Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Confucian temples are always large walled complexes and generally sedate, ex-
cept on 28 September, the Sage's birthday. Taoist temples on the other hand will
generally be loud, both in noise level and decoration. They tend to be very enjoy-
able to explore because of this.
Temple Roofs
Stand outside a traditional Taiwanese temple and look up at the roof. It will be single or
multitiered (with two or even three levels). The roof's ridgeline, slung low like a saddle,
will curve upwards at the end, tapering and splitting prettily like the tail of a swallow.
Not surprisingly this is known as a swallowtail roof, and is a distinctive feature of south-
ern temples.
The ridgeline is always decorated with dragons in
jiǎnniàn
(mosaic-like temple decor-
ation). Sometimes a pearl sits in the centre (which the dragons are reaching for); some-
times three figures (Fu Lu Shou) who represent the gods of good fortune, prosperity and
longevity; and sometimes a seven-tier pagoda.
Slopes are covered with tiles (long and rounded like a bamboo tube) and much is fab-
ulously decorated with vibrant cochin pottery and figures in
jiǎnniàn
. Fish and some
dragon figures on the ends symbolise protection against fire (always a threat with wood
structures).
Bracketing
Wooden brackets help to secure posts and beams but they are also decorative features.
They vary from dragons and phoenix to flowers and birds, or tableaux of historical
scenes unfolding as if on a scroll. Examples are Bao'an Temple in Taipei, Yinshan
Temple in Tamsui, and Longshan Temple in Lukang.
Examples are Confucius Temple and Qingshan Temple in Taipei, Anping Matsu
Temple in Tainan, Tzushr Temple in Sansia, and City God Temple in Hsinchu.
A temple can seem raucous and worldly compared to a church, but before holy festivals
it will undergo rites to transform it into a sacred space. Check out the
Five Day Comple-
tion Rituals To Thank Gods
at Bao'an Temple in Taipei every spring.
