Longshan Temple, Taipei (must see)

The Longshan Temple was originally constructed in 1738 and was a place for Chinese settlers to worship. Part of the original construction included Buddhist elements, as well as altars and halls dedicated to the Chinese deities Guan Yu and Mazu. This temple has seen rebuilding and renovations because of earthquakes and fires over the years.

The last rebuilding of the temple took place after World War II. Today, one of the most noteworthy attractions is the outer courtyard, which has unique elements that include Taoist symbols, along with Buddhist and Confucian symbols. The temple and courtyard boast an impressive display of color.

Carvings found throughout the temple and on the exterior are intricate, with a lot of detail. Dragons are famous figures found throughout the temple, and the temple's name translates to "dragon mountain". Buddha figures in gold are also quite popular.

Decorations are popular in the temple, especially during certain holidays. For example, during the Lunar New Year, you are likely to see a lot of lanterns. Flowers are usually in abundance throughout this building.

One of the altars that attract a lot of attention is the altar to Yue Lao, a god revered as being a matchmaker. Single Taipei residents often come to this altar to pray for their true love to go to them and remain with them forever. There are pieces of string that worshipers can take to tie around their true love's wrist when they find them.

Why You Should Visit:
The Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Taiwan.

Tip:
The temple can be quite full with tour groups during certain days so try to avoid peak hours. There are local food stalls around the temple and plenty of shops selling Buddhist merch in the nearby underground mall.