei has a subtropical climate — hot and humid from May to September, and cooler from October to April. But crowds don't follow the weather perfectly.
- October to February: Pleasant temperatures (15-22°C), less humidity. Fewer international tourists because it's not summer break. This is my favorite window. The temple looks dramatic under a light drizzle — just bring an umbrella. Avoid the Chinese New Year period (late Jan – mid Feb) when the temple is packed with worshippers.
- March to April: Spring blooms, mild weather. Moderate crowds. Good alternative if you can't make winter.
- May to September: Hot! 30-38°C with 80% humidity. Only come if you can handle sweating. Mornings are still okay, but afternoons are brutal. The good news: fewer local worshippers because it's too hot? No, they still come. But international crowds thin a bit in September (school starts).
Getting to Longshan Temple (Without Getting Lost)
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei. But you don't need that — just take the MRT. Exit the MRT at Longshan Temple Station, take Exit 1. You'll walk straight about 2 minutes, and the temple entrance is right in front of you. Can't miss it.
One thing that catches tourists off guard: the security check at the main gate. You must put bags through an X-ray, and they'll stop you if you bring large backpacks. I always tell my group: use a small crossbody bag, leave your big daypack at the hotel. It's a pain to carry around inside anyway — the halls are narrow.
If you're coming by taxi, tell the driver "Longshan Si" (that's the Mandarin pronunciation). From Taipei Main Station, it's about a 15-minute ride (NT$150-180, around USD $5). Note: some drivers may try to drop you off at the back gate — insist on the front entrance (you'll see the big archway).
My Crowd-Avoidance Tricks
I've been guiding here for years, and these are the little secrets most websites don't tell you.
- Avoid the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. Every month on those days, locals flock to worship. It's wall-to-wall people. Check a Chinese calendar app (or just ask your hotel front desk).
- Skip the main hall first. Everyone rushes to the main Guanyin hall. Instead, go to the rear Hall of the Celestial Rulers first — it's quieter, and you can appreciate the architecture without being jostled. Then circle back later when the crowd shifts.
- Don't get tricked by fortune-tellers outside. They'll wave at you and say "lucky fortune, free!" It's not free. They'll demand donation after the reading. Politely smile and walk away. Real readings happen inside the temple at a proper booth.
- Bring exact change for incense. You can buy a set of incense (NT$30) at the counter. They don't accept credit cards. That's normal in all Taipei temples.
One more pet peeve: some guides say "afternoon is good for fewer crowds." Nope! At 4 PM, many side altars are already being prepared for evening ceremonies — you'll miss out. Stick to morning.
Maybe I picked the wrong day but I arrived at 9:30 AM on a Sunday and it was already packed. So much for 'avoid crowds' – felt like I was in a subway station. The heat was brutal, no breeze at all in the inner courtyard, and the incense was so thick my eyes were watering. Could barely get a good look at the statues because people kept bumping into me. Left after 15 minutes. Would have been better if I followed the advice to go at dawn or on a rainy day.
Decent experience overall – came at 11 AM on a Saturday which was not smart but I followed the article's advice to go right after opening. Still got hit by heat and a moderate crowd. The temple itself is stunning, lots of intricate carvings and the gold leaf glows beautifully. But I wish I'd gone even earlier or on a weekday. It's a solid 4 stars for the architecture but the comfort level was just okay.
I come here every few months and I swear by Tuesday or Wednesday mornings before 9 AM. The tour buses don't roll in until 10, so you get the whole courtyard to yourself. The smell of sandalwood is stronger when it's not overwhelmed by body heat. One tip: bring a folding fan even in the morning – the humidity can creep up fast. But overall, this is the way to experience Longshan without feeling like a sardine.
Went around 7 PM on a Friday evening and it was magical. The temple is beautifully lit up, the crowds had thinned out, and the temperature finally dropped to something bearable. I sat on the stone bench near the main hall for 20 minutes just watching people light incense and listening to the cicadas. It's a completely different vibe from daytime – peaceful, almost meditative. Five stars for sunset hour visits!
Visited at 6:30 AM on a weekday and it was absolutely perfect. The air was still cool, the incense smoke drifted slowly in the morning light, and there were maybe five other people inside. You could actually hear the wooden fish and chanting without any noise. If you want to feel the soul of the temple without the heat and crowds, this is the golden hour. Highly recommend bringing a camera for the soft sunrise shots over the roof tiles.