Good Fortune in the Year of the Monkey: Taiwan’s Top 10 Must-Visit Temples

● Nankunshen Daitian Temple
Nankunshen Daitian Temple was built in 1661 and has a history of over 300 years. Located in Kunjiang Village, Beimen District, it was originally constructed on Nankunshen Sandbank during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. It earned its name because the terrain resembles the body of a kun fish (a giant legendary fish). Known as the “No. 1 Temple under Heaven,” it is one of the largest temple complexes in Taiwan. The structure consists of two temples: the front Daitian Temple, which worships the Five Kings (五府千岁); and the rear Wanshan Hall, which honors the Ten Thousand Virtuous Spirits (万善爷). The temple complex is grand, covers a vast area, and boasts the most thriving incense offerings in all of Taiwan.

● Nanshan Fude Temple
Among the many famous Earth God (Tudi Gong) temples in Taiwan, the northern standout is Nanshan Fude Temple, while the southern equivalent is Checheng Fu’an Temple—both are key centers of Taiwanese folk belief. Nanshan Fude Temple is located on another hilltop not far northeast of Hongludi, at an elevation of about 295 meters. Established in 1736, it has a history of 260 years. The temple enshrines the God of Earthly Prosperity (Fude Zhengshen). It’s said that Nanshan Fude Temple is situated in an area with excellent feng shui. On either side of the temple site, there are protruding hills that, along with the central peak, form a tripod-like shape resembling an old-style stove (known as a 烘炉 in Chinese)—hence the origin of the name “烘炉地” (Oven Hill). About fifty meters below the temple stands a massive rock, which geomancers call the “fire mother” of the stove. With the fire mother beneath it, the stove is believed to burn eternally. Locals regard this as an exceptionally auspicious place. The roughly 2-meter-tall statue of Tudi Gong here has a gold ingot in his hand that has been polished to a shine by the touch of devoted worshippers. It’s believed that sincerely rubbing the ingot and praying can make wishes come true.

● Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin
Beigang Chaotian Temple, also known as Beigang Mazu Temple or Tianhou Temple, enjoys year-round bustling incense offerings. The two most lively annual festivals are the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month and Mazu’s birthday on the 23rd of the third lunar month. The Lantern Festival features vibrant lantern competitions, while Mazu’s birthday celebrations attract pilgrims and branch temples from all over, culminating in a grand scale. The parade during the pilgrimage season is particularly spectacular, accompanied by deafening drums and gongs, drawing crowds that fill the streets—a highlight of Mazu worship season that envelops the entire town of Beigang in a strong religious atmosphere.

● Sanxia Qingshui Zuoshi Temple
Qingshui Zuoshi Temple was established in 1769 and was rebuilt in 1833 after being damaged in an earthquake. After several twists and turns, following Taiwan’s retrocession, the temple was redesigned and planned under the leadership of artist Mr. Li Meishu, who advocated for the temple to embody a fusion of Chinese history, culture, and temple artistry. His background in Western painting also infused the temple with elements of Western art. The temple is dedicated to Qingshui Zuoshi (清水祖师), whose life story varies by account and across temples. According to the version from Sanxia Qingshui Zuoshi Temple, the master was originally named Chen Zhaoying, a native of Kaifeng Prefecture in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was honored for his merits and built a shrine at Qingyan Rock in Anxi County, Fujian Province, where he later lived in seclusion—thus earning the title Qingshui Zuoshi. The locals of Anxi refer to the shrine as “Zuoshi Temple.” Due to the remarkable efficacy and miracles attributed to Qingshui Zuoshi, the temple has long been the spiritual and social center of the Sanxia area. Its architectural, sculptural, and painted artworks are considered classic masterpieces among Taiwan’s temples.