The Best Temples to Visit in Taiwan

Taiwan, situated in the West Pacific between Japan and the Philippines, is often referred to as the ‘Heart of Asia’. It is a country of stunning beauty, lively night markets, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. The most recognizable cultural delights it has are its temples, which incorporate the architecture and history with spiritual relevance.

The temples of Taiwan are not just places of worship; they are symbols of cultural treasures that tell stories of the history, creativity, and spirituality of the Taiwanese island. Temples of Taiwan are the best way to have an insight into Taiwanese heritage, be it history, spirituality, or for travel. 

Check out this list of some of the temples in Taiwan you must visit while here –

1. Longshan Temple (Taipei)

Longshan Temple, situated in the bustling Wanhua District of Taipei, is one of the most popular and oldest temples in Taiwan. Founded by the Fujianese settlers in 1738, this temple is dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. It also harbors deities of Taoism, which portrays the religious diversity in Taiwan. 

The intricate carvings, dragon pillars, and murals in various colors are a witness to the ancient Chinese craftsmanship. You should visit this place during the evening to witness the temples when lanterns are lit, which makes it look really peaceful and magical. This is the place where locals gather to offer prayers to god for good fortune, which makes it a great place for you to observe the Taiwanese people practicing their religion. 

2. Fo Guang Shan Monastery (Kaohsiung)

Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, an extensive complex located in Kaohsiung. It is a spiritual seat of Humanistic Buddhism, and visitors from all over the world. The most notable thing about the monastery is the giant statue of Buddha, which is 108 meters tall, with other smaller statues alluding to tranquility and compassion.

The grounds include meditation halls, a museum, and vegetarian restaurants. On your visit here, you can go on a guided tour, attend meditation sessions, or wander around the place for a peaceful experience. This place is much more than a temple, as a visit here makes you feel enclosed in Buddhist knowledge and peace. 

3. Confucius Temple (Tainan)

Tainan, home to the oldest Confucius Temple in the country, is also known as the cultural capital of Taiwan. This temple was constructed in 1665 and honors the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, Confucius. The simple yet elegant architecture of the temple reflects Confucian values of humility and order. 

The Confucius Temple is particularly active during the birthday of Confucius on 28th September, which features traditional music, rituals, and performances. The peaceful atmosphere of this temple makes it an ideal spot for reflection and learning about Confucian philosophy.

4. Zushi Temple (Sanxia)

Zushi Temple, located in the small town of Sanxia, is a Taiwanese masterpiece of art. Dedicated to the Taoist God Qinguishi Zushi, the temple’s building has lasted decades, resulting in astonishing richness in details of carvings and sculptures. 

Every corner of this temple is carved with elaborate stone and woodwork, showcasing dragons, phoenixes, and historical events. Sanxia’s Old Street, which is located adjacent to the temple, also offers an excellent opportunity to taste the local snacks and buy traditional crafts after your visit. 

5. Chihkan Tower (Tainan)

As a historical and cultural landmark in Tainan, Chihkan Tower was an old element of a Dutch fort redesigned to be a temple. It contains worshipping temples of different deities and represents a combination of Western and Eastern architectural solutions. 

The ancient inscriptions, statues, and a koi pond are found in the enclosure of the tower. History lovers who want to know about the Taiwanese colonial history and how it was combined with the old beliefs will have to visit it.