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Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defense centre, as well as a house of worship. These days it is one of the city’s top religious sites, and a prime venue for exploring both Taiwan’s vibrant folk faith and its unique temple arts and architecture.

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Longshan is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of mercy, Guanyin, though in true Taiwanese style there are over 100 other gods and goddesses worshiped in the rear and side halls. Matsu, goddess of the sea, is enshrined in the back centre; Wenchang Dijun, the god of literature, to the far right (come during exam period to see how important he is); red-faced Guan Gong, the god of war and patron of police and gangsters, is enshrined to the far left; and in front of that is the Old Man Under the Moon, known as the Matchmaker or the Chinese cupid.

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As with most temples in Taiwan, Longshan has been rebuilt multiple times after destruction by earthquakes, typhoons, and even bombing in the last days of WWII. The present structure (with elements from the masterful 1920s and post-WWII reconstructions) doesn’t have the same flow and elegance as Bao’an Temple, but it is still an impressive structure with sweeping swallowtail eaves, colourful jiǎnniàn (mosaiclike temple decoration) figures on the roof, and elaborate stone- and woodcarvings.

Check out the two-of-a-kind bronze pillars outside the front hall and the incense holders outside the main hall. The handles depict a common temple motif: The Fool Holding up the Sky. The Western-style appearance of the ‘fools’ is no coincidence. They are said to represent the Dutch (or sometimes Dutch slaves), who occupied Taiwan in the 17th century.

The best times to visit Longshan are around 6am, 8am and 5pm, when crowds of worshipers gather and engage in hypnotic chanting. Or try Guanyin’s birthday on lunar 19 February, or the weeks before and during Chinese New Year.

Travel Info
Longshan Temple
[龍山寺 / lóng shān sì]

-Main God/Godess:Guanyin, Mazu, and Guan Yu
-Function:People usually pray for love relationships here, but also for peace
-Features:The most huge, delicate, spectacular and traditional temple in Taipei(or even in Taiwan!), the best location right next to Wanhua historical district(also the area recommended for tourists), is a class-2 historical site
-Opening hours:

-Transportation:Longshan Temple MRT station, exit 1
-Address:No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City

Editor : Summer@ReadyGo

Thanks to Lonely Planet for the content sharing.
Original article:https://goo.gl/mxRzr4