Fang Wang
What You'll Find Here
I've been guiding travelers through Taipei for over a decade. Longshan Temple is always on the list – and honestly, it's one of my favorites. But I've lost count of how many guests show up at the wrong time, or get confused by the weird half-open gates. So let me break down the real Longshan Temple opening hours, no fluff.
Here's the short version: The temple opens daily from 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM (including holidays). But wait – don't rush there at 6 AM expecting full access. Let me explain.
Exact Opening Hours (and When They Actually Close)
Longshan Temple officially posts 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM. But here's the catch – the main hall opens at 6 AM, while some side halls (like the one for the Goddess of Mercy) might not open until 7 AM. And the closing time? They start shooing people out around 9:30 PM, and the gates lock at 9:45 PM sharp. I once had a couple who thought “until 9:45” meant they could wander in at 9:30. Nope – they barely had 15 minutes.
| Day | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 6:00 AM – 9:45 PM | Main hall opens at 6; side halls after 7 |
| Chinese New Year Eve | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Closes early |
| Special religious events | May stay open later | Check local news |
Best Time to Visit – My Honest Take
Most travel blogs tell you “go early morning to avoid crowds.” That's generic advice. Here's the real deal: I've tested every time slot over years.
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Quiet, but dark inside. The incense smoke is light, and you'll see local elders doing morning prayers. Best for photography? Not really – lighting is dim. But if you want a peaceful vibe, this is it.
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Busy with tour groups. The main hall gets packed. I usually avoid this slot unless you're on a tight schedule.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Hot, humid, and the sun is directly overhead. Plus, the temple's courtyard becomes a frying pan. I always tell my guests: “Do anything else during these hours.”
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Moderate crowds. The light starts getting nice for photos around 3:30 PM. This is my go-to recommendation for a balanced visit.
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM: The golden hour! The sun hits the ornate roof tiles – stunning. And fewer tour groups. Plus, you can stay for the evening chanting at 6:30 PM.
After 7:30 PM: Peaceful but some halls close early. Still worth it if you want a quiet evening stroll.
Ticket, Entry Rules & Digital Hurdles
Good news: Longshan Temple is free. No ticket needed. But – and this is where many foreigners get stuck – you might need to navigate some digital stuff for nearby attractions.
Entry: No reservation required. Just walk in. But be respectful: no shorts above the knee, no sleeveless tops. They don't enforce it strictly, but I've seen locals give nasty looks.
Donations: Optional. There are donation boxes at every altar. If you want to light incense, they provide free sticks – but offerings cost extra (NT$50–500).
Digital hurdle: The free Wi-Fi inside requires a Taiwanese phone number to receive a verification code. I've watched countless tourists struggle at the login page. My advice: don't rely on temple Wi-Fi. Get a local SIM at the airport (I recommend Chunghwa Telecom, about NT$300 for 7 days).
How to Get There (Avoid the Tourist Trap Route)
Longshan Temple is at No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei. Here's the most efficient way:
- MRT (subway): Take the Bannan Line (Blue) to Longshan Temple Station. Exit 1. Walk straight for 3 minutes – you'll see the temple ahead. Avoid Exit 2 if you hate stairs (no escalator).
- Bus: Routes 38, 49, 231, 245, 263, 264, 310, 601. Get off at “Longshan Temple” stop. Honestly, MRT is easier.
- Taxi/ Uber: From Taipei Main Station, about NT$120–150, 10 minutes. But warn the driver: “Longshan Temple, Guangzhou Street entrance.” Some drivers drop you at the back.
What to See Around – Maximize Your Trip
Don't just visit the temple and leave. The neighborhood – Wanhua District – is Taipei's oldest area. Here's my quick 2-hour after-temple route:
- Huaxi Street Night Market (5 min walk from temple) – famous for snake alley. Yes, real snake. But I recommend the herbal soup at stall #58.
- Bopiliao Historical Block (10 min walk) – preserved Qing dynasty streets. Free entry, opens 9 AM–6 PM (closed Mondays). Great photo spot.
- Qingshui Temple (8 min walk) – another historic temple, much quieter. Opens same hours as Longshan.
Time saving tip: If you only have 2 hours total, spend 45 minutes at Longshan, 30 at Bopiliao, 45 at Huaxi market. Perfect loop back to the MRT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
Keep in mind the opening hours are actually 6am–10pm every day, but some side halls close earlier (I think the Guanyin hall was roped off at 9:30pm). We went at 8pm expecting full access and were a bit confused by a few closed doors. However, the main hall was still open and the nighttime illumination is stunning—the red lanterns glow so warmly. Perfect for a late evening stroll. Just double check the specific hall hours on site. A memorable stop, totally recommend.
If you're planning a visit, go right when they open at 6am—I did and had the entire main hall to myself for a good 20 minutes. The energy is just different in the early morning; so peaceful and respectful. I loved watching the volunteers sweep the steps and prepare the offerings. The temple is open until 10pm, but I'd recommend coming before 9am or after 7pm to avoid the tour groups. A truly spiritual experience even if you're not religious. Easily a 5-star spot.
Hands down the most atmospheric temple I visited in Taipei! Went on a Saturday morning (opens at 6am) and caught the sunrise—barely any tourists, just worshippers. The smell of sandalwood, the intricate dragon pillars, the quiet murmur of prayers... absolutely magical. Stayed for nearly two hours watching people practice fortune-telling with moon blocks. Pro tip: bring a light jacket because the courtyard can be chilly before 7am. 5/5, would drag every friend here.
Visited late afternoon (around 4pm) and the atmosphere was magical with the golden light filtering through the incense smoke. The temple itself is free, but I paid for a packaged incense set—only 50 TWD and came with clear instructions. One thing: it got crowded fast after 5pm with locals finishing work. Not overwhelming though. The side halls for different deities are well signed. I'd say avoid lunchtime if you want a more peaceful experience. Solid 4 stars for the serene vibe and helpful volunteers.
Came here around 9am on a Tuesday and it was pleasantly calm—just a handful of locals praying. The architecture is stunning, but I wish I'd known the main hall closes for cleaning from noon to 1pm. Missed seeing the central altar because of that. Not a huge deal, but a bit annoying since I planned my visit around the opening hours listed online. Kind of felt rushed once I realized the schedule. Still a beautiful place, just check the cleaning times beforehand.