The original temple dates back to 336, during the 2nd year of Xiankang period of the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420).

In 1841, Longquan Temple was devastated by a catastrophic fire while the British invasion of Zhejiang during the First Opium War.

Thirty-four years later, Gongshun (功顺) and other seventeen Bhikkhunī begged for donations to rebuild the temple.

Buddhist statues, musical instruments, and other works of art were either removed, damaged or destroyed in the massive socialist movement.

After the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Longquan Temple was officially reopened to the public in 1990.