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

By / MOOK Scenic Editor Team

When a new year arrives, Taiwanese people often visit temples to celebrate the season or pray for good fortune in the new year, including wealth, love, and peace. With over 10,000 temples scattered across the country, and beyond local shrines, which are the most popular and must-visit temples during the festive 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 “God of Wealth Bank,” where you can borrow “auspicious money” ranging from 100 to 300 times the amount based on the number of divination cups you draw. You then deposit this money into your regular bank account and repay the vow if your wishes come true. There are also treasure bags you can pray for.

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

Zhonghe’s Hulongdi Nanshan Fude Temple is home to a 108-meter tall statue of the Earth God. Inside the main hall, there is also a two-meter statue where visitors can touch the golden ingots, cane, and beard of the Earth God to pray for good luck. Additionally, it is one of New Taipei’s prime cherry blossom viewing spots, so visitors can enjoy the blossoms while praying for prosperity.

3. Nantou – Zinan Temple / For Wealth

It is said that as long as worshippers use the borrowed money for livelihood purposes, their wishes will be granted. Therefore, during the Lunar New Year, thousands flock to Zinan Temple in Zhushan, Nantou. Originally established to help followers live more smoothly, it led to the creation of the “Fude Gold” borrowing and repayment system, hoping to gain the Earth God’s blessing for a continuous flow of wealth in the coming year.

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

At Shiding Five Directions God of Wealth Temple, besides praying for “fortune-bringing money,” you can also exchange coins with Tiger God for “money water.” You swap your loose change with the Tiger God, but not in large amounts (i.e., you can’t exchange one dollar for ten), and the exchanged money is believed to bring a year of good luck.