Top 10 Lucky Charms Spots in Taiwan to Pray for Wealth and Love in the New Year

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Every time a new year arrives, Taiwanese people have the habit of visiting temples during the Spring Festival stroll or for prayers, hoping to usher in good fortune for the new year, including wealth, love, and peace. There are over ten thousand temples scattered across Taiwan, and aside from local temples, which are the most popular and must-visit temples with the busiest incense during the holiday season?

1. New Taipei – Jinshan Five Directions God of Wealth Temple / For Wealth
Jinshan God of Wealth Temple mainly worships the Five Directions Gods of Wealth, and features Taiwan’s first-ever God of Wealth Bank, where visitors can borrow “lucky money” ranging from 100 to 300 times the amount based on the number of divined holy cups. The borrowed money should be deposited into a regular bank account, and vows can be fulfilled when wishes come true. Additionally, there are also treasure bags that can be prayed for.

2. New Taipei – Zhonghe Hongluo Di Earth God Temple / For Wealth

Zhonghe’s Hongluo Di Nanshan Fude Temple boasts a 108-meter-tall statue of the Earth God, and upon entering the main hall, there is another two-meter-tall Earth God statue. Visitors can rub the golden ingot, cane, and beard on the Earth God’s hand to pray for good luck. In addition, this is also one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in New Taipei, so visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms while praying for wealth.

3. Nantou – Zinan Temple / For Wealth

It is said that as long as devotees use the borrowed money for livelihood purposes, their wishes will come true. Therefore, every year during the Lunar New Year, thousands of devotees flock to Zinan Temple in Zhushan, Nantou. Initially established to help devotees live smoothly, it led to the creation of the “Fude Gold” borrowing and repayment system, with hopes of receiving the Earth God’s blessing for continuous wealth throughout the coming year.

4. New Taipei – Shiding Five Directions God of Wealth Temple / For Wealth

In addition to praying for wealth funds, Shiding Five Directions God of Wealth Temple also allows visitors to exchange their loose change for “money water” with the Tiger God—but only in small amounts (i.e., you cannot exchange one dollar for ten dollars). The exchanged money is believed to bring a year of good fortune.