Qingshui Temple — Attraction in Taipei

It is one of the four temples in north Taiwan which worship black-faced Qingshui Master, originated in the 10th century, as the Main God, and the largest and the most famous one is Sanxia Temple which was rebuilt in 1947. Quinshui Master was believed to be a monk, named Chen In, in the Sung Dynasty.

Unlike Sanxia Temple, which has very artistic wood, stone, and cooper sculptures of birds and historical story figures, Banka Qingshui Temple does not have much animal or human figure sculptures and but it has excellent preservation of large and natural more-than-100-years-old stone steps and wood and stone pillars in simplicity, although the temple looks somewhat shabby and nothing unique from outside.

Qingshan Temple has various collection of Taoist and folklore deities puppets which are used for religious parade and worship practices. Visitors can spend some times to enjoy their artistic drawing, painting and clothing design, although their eyes are also rather unique.

The temple is in short walking distance from Dragon Mountain (Lungshan) Temple, about 7 minutes walking dusrance. Temple is small, but it is an active participant in Taoist and folklore religious parade activities. The temple also serve as the gathering playground for the locals, including occasional free movie show for the locals.

Visitors can consider to include the Temple, Lungshan Temple, and Qinshan Temple, with Bopiliao Block and Huashi Night Food Market as an one-day trip place. From Taipei Train Station, visitors can take Taipei MRT BL Route and get off Lungshan Temple to reach the area easily. Visitors can also walk from Ximen shopping area to Wanhua district easily.

On August 28, 2021, because of Covid 19 pandemics, the Temple still locks down its temple from worshippers and visitors, unless the worshippers are regular worshippers who support the Temple's operations via periodic donations. However, worshippers can practice worship outside the temple's worship hall...

Qingshui Temple (Qingshui Yan Temple) is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Taipei. It was founded in 1787 by immigrants from Zhangzhou in China’s Fujian Province and is dedicated to the Buddhist monk Qingshui Zushi venerated as a deity who protects against disasters and illness.

The temple is known for its richly decorated architecture, featuring intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and mythical creatures, as well as detailed paintings and reliefs illustrating Chinese mythology and folklore. It has undergone several renovations, including major reconstruction after damage from an earthquake in 1815.

It is well worth a visit for its religious importance as well as its fine example of traditional southern Chinese temple architecture...

This temple has a long history, founded by early immigrant sailors who brought with them their cultural practices. The founder was a monk who earned great respect by helping the villagers—he was known for curing illnesses, building infrastructure like bridges, and inspiring people to practice kindness. The staff were very friendly and helpful, even guiding foreigners like myself, which made the visit an enjoyable experience. The temple itself looks ancient and holds a rich history.

However, due to current environmental regulations, some traditional offerings can no longer be burned, and temple staff now handle them instead. Despite this, the temple serves its purpose, and I have no complaints.

Pros:

• Rich cultural and historical significance • Fulfills its religious purpose

Cons:

• New city policies impose excessive restrictions on traditional...