Dalongdong Baoan Temple, Taipei (must see)

Dalongdong Baoan Temple, also known as Taipei Baoan Temple, is a traditional religious shrine located in the Datong District of Taipei. This temple has deep roots in Taiwanese folk religion and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century.

The temple's origins trace back to immigrants from Tong'an, Xiamen, Fujian, who settled in Taipei in the early 1800s. They constructed the temple with the intention of safeguarding the well-being of their fellow Tong'an residents, hence the name "Po-an," which translates to "protect those of Tong'an." Adjacent to Baoan Temple, you can find the Taipei Confucius Temple.

Construction of the temple began in 1804, replacing a wooden shrine that had existed since 1742 in Toaliongtong. Throughout the 20th century, especially during the Japanese colonial period, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions, ultimately shaping the temple complex we see today.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Taiwanese government designated Baoan Temple as a level two historic monument in 1985. After years of neglect and deterioration, extensive repairs and renovations took place in 1995, restoring the temple to its former glory.

In 2003, the temple received international recognition when it was honored with an induction into the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural heritage.