Taiwan’s Islands - Taiwan - page 657

TOURING THROUGH TAIPEI'S BAO'AN TEMPLE
The Unesco heritage award winning Bao'an Temple ( Click here ) is hard to beat as a
place to start your study of traditional temple art and architecture.
» To begin, stand before the Front Hall (basically a colonnaded entrance portico
with five doors) and observe the sweeping swallowtail ridgeline, elaborate rooftop
decoration (jiǎnniànfigurines), and row of cochin pottery figures nestled snugly
between the roof's double eaves.
» Then note the stone lions, octagonal dragon pillars, rectangular pillars, and side
dragon and tiger panels. These all welcome visitors and protect against demons.
They are also among the oldest parts of the temple. The dragon columns, for ex-
ample, were carved in 1804.
» Above the lions look for carved wood panels between the posts. See the Western-
style balcony on the left panel? When Bao'an was renovated in 1917 during the
Japanese-era, two teams (one from China, one from Taiwan) were given one half of
the temple each to complete: the left side was given to the Taiwanese and features
more innovations and touches of modernity.
» The interior of the Front Hall serves as a worship area, with long kneelers and
tables piled high with offerings and flowers. In other temples this worship area may
be further in toward the Main Hall.
» Next, step into the open stone courtyard (this area is covered in many temples).
Note the large incense burner (made in 1918) and bell and drum towers on the
sides. These towers are Japanese influences and are now widely found in other
temples.
» The Main Hall is another double-eaved structure with stunning rooftop decora-
tion, hanging flower pots in differing styles, and carved pillars. On the far left eave,
look up for a Western figure with an umbrella and dog. Also note the different
dǒugǒngstyling on the left and right (the left is shaped like the character(rén),
meaning people). A long panel of cochin figurines represents the Eight Immortals
Crossing the Sea.
» Inside the Main Hall (where the resident god always resides) check out the gor-
geous roof truss. This is an example of traditionalsan tong wu gua, or three beams
and five melon posts. Also look on either side for the astonishing ceramic green
dragon and tiger reliefs (created by master cochin artist Hong Kunfu in 1917), and
the celebrated wood statues of the 36 celestial guardians (carved between 1827
and 1833).
» Inside the Main Hall look for lacquered tables piled high with offerings. As with
most temples, the shrine at the back is elaborately carved and features multiple