Lungshan Temple — Attraction in Taipei

Longshan Temple – A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark in Taipei

Located in the historic Wanhua District, Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most revered temples. Originally built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China, it has survived earthquakes, fires, and even wartime bombings — yet it stands today as a symbol of faith, resilience, and traditional Taiwanese culture.

Longshan Temple is dedicated primarily to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, but it also incorporates elements of Taoism and Chinese folk religion. Visitors will find altars and statues of various deities, such as Mazu (Goddess of the Sea), Wenchang Dijun (God of Literature), and the Old Man Under the Moon (the matchmaker deity). This blending of religious traditions reflects the spiritual diversity of Taiwan.

The temple’s architecture is stunning, with intricate wood carvings, vibrant paintings, and sweeping curved rooftops. Incense coils hang from the ceiling, and the scent of sandalwood fills the air as worshippers pray with devotion and reverence. Whether you're religious or not, the atmosphere is peaceful, spiritual, and deeply moving.

Longshan Temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub. It’s often surrounded by fortune tellers, traditional herb shops, and local snack stalls. Just across the street is the historic Bopiliao Old Street, making the area ideal for a half-day cultural visit.

Easily accessible by the MRT Longshan Temple Station, this temple offers a meaningful glimpse into Taiwan’s religious practices and local life. It’s a must-visit for travelers seeking authenticity and tradition in the...

Lungshan Temple is a Chinese folk religious temple in Wanhua District (alternately known as Bangka/Mengjia), Taipei, Taiwan. The temple was built in Taipei in 1738 by settlers from Fujian during Qing rule in honor of Guanyin. It served as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers. In addition to its Buddhist elements, it includes halls and altars to Chinese deities such as Mazu and Guan Yu.

Interestingly, the temple has been rebuilt on several occasions, and each time it was done by the local community. Residents rebuilt after every earthquake, flood, and fire without much help from government agencies or wealthy benefactors. To this day, locals take pride in the fact that every stone and carving was paid for by donations from the community. The temple now stands as an incredible testament to the resilience and devotion of the local people.

While most temples throughout the world and here in Taiwan are often dedicated to one deity or one religion, Longshan Temple is a wonderful mix of the Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian faiths. Taiwan has always been inclusive in its attitude towards religion, and Longshan Temple is the embodiment of that inclusive spirit.

The Temple attracts a lot of people. There are always worshippers at the temple, and it’s rare to find the place empty. However, locals are extremely friendly and don’t mind tourists taking photos and wandering through the temple. Of course, you should always be respectful, but the local community is quite proud of their temple and thus understand why tourists often make the building their first port of call when...

Longshan Temple is one of the most iconic and culturally significant temples in Taipei. It was founded in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian as a place of worship and community gathering.

The temple blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Its architecture is a masterpiece of southern Chinese temple design, featuring a tripartite layout with a front hall, main hall, and rear hall. Intricately carved wooden beams, colorful dragon-adorned rooftops, and detailed stone sculptures create a visually stunning sacred space.

At the heart of the temple is a statue of the bodhisattva Guanyin, surrounded by other deities such as Mazu (goddess of the sea), Guan Yu (god of war), and Yue Lao (god of love and marriage). Worshippers visit to pray for health, fortune, success, and relationships. A common ritual involves throwing crescent-shaped wooden blocks (jiaobei) to receive divine answers. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes, fires, and bombings (including during World War II), Longshan Temple has been faithfully rebuilt and restored by the local community.

The temple can get very crowded during the day, with both locals and tourists coming to pray or admire its beauty. For a more peaceful experience, it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening — ideally just before closing time. In fact it is worth to visit it both in the day light...