Temples

You must have heard about Lugang(鹿港) if you come to Taiwan. Lugang can be seen as one of the must-go in Taiwan. Talking about Lugang, it was once the economic and transport hub of central Taiwan in earlier times. There is a saying goes “The first is Tainan, second is Lugang and the third is Mengjia(today’s Wanhua district in Taipei)”.…

Chinese Valentine’s Day is a traditional holiday which means a lot in Chinese tradition. Falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, it is also known as “The Begging Festival” in Chinese tradition. It’s the story that the seventh daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, the Weaving Maid, and an orphaned cowherd were separated by…

A temple with a Taoist hall in the front and a Buddhist hall (青雲寺) in the back, both richly decorated with folk art. In fact it has the largest collection of works by master painter Pan Lishui (潘麗水) of any temple in Taiwan. This includes a massive landscape mural that was recently restored. The square in front of the temple…

Chinese New year has already half passed. As we all know that Taiwan is famous for traditional temples. Have you ever been to one of the top 5 temples in Taiwan? If not, don’t worry! You still have this weekend to make a visit for these temples. Here comes the introduction. Taipei Longshan Temple [台北龍山寺 / Taiˊ Beiˇ Longˊ Shan…

Longshan Temple is one of five Longshans in Taipei, and as such is devoted to the Guanyin Buddha. Built in 1738 and then rebuilt in the 1850s, the temple retains much of its southern architectural roots. The swallowtail roof is particularly elegant. You can find the temple hidden away in the lanes of the traditional market. Travel Info Longshan Temple…

Recipient of a Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities, the Bao’an Temple is a must-visit when in Taipei. This exquisite structure is loaded with prime examples of the traditional decorative arts, and the yearly folk arts festival is a showcase of traditional performance arts. The temple was founded in 1760 by…

This Earth God (Tudigong) temple is an interesting blend of Japanese, Chinese and Western elements. The outside features two old stone lamps, while the interior sports a beautiful post-and-beam structure (made without nails), intricately carved stone pillars, and panels, including one over the main altar with nude Western-style angels. To reach the temple, walk up the main road to the…

When in Taipei, you have to visit at least one of the temples. You’ll witness some of the most detailed, finely crafted buildings you’ll ever see in your life, gold, red, wooden designs interwoven with candles, incense and soft colours. If I had to have a temple built, I’d have it modeled after the temples in Taipei. Unlike some other…

This lively and well-loved temple on Dihua St was built in 1856 to house the City God statue that the losers in the Wanhua feud took as they fled upstream. Little changed since those days, the temple is a terrific spot to witness folk worship rituals as well as admire some gorgeous pieces of traditional arts and crafts. The temple management deserves…

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. Longshan is dedicated to the…