Taipei’s Spring Festival outing to Hou Sa Lei is a wonderful blessing-filled itinerary

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
 
The annual Lunar New Year, a time for family reunions, is approaching. With a 9-day holiday, Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism has specially planned a blessing route themed “Taipei Hou Sa Lei Spring Festival Itinerary”. Visitors to Taipei can follow this itinerary to pray for blessings in the new year and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Upon arriving in Taipei, your first stop might as well be Cisheng Temple in Dadaocheng for blessings. Cisheng Temple, also known as Dadaocheng Mazu Temple, enshrines Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. As one of Taiwan’s most widely worshipped deities since ancient times, Mazu is regarded as the guardian of seafarers. Many people visit Mazu temples during the New Year to pray for peace and safety for their families in the coming year.

Next, you can head to Dalongdong Bao’an Temple. The temple has been recognized with the Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award for its tireless efforts in preserving and restoring Taiwan’s cultural heritage sites. Aside from worship, don’t miss the traditional murals painted by national treasure-level master Pan Lishui, which depict historical tales and the spirit of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness, showcasing high artistic value.

Next, you can visit Confucius Temple, a key cultural and educational landmark in Taipei. On February 8th, the first day of the Lunar New Year from 10 AM to 2 PM, there will be a “Calligraphy Blessing Card Activity” where calligraphy teachers will be on-site to inscribe your name and new year wishes on wooden cards — a great way to pray for a blessed and fortunate new year.