Taiwan has kept alive many of the traditional Chinese beliefs and practices that were lost in recent history in the Mainland. Because of this traditional Taoist and Buddhist temples dot the city. There are neighborhood temples and larger more significant temples. I had the opportunity to stroll through a few during my week in Taipei.
Longshan Temple
The Longshan Temple is one of the most important and oldest temples in Taipei. This traditional Chinese folk religion temple was built in 1738. Just like many of the others throughout the city, the Longshan Temple is elaborately decorated with colorful tilework on the roofs and eaves, intricately carved stone columns, and bright frescoes and murals on the walls.
The biggest difference was the size and scope of everything. I also happened to visit during a call to prayer, so it was buzzing with many worshippers, not just tourists.
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple in Taipei feels more like a museum even though it is an active temple as well. However, I visited it at night when it was practically empty. That is one thing I really enjoyed about Taipei. The temples are open late, so after everything else is closed, there is still something to do between night markets.
The Taipei Confucius Temple is modeled after the original in Qufu, Shandong and was built toward the end of the Qing rule. Throughout the temple are well-written placards explaining the spaces and architecture and their meaning.
Other temples
I took a peak in a handful of other temples around Taipei. They are everywhere. Some are historic. Most are beautiful. It is definitely worth some time to pop in to one or two while wandering the streets. This is easily done when many are open until 8 or 9 p.m.
LDS Temple
The highlight of my time in Taipei was time serving in the Taipei Taiwan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love to visit the temples all over the world. There is such a special feeling there as I perform the sacred work and commune with my Father in Heaven. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the Taipei temple. I stayed across the street in the patron housing with a church member from India who was there for the first time and others. It was a wonderful experience to be there with him.
