麻豆APP

Photo by lihui from

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple is a famous temple located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan. It is a second-grade municipal heritage site, which attracts thousands of local and international visitors every year.

The temple is listed as one of the top three must-see attractions for foreign visitors coming to Taipei, along with the National Palace Museum and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

It enshrines Guanyin (the Buddhist goddess of mercy) and almost 100 other gods that attract countless worshippers who come to pray for good fortune, and health, and even seek their true love.

1. Longshan Temple was Built by the Chinese Settlers

Longshan temple is located in Wanhua District  Taipei, Taiwan. it was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian during Qing rule in honor of Guanyin. The temple served as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers.

The temple got its name from the ancient Lungshan Temple established in Chin-Chiang county of Fukien province in the seventh century.  Situated in the old village part of Taipei, Longshan temple has stood the test of time and has lasted through several natural disasters and wars.

2. Longshan Temple was Rebuilt during Japanese Rule

Photo from Lienyan from

Longshan temple was constructed by the Chinese settlers in 1733, it has gone through numerous destructions through fires and earthquakes.

Due to those misfortunes that have plagued the temple over the years, nothing of the original building remains today. The temple was completely rebuilt between 1919 and 1924 during Japanese rule.

The temple was again partially destroyed in 1945 by the American air force during the Second World War. The main building and the left corridor were damaged and several precious artifacts and artworks were destroyed. It was rebuilt after the end of World War II, and it remains one of the most popular temples in Taiwan.

3. Longshan Temple Hosts More than 100 Gods and Goddess

Although the Loshung temple was originally established as a Buddhist temple, several halls were added to accommodate followers of other Chinese folk religions.

The temple consists of three halls: the front hall, the main hall, and the rear hall. The rear hall is divided into Tianshang Shengmu Hall Wenchang Dijun Hall、 Huatuo HallGuan Sheng Di Jun Hall and Yuelao Hall.

These halls contain various altars in which almost 100 Chinese deities are worshipped. Originally The temple was built solely in honor of the “Guanyin” the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

4. Longshan Temple is not Dedicated to one Religion

Photo by Brady Montz from

While most temples in Taiwan are dedicated to one deity or religion, Longshan Temple accommodates the Buddhist,  the Taoist, the Confucian, and other Chinese folk religions.

Longshan is one of the most visited temples in Taiwan due to its inclusive attitude towards religion. The temple is open to the public, and tourists can explore the grounds without any restrictions.

The Temple features 300 years old designs with stunning architecture. Visitors are free to capture the delicate exterior and interior works with their cameras.

5. Longshan Temple has a Matchmaking God

There are more than 100 gods at the Longshan temple, and all are dedicated to different spiritual beliefs.  The most popular god among the visitors is Yue Lao (literally meaning elder under the moon), the Chinese god of marriage and love.

According to the legend, Yue Lao plays a matchmaker by attaching a red string of fate between single men and women who are predestined to be together.

Locals come here to pray so that their true love will marry them and stay with them forever. They take also a piece of red string to put on the wrist of their loved ones with hopes it will bind them together forever.

6. Longshan Temple is always Full of  People

Photo by WikiLaurent from

Due to the Longshan temple’s inclusive attitude towards religion, it attracts a lot of worshipers from different religions each day. The temple is always full of worshipers fulfilling their spiritual cravings.

Locals are also extremely friendly and don’t mind tourists taking photos and wandering through the temple. This makes the temple very popular with foreigners and it is always full of international tourists.

7. Longshan Temple is one of Five Temples that Shares the Name

Longshan temple based in Taipei is one out of five temples that share the same name. They all got their name from the original temple located on the foot of mount long in Anhai town of Fujian, China.

The Lukang Longshan Temple located in  Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan, was constructed in 1738 as a small temple. It was then later transformed by local residents into a larger temple.

Another temple that bears the same name is the Fengshan LongshaTemple located in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The temple was constructed in the early years of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It is the second oldest among Taiwan’s five Longshan Temples.

8. Longshan Temple is free to Enter

Photo by Bjhead from

Longshan Temple is one of the iconic landmarks in the city of Taipei. With its quintessential Taiwanese built, is a proud beholder of Taiwan’s long cultural and spiritual legacy and is a must-visit destination in the country.

Entry to the temple is free and there are no tickets or advance booking required of the visitors. Tourists should remember to respect the cultural norms and pay for the offerings.

9.  Longshan Temple is the most Popular Place of Worship in Taipei

Photo by Lienyuan from

The religious flexibility of the Longshan temple attracts a lot of people from diversified religious backgrounds who come to worship. This makes the temple the most popular place of worship in Taipei.

The temple takes a central integral part in the local people’s life. It was declared a historical site by the local government in 1985. This guarantees its preservation by the present and future generations.

10. How to get to the Longshan Temple

Location: No. 211 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City

Hours: 6:00 a.m.-10:20 p.m.

Admission: Free

Driving streets in the streets of Taipei can be a challenge for non-resident drivers. We recommend you the MTR (subway) to Longshan Temple Station. The temple is across the street. Alternately, take the MTR to Wanhua Station. The temple is about four blocks north.