From Bao’an Temple to Dadaocheng: Taipei’s Lunar New Year prayers and cultural creativity

▲Bao’an Temple is one of Taipei’s three major temples. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism, the same applies below)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Compiled by HowToTrip

The Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism has specially planned a Lunar New Year prayer route under the theme “Taipei Monkey Cheeks Lunar New Year Itinerary,” recommending locals and travelers to join festive activities or explore major attractions. It invites both domestic and international visitors to come to Taipei to pray for the new year and immerse themselves in the vibrant Lunar New Year atmosphere.

The tourism bureau recommends starting the journey with a visit to Cisheng Temple in Dadaocheng for blessings. Cisheng Temple, also known as Dadaocheng Mazu Temple, primarily worships Mazu and is one of the three major temples in Dadaocheng, along with Fazu Temple and Taipei City Xiahai City God Temple. Mazu has long been regarded as the guardian deity of the sea and is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Taiwan. As such, many people visit Mazu temples during the Lunar New Year to pray for family safety and peace in the coming year.

The second stop can be at Dadao Temple in Dalongdong. Bao’an Temple is one of Taipei’s three major temples and serves not only as a faith center for residents in the Dalongdong area but also earned recognition from UNESCO in 2003 with the Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its efforts in preserving and restoring Taiwan’s cultural heritage. While paying respects at Bao’an Temple, visitors can also admire the colorful murals created by the late Pan Lishui, a master of modern temple painting. These artworks depict historical tales and the spirit of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness, holding significant artistic value.

▲Colorful murals by the late Pan Lishui, a master of modern temple painting.

Many people also visit the Confucian landmark in Taipei — the Confucius Temple — to pray for academic success, exams, and wisdom. On February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a “Calligraphy Blessing Card Activity” where calligraphy teachers will be on-site to offer free blessings. Travelers can ask the teachers to write their names and new year wishes on the cards, praying for a fortunate and joyful new year.

▲Bagels printed with words like “Bao’an” and “Dalongdong.”

In the afternoon, you can head to the Dihua Street shopping district to explore Baroque and Southern Fujian-style architecture, as well as the creative energy radiating from boutique shops. Dadaocheng is a neighborhood in Taipei rich in history and culture and also a hub of entrepreneurial legends. Three creative hubs have emerged recently — Xiaoyi Zheng, Minyi Zheng, and Zhongyi Zheng — boosting Dadaocheng’s cultural and creative industry. The Xiahai City God Temple or the nearby Yongle Market is also a great place to experience strong Lunar New Year vibes in Taipei. Single travelers may visit the Xiahai City God Temple to pray for romance and invite love fortune in the coming year. Alternatively, you can follow the filming locations of the Japanese drama “Kodoku no Gurume” (The Solitary Gourmet) and enjoy a bowl of “Yongle Dan Zai Mian” (Yongle wonton noodles) near Yongle Market, connecting with Taiwanese culinary traditions that transcend borders.

In the evening, you can dine at Ningxia Night Market, famous for its delicious and authentic Taiwanese street food. To coincide with Lunar New Year tourism promotion, Ningxia Night Market will operate 24 hours a day from February 8 to February 14 this year, except for Chinese New Year’s Eve, offering domestic and international visitors a chance to experience the liveliest night market atmosphere in Taipei.