The "Matchmaker God" Statue Enshrined at Zhinan Temple in Hopes of Breaking the Breakup Curse

▲ Zhinan Temple recently enshrined a statue of the “Matchmaker God,” hoping to break the “breakup curse.” (Photo / Courtesy of Taipei City Government)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Following the establishment of a “Lovers’ Sacred Site,” Zhinan Scenic Area recently enshrined a statue of the “Matchmaker God” (Yue Lao) as Qixi Festival approaches, aiming to dispel the superstition that Zhinan Temple is cursed for causing breakups among couples. Additionally, couples visiting the Maokong Gondola’s “Zoo Station” together on the morning of August 13, Qixi Festival, can receive one of 300 limited free gondola ride cards and blessing cards.

In the past, Zhinan Temple was rumored to be a “no-go zone for couples”—it was believed that those who visited with a boyfriend or girlfriend (excluding married couples) would be broken up by Lu Dongbin, one of the deities worshipped there. In recent years, to dispel this “breakup curse,” Zhinan Temple and Taipei City’s Department of Civil Engineering have set up a “Lovers’ Sacred Site” atop the mountain behind the temple. The area features a Love Destiny Wooden Boardwalk, a Lover’s Platform symbolizing intertwined hearts, the Moon Lady Chair, and Love Locks. Yesterday, the site officially welcomed the Matchmaker God in hopes of breaking the long-standing breakup curse associated with Zhinan Temple.

The Taipei City Department of Civil Engineering stated that from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Qixi Festival, members of the public who visit as couples can register at the Maokong Gondola’s “Zoo Station” to receive a free one-way gondola ticket (Zoo Station – Zhinan Temple Station) provided by Zhinan Temple. They can then exchange the ticket at the “Fairy Welcome Pavilion” and the “Lovers’ Sacred Site” at Zhinan Temple Station for a return MRT ticket and a blessing card—limited to 300 couples. At noon, Zhinan Temple will also offer vegetarian dishes in the Mahavira Hall for visitors to enjoy.