Chengtian Temple

　　In the 37th year of the Republic of China (1948), Master Guangqin came to Taiwan. He first practiced in seclusion at Riyue Cave before later moving here to establish the temple. Since he had been ordained at the renowned Chengtian Temple in Jinjiang, Fujian Province during his childhood, he named this new temple after it in honor of his master.

　　Walking up Chengtian Road to the mountainside, you will see the white-walled, green-roofed Chengtian Temple, solemn and dignified. On regular days, many people come up the mountain for Zen meditation and Buddhist worship. Aside from paying homage, visitors can also pause here to take in views of the Taipei Basin, Guanyin Mountain, and the Tamsui River, offering a refreshing and uplifting experience.

　　Ascending the steps along Chengtian Road to the mountainside, you will find the white-walled, green-roofed Chengtian Temple, built in 1955. Solemn and majestic, it is a well-known Buddhist site in Taiwan. On normal days, many people come up the mountain for Zen practice and Buddhist worship. After paying their respects, visitors can stand in front of the temple and gaze into the distance to admire the Taipei Basin, the scenery of Guanyin Mountain, and the views of the Tamsui River, all of which offer exceptional vistas. The temple has also acquired a large tract of land adjacent to the valley stream, which may be developed in the future into a liberation pond and a bird sanctuary. Additionally, the scenic spot of the former Haha Valley, known for its unique "fire and water spring," will also be open to the public.

　　2 Scenic Highlights Located on the mountainside in the suburbs of Tucheng District, Chengtian Temple is surrounded every April and May by forest trails blanketed with tung blossoms, which look like a path covered in white snow—so beautiful that one hesitates to step on them. This is a well-known tung blossom trail in northern Taiwan, and the temple at the heart of the attraction is also referred to as the “Tung Blossom Zen Temple.”

　　Built in 1951, Chengtian Temple’s green tiles and white walls stand out vividly amid the forest. The chanting of Zen sutras harmonizes with the sounds of insects and birds in the woods, creating a naturally beautiful atmosphere. The trail on the left side of the temple is where tung blossoms are most densely concentrated. The mountain area retains many tall native broadleaf trees, among which tung trees are scattered. The white petals contrast beautifully with the green fallen leaves and the blue-green moss at the base of the trees, forming a picturesque scene.

　　3 Transportation

　　 By Car:

　　1. Take National Freeway No. 3, exit at the Tucheng Interchange, then turn onto Provincial Highway No. 3, go straight, turn right, and follow Chengtian Road directly to reach Chengtian Temple.

　　2. You can also reach Chengtian Temple by passing through the Qingshui Pit No. 3 Shaft via the Nantianshou Mountain Trail.

　　By Public Transport:

　　1. Bus: Take bus routes 231, 233, or 705 to Tucheng Station. Walk along Section 3 of Zhongyang Road, then turn onto Chengtian Road to reach Chengtian Temple.

　　2. MRT: Take the BanNan Line of the Taipei Metro to Yongning Station, then walk out of the exit toward Chengtian Road to reach Chengtian Temple.