Where to Go This Dec: Ringing the Temple Bell on NYE
There are no fireworks in Shanghai on New Year's Eve, but there is a very meaningful and local way to celebrate New Year's Eve in Shanghai - heading to a temple to make wishes and ring the giant bell? While bell ringing is more commonly associated with Chinese New Year, in recent years many temples in Shanghai have opened on the night of December 31st to welcome people who want to celebrate the New Year countdown.
As incense smoke drifts up and bells echo through the night, people pray for peace, health, and good fortune in the year ahead. If you're curious to experience this tradition, here are three temples in the city that are easy to reach, and especially popular among locals for NYE events.
1. Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛寺)
Jade Buddha Temple is one of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples and a must-visit for travelers and locals alike. The temple is renowned for its two exquisite jade Buddha statues, which are considered its most precious treasures.
On New Year's Eve, starting at 11:30 pm, a monk would ring the temple’s giant bell a total of 108 times. With each ring, a monk chants a different blessing for the crowd gathered below. If you hear the blessing that is relevant to you, you can perform the traditional Buddhism gesture Heshi - placing both palms together in front of the chest and bowing slightly. You would find the most shared blessings are getting rich and finding love :) It's a simple but meaningful way to make wishes for the coming year, and you don't need to be Buddhist to participate.
The final, 108th bell strike happens exactly at midnight. As the New Year arrives, the crowd naturally joins in a countdown - an unforgettable way to step into the New Year.
Attendance at Jade Buddha Temple on New Year's Eve requires a reservation through the temple's official WeChat account (“上海玉佛禅寺”). Reservations are typically released about a week in advance, so keep an eye on their announcements in the days leading up to December 31st.
2. Longhua Temple (龙华寺)
Longhua Temple is one of the oldest temples in Shanghai, with a history stretching back over hundreds of years. It is best known for the Longhua Pagoda, a landmark remains one of Shanghai's most iconic sites.
On New Year's Eve, Longhua Temple and its surrounding area become especially festive. The entire temple is decorated with colorful lanterns, and the pagoda is beautifully illuminated, glowing against the night sky.
Another highlight of Longhua Temple is its location. Located near the Huangpu River on the city's west bank, the temple can easily be combined with other New Year's Eve activities. Many people enjoy a stroll along the riverside promenade, explore nearby shopping areas, and then head into the temple.
A visit here is also a treat for food lovers. Longhua Temple is famous for its vegetarian noodles, and on New Year's Eve it serves its iconic vegetarian noodles, an old Shanghai favorite, along with simple vegetarian desserts.
Visiting Longhua Temple on New Year's Eve also requires a reservation, usually released three days before the event. Spots are limited and tend to be booked out quickly. This is the link to the reservation page for last year (https://xhwly.xh.sh.cn). Keep an eye on updates in the days leading up to December 31st. Compared to Jade Buddha Temple, this reservation can be more difficult to secure - but if you're lucky enough to get one, it's well worth the effort.
3. Jing'an Temple (静安寺)
Jing'an Temple is perhaps the most visually impressive temple in Shanghai, especially at night. Located in the heart of the Jing'an and surrounded by modern skyscrapers and office buildings, it creates a dramatic contrast between ancient tradition and contemporary life. After dark, the temple is lit in bright golden tones, with carefully designed lighting that highlights its roofs and pagodas.
Compared to the other temples mentioned, Jing'an Temple is the most convenient option. It does not require a reservation to enter on New Year's Eve. If you'd like to personally ring the bell, however, be prepared to wait in line, as this is one of the most popular activities of the night.
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