Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and
its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is
Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is ded-
icated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
From 1995 to 2002, the temple underwent its largest renovation project. Under sound
management (the board of directors are all university professors), skilled artisans were
employed and top-quality materials used. In addition, the temple began holding an annu-
al
folk arts festival
from March to June which includes the Five Day Completion Rituals
to Thank Gods (essentially to transform the temple from an everyday to a sacred space),
the gods' birthday celebrations, lion dances, parades, Taiwanese opera performances and
even free Chinese medicine clinics. See the temple website or the Taipei City Govern-
ment (
www.taipei.gov.tw
) website for event dates, all of which are free. For a DIY exten-
ded walk through the temple,
Click here
.
Confucius Temple
CONFUCIAN TEMPLE
(Kǒng Miào; 275 Dalong Rd 8.30am-9pm Tue-Sat, to 5pm Sun; Yuanshan)
Construc-
ted by the famous Fujian craftsman Wang Yi-shun in the late 1920s, this temple is a
beautiful example of Minnan (southern) style architecture and of Taiwan's delightful loc-
al decorative arts. Throughout the temple there are informative displays (in English) on
the history of Confucius, the temple and the Six Confucian Arts (such as archery and rid-
ing).
When you walk through the first gate (Lingxing Gate) across from the pond, head to
the far back left and look up for a delightful ceramic relief of a boy holding a lantern: the
lantern actually dangles out from the panel! Other gorgeous panels of vases with bloom-
ing flowers are across the courtyard on the Yi Gate. Inside the main hall (Dacheng Hall)
look for a magnificent plafond ceiling.
Confucius' birthday is celebrated on 28 September with a ceremony (starting at 6am)
presided over by the mayor of Taipei. It's a colourful event and tickets, which go on sale
at the temple about five days in advance, always sell out.
Dihua Street
HISTORIC STREET
(Díhuà Jiē; Zhongshan, Daqiaotou)
This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for
its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market.
After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepren-
