Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
parade takes place from 5pm to 9pm over two nights (the 20th and 21st days of the Lunar
10th month - around the end of November or early December).
The temple is worth a visit anytime to examine the stone work in the main hall, the oc-
tagonal plafond ceilings (built without nails), the lively cochin (brightly coloured, glazed
ceramic) figures on either side of the worship hall, and the striking multicoloured
jiǎn-
niàn
(mosaic-like decoration) work on the roof, which you can admire up close by climb-
ing the stairs at the back of the temple.
Tien-Ho Temple
DAOIST TEMPLE
(Tiānhòu Gōng; 51 Chengdu Rd, Ximending; 6am-10pm; Ximen)
This small but atmo-
spheric temple appears from the outside as a narrow, but elaborate, storefront in the Xi-
mending area. But walk through the gate and you'll find one of Taipei's most intriguing
temples, a place where Japanese and Chinese worship patterns existed, and still exist,
side by side.
The original Tien-ho Temple (devoted to the goddess Matsu, also known as Tienho, or
the Empress of Heaven) was built in 1746, and demolished during the last years of
Japanese rule to make way for a roadway. The current structure was erected in 1948 on
the grounds of a former Japanese temple devoted to Hong Fa Da Shi. As you face the
exit you can see a statue of Hong Fa Da Shi to the right, while on the left is a group of
Jizō (the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva) statues. Even today many local worshippers will pray
to the Japanese deities as they make their way round the temple.
Shida & Da'an
Da'an is an important commercial and residential area (property prices are among the
highest in the city) with several major universities. You'll find some of Taipei's ritziest
shopping areas here, but also leafy Da'an Park and the laid-back Shida neighbourhood
surrounding National Taiwan Normal University.
