By MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yawen, compiled and reported
Taiwan enjoys great freedom of religious belief. Here we introduce four places in Taiwan dedicated to Eastern religious practices or worship. Each building features its own unique and unexpected design. Thanks to creative efforts in cultural innovation and East-West fusion, Taiwan’s religious culture has become even more diverse.
Located in Changhua, the Husheng Temple is also known as the “Glass Mazu Temple” and is the world’s only glass-built temple. (Photo / Glass Mazu Temple)
1. Glass Mazu Temple
The Husheng Temple, also known as the “Glass Mazu Temple,” is the world’s only glass-built temple. Its interior and exterior are entirely made of glass. During the day, sunlight streams through the glass, making the whole temple bright and airy. At night, over 100,000 LED lights illuminate the structure, creating a dazzling spectacle. Many photography enthusiasts choose to shoot here at dusk, capturing the interplay of light and shadow and the ever-changing clouds.
Its interior and exterior are entirely made of glass. During the day, sunlight streams through the glass, making the whole temple bright and airy. (Photo / Glass Mazu Temple)
The Glass Mazu Temple is located in the Lukang Changbin Industrial Park. It uses a raft-style concrete foundation combined with a steel frame as the main structure, with insulated safety glass serving as the roofing and exterior wall material. The interior is decorated with wood carvings, stone carvings, painted ceramic firing, and stacked glass elements. From the crystal Mazu statue and glass palanquin to the glass Mazu figure, all integrate industrial technology, cultural creativity, and religious rituals — making it truly unique.
At night, the LED lights create a dazzling, colorful display. (Photo / Glass Mazu Temple)
Glass Mazu Temple
Address: No. 28, Lukeng South 4th Road, Lukang Township, Changhua County
Opening Hours:
April to September: 6:00–22:00
(Lunar 7th month: 6:00–21:00)
October to March: 6:00–21:00
2. Guanxi Buddha World
Hidden in the mountains of Hsinchu is a dreamy European-style castle. Decades ago, it was a fairy-tale theme park located in the upstream catchment area of the Shimen Reservoir. Due to water resource conservation policies, development was prohibited, and it was eventually abandoned. Later, it was taken over by Buddhist practitioners and turned into a place for monastic retreat.
A castle in the Hsinchu mountains, once a theme park, is now a Buddhist retreat. (Photo / Hey_220)
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