Lunar New Year At Taipei’s Historic Grand Temples

Longshan Temple is one of the most visited temples on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Taipei, Taiwan

When asked when’s the best time to visit Taiwan I usually say almost anytime but festivals, especially Lunar New Year celebrations are when the island’s culture and spirit are at it’s peak.

In this episode I take a tour around the capital, Taipei, on the first day of the Lunar New Year to some of the city’s most popular temples.

Most Taiwanese will pay a visit to their regular temple of worship or one of the more prominent or historic temples on the first day of the New Year to ensure they start the year off with new wishes, and of course prayers for prosperity and good health for their family.

The Longshan Temple in Wunhua District is one of the most popular temples to visit anytime of year but especially on New Year’s Day. This temple has gone through many renovations as a result of fires, earthquakes, and Allied Forces bombings during World War II.

Tianhou Temple in Ximending District is the smallest out of all the temples on this visit but one of the oldest, first constructed in 1746 it’s also know as the Ximending Matsu Temple, as Matsu, the Goddess of the sea is the main deity.

Guandu Temple is the furthest away from Taipei City, about a 35 minute MRT ride and 15 minute walk from the station named after the temple. It is the largest complex out of all the temples on this visit.

The final stop is the beautiful Baoan Temple in Dalongdong. This is a very historic part of Taipei with a Confucius Temple and some of the oldest buildings in the city. It’s a wonderful neighborhood for strolling.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Far East Adventure Travel on a glorious day of hope and renewal at some of the most vibrant temples in all of Taipei, Taiwan.