Buzz
While not as bustling as night markets or shopping streets, Taiwan's temples still hold a significant place in the cultural life of the Taiwanese people. There's nothing more fitting than paying a visit to a renowned temple if you want to delve into the spiritual life here!
TOP ancient temples in Taiwan!
Van Vo Temple
Van Vo Temple in Taiwan is dedicated to Confucius (Van Mieu) and Guan Gong (Vo Mieu), situated on the northern shore of the Sun and Moon Lake in Taichung. As a place of worship for two influential figures in Buddhism, this location is always regarded as one of the renowned temples in Taiwan.
Van Vo Temple stands out with its vibrant orange-red color scheme (ST photo)
Nowhere else can you find a hillside architectural marvel quite like Van Vo Temple in Taiwan. Alongside the pristine Sun and Moon Lake, this area has become a tourist destination in Taiwan that should not be missed.
The iconic red-and-white lion statue at the temple (ST photo)
The temple evokes the architectural style of the northern forts of China.
A tourist attraction drawing millions of visitors each year (ST photo)
Phat Quang Mountain Temple
When it comes to the religious culture of Taiwan, Phat Quang Mountain Temple is a must-mention. A prominent destination in Cao Hùng City, it captivates readers primarily due to its age. Established in 1967, the temple's present-day splendor is the result of significant contributions from devout Buddhists.
The grand architectural ensemble of Phat Quang Mountain Temple (ST photo)
Phat Quang Mountain Temple boasts an immensely majestic architecture, with the most prominent being the towering golden statue of Amitabha. Delving into the interior space of the temple, tourists can't help but be amazed by 480 Buddha statues standing around and over 20 multi-story towers lining the solemn path leading to the main hall.
Inside the temple holds a unique position in the hearts of the people of Taiwan (ST photo)
Deserving the title of the “holy sanctuary of Buddhism” in Taiwan,
Exploring this place for just one day seems insufficient (ST photo)
The sequence of visiting Phat Quang Mountain Temple includes Quan Chanh – Bodhi Square – Great Buddha Phat Quang. Great Buddha Phat Quang is the world's tallest bronze Buddha. Surrounding the Great Buddha are four pagodas symbolizing the “Four Heavenly Kings.”
Inside the Great Buddha are 100,000 copies of the Heart Sutra handwritten by hundreds of people (ST photo)
Dragon Tiger Temple
Long Hổ Temple, also known as Dragon Tiger Pagodas, is always mentioned as one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Taiwan. Two towering pagodas stand proudly on either side, one dedicated to the Dragon, the other to the Tiger. The Dragon and Tiger symbolize protection, prosperity, and luck, earning the heartfelt devotion of the people of Taiwan.
The temple features an incredibly impressive design (ST photo)
What makes it even more special is that each pagoda has a very large and beautifully designed entrance featuring the images of the Tiger and Dragon. Tourists enter through the Dragon's gate and exit through the Tiger's gate, symbolizing the transformation of adversity into good fortune.
'Entering Dragon - Exiting Tiger' (ST photo)
Delving deeper inside, one will have the opportunity to admire vibrant paintings narrating legendary stories along with a colorful array of characters in traditional Chinese attire. These paintings depict 24 distinguished figures of China with the heartfelt reverence of the people.
The intricately designed entrance inside (ST photo)
Thanh Hoa Trì
Thanh Hoa Trì is a prominent temple in Taiwan, located in the city of Kaohsiung. This place is a shining tourist attraction in Taiwan, renowned for its sacred temples since ancient times.
A glimpse of Thanh Hoa Trì (ST photo)
Nestled beneath a low mountain, Thanh Hoa Trì temple harmoniously blends with a large artificial lake, creating a picturesque landscape of natural beauty.
The charming space seems to instantly transport to an idyllic scene (ST photo)
This famous temple in Taiwan stands out with its architectural combination of modern and classical elements, blending natural landscapes of mountains and rivers. Visitors here are easily captivated by the harmony between nature and the spiritual world, making them forget all fatigue and worries to savor life's most relaxed moments.
Trung Dai Zen Temple
Located in the town of Pho Ly, Nam Dau district, this temple has been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from both within and outside the country for the past two decades. Known as the tallest and second-largest temple in Taiwan, however, that alone is not enough for people to remember Trung Dai Zen Temple.
The 'luxurious' temple in legend (ST photo)
Anyone who comes to worship at Trung Dai Zen Temple must nod in admiration of the creativity in its architectural style. It features an upright tower soaring above the golden shimmering vault structure on top of the grand main hall. The tower is a symbol of the absolute enlightenment of the supreme truth.
Architecture of the large Taiwan temple once praised everywhere (ST photo)
The temple is built in the architecture of Tibet (ST photo)
Each step leads to a level of enlightenment for all sentient beings on the journey toward the Buddha's enlightenment. At the top is a golden titanium-coated vault called Mani Jewel. The lotus flower symbol on the meditation tower signifies the spreading of the beautiful teachings of Buddhist doctrine to all sentient beings.
Linh Nham Mountain Temple
Temples in Taiwan often hide on high mountains, and Linh Nham Mountain Temple is no exception. Located in Nam Dau district, Taichung province, the temple attracts millions of tourists for pilgrimage every year.
Linh Nham Mountain Temple - a Taiwanese temple, ancient yet timeless (ST photo)
The famous Linh Nham Mountain Temple is located on the banks of Thai Lake, about 15 miles southwest of To Thanh. The mountain is 220m above sea level, with many oddly shaped rocks resembling Lingzhi mushrooms, hence the name Linh Nham.
Frequent visiting place for monks and Buddhists (ST photo)
Linh Nham Mountain Temple, founded by Venerable Dieu Lien Khai, follows the Tinh Do Sect. While the temple's architecture may not be extraordinary, its solemn atmosphere harmonizes with the serene mountains, easily transporting people to the mystical spiritual realm.
Confucius Temple
Built in 1665, Confucius Temple is one of the renowned Confucian worship places in Taiwan. Located at 2 Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, it hosts various cultural events, attracting numerous tourists and followers of Confucianism.
Confucius Temple shining in the evening light (ST photo)
Constructed in the 17th century with splendid architecture, Confucius Temple is the first university in Taiwan. This significant site honors Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, and his disciples.
Take a stroll around the campus to admire the intricate and beautiful details in the architecture. The dignified gates, including the Ceremony Gate, are sure to capture the attention of visitors.
Close-up of the majestic grandeur of the temple entrance gate (ST photo)
Amidst the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of a non-stop city, the temples in Taiwan are a perfect serene touch in the dazzling cityscape. Visiting a famous temple not only allows you to admire the architecture but also experience the profound beauty of Buddhism, creating harmonious spaces for the souls of people everywhere.
