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Xiahai City of God Temple

The Xiahai Chenghuang Temple or Xiahai City of God Temple is popular with single people in search of a good match and young couples that want a smooth relationship. There is a belief that if the Chinese cupid statue is standing, he is eager to find a good marriage for singles.

With statues of the City God, his wife, the Chinese cupid, and 600 other deities, this temple is noted to have the highest statue density in Taiwan.

Just a 10 min walk from Biemen station, this Buddhist temple is a good stop while in Taipei.

Hours of Operation: 6:15 AM-7:45 PM

Entrance fee: Free

Website: http://www.tpecitygod.org/en-about-xia-hai01.html

Nearest train station: Biemen

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#longshantemple

Longshan Temple in Taipei

One of the Taipei’s top religious sites is the Longshan (Lungshan) Temple. This is a must stop while visiting the city especially during the lantern festival. Originally built in 1738 , it has been rebuilt multiple times after damages caused by earthquakes, typhoons and World War II. The current structure was built in 1920.

A unique temple with its folk faith and temple arts and crafts, take time to explore the grounds for its details. There are elaborate stone and wood carvings, sweeping swallowtail eaves, and mosaic like temple decors.

Take a moment to see the two of a kind bronze pillars that hold incense. It depicts the common temple motif of “the fool holding up the sky”

Dedicated to the Bodhisattva , there are also over 100 other gods & goddesses in the side and rear halls. Enshrined in the center rear is the goddess of sea “Matsu”, on the far right is “Wenchang Dijun”, god of literature , and on the left (red faced) is the god of war & patron of police “Guan Yu”. In front of Guan Yu is the old man under the moon known as the matchmaker or Chinese cupid.

On my visit, the temple was crowded as it was the birthday of Guanyin on the 19th day of the second lunar month & the lantern festival.

Enter the main grounds using the right doors on the side. Make sure not to get in the way of people worshipping. After exploring there is a store on the left side for charms and other religious items. There is an english list of the items available. Note the number of the item you want to purchase before approaching the salesperson.

Take exit 1 of Longshan MRT station, you’ll arrive at the park fronting the temple.

Hours of Operation: 6AM-10 PM

Entrance fee: Free

Website: Longshan Temple (in Taiwanese)

Nearest train station: Longshan Station (exit 1)

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#lanternfestival

Taipei Lantern Festival

Celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, the Lantern festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.

In the capital, a weeklong grand display of lanterns can be seen. This year, Taipei will be celebrating its "Taipei Lantern Festival" on Feb 8-16,2020.

The two main venues will be at the :

1. North Gate on Zhonghua Rd (between Beimen MRT station & Ximen MRT station)

2. Nanxing Park on Nangang Road (near Nangang MRT station)

There are performers and activities during the festival. You can check this Schedule of Events for the detailed activities for your day of visit.

Here are some of the lanterns from last year’s festival.