In the Neolithic Age, the area around present-day Qinghu Village in Longhua District was already inhabited. Miao people migrated here during the Ming Dynasty but later moved away. During the Qing Dynasty (1862-1874), Hakka settlers from Mei County and Dongguan established themselves in the area.

Longhua had a township office during the Republic of China period. After the liberation of Bao’an County in October 1949, the local government reorganized the district, creating three joint townships, 10 individual townships, and one county. Longhua and Minzhi Townships were later merged into Longzhi Township.

In April 1950, Bao’an County was divided into several administrative zones, with Longzhi Township falling under Zone No. 3. By 1951, the county was restructured into four districts and 69 townships, and Zone No. 3 governed Longhua, Dalang, Qingsong, and Minzhi townships.

In August 1955, Zone No. 3 was renamed Guanlan District, and in October 1956, its jurisdiction was adjusted to include Longhua and Yousong townships. In March 1958, Guanlan District was split into Longhua and Guanlan townships, but by October, the two were merged to form the "Red People’s Commune," later renamed the "Guanlan People’s Commune."

In July 1961, Longhua was separated from Guanlan to form the Longhua People’s Commune, overseeing six brigades, including Dalang, Longhua, Longsheng, Minzhi, Sanlian, and Yousong. In January 1963, it was again merged with Guanlan, only to be re-established in August 1975 with the same brigades.

By July 1983, Longhua had evolved into a district with six townships and 45 natural villages. In October 1986, it reverted to Longhua Township under Bao’an County, governing seven administrative villages.

In January 1993, Bao’an County was divided into Bao’an and Longgang districts, with Longhua Town falling under Bao’an District and expanding to include eight administrative villages and 52 natural villages.

In January 2004, Longhua was designated as one of Shenzhen’s pilot urbanization areas, establishing the Longhua Subdistrict Office and 13 communities. In April 2006, Longhua was split into three subdistricts: Longhua, Minzhi, and Dalang, following administrative reforms.

On October 27, 2011, the Shenzhen Municipal Government announced the creation of Longhua New Area in Bao’an District, comprising Guanlan, Dalang, Longhua, and Minzhi subdistricts. The area was officially established on December 30, 2011.

On April 28, 2015, Guanlan Subdistrict was divided into Guanlan, Guanhu, and Fucheng subdistricts. On September 14, 2016, the State Council approved the establishment of Longhua as an independent district in Shenzhen, with six subdistricts under its jurisdiction. The district government is located at 1 Yanhe Road, Guanlan Subdistrict. Longhua District was officially inaugurated on January 7, 2017.