Guandu Temple

Guandu Temple

Guandu Temple is located in Guandu, Beitou District, Taipei City. It is a Taoist and Buddhist temple primarily dedicated to the Goddess Mazu, the Heavenly Holy Mother. As one of the oldest and most popular Mazu temples in northern Taiwan, it is ranked among the “Three Great Mazu Temples of Taiwan” along with Beigang Chaotian Temple and Lukang Tianhou Temple. The temple’s main festival is held annually on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. In addition, the Lantern Festival and the Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Festival) are also major annual events at the temple. These occasions attract large crowds of visitors, bringing brisk business to local street vendors and food stalls.

With a long history, the main hall of Guandu Temple features stone walls carved with intricate historical scenes. Similar stone relief carvings adorn the stair railings on both sides. The stone pillars in front of the palace are engraved with coiling dragons, complemented by stone lions and wall carvings, adding to the grandeur. Inside the temple, the ceiling’s caisson, brackets, beams, and rafters are richly adorned with sculptures and colorful paintings, showcasing exquisite artistry. Due to its enduring popularity, the temple has been continuously expanded. In addition to the Hall of the Goddess Mazu, the Guanyin Hall, and the Wenchang Hall, it also includes structures such as the Ancient Buddha Cave, Guangdu Temple, the Drum Tower, and the Bell Tower.

The sunset at Guandu Temple is another highlight that draws many visitors. Climbing to the hilltop offers a sweeping view of the serene beauty of the Guandu Wetlands, a view that has earned the area its century-long reputation for the “Guandu Sunset.”

Guandu Temple

Why go: One of the oldest and most popular Mazu temples in northern Taiwan