Shoushan Guanyin Temple Introduction
Crossing a century of time, we step into Taoyuan's oldest sacred place of worship, the Shoushan Rock Guanyin Temple, founded in the seventh year of the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong (1742 AD). It is the oldest temple in the area, with over 280 years of history. Originally named "Lingding Temple," it was later given its current name by Emperor Qianlong. This temple not only attracts a robust faith but is also listed as a designated historical site and once selected as one of the "Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan." It is definitely worth a visit for travelers to explore its cultural charm. The statue of Guanyin here is unique; the main deity worshiped is Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), depicted in a rare male crowned figure, quite different from the familiar female image. Inside the temple, other deities such as Samantabhadra, Manjushri, Guandi, Ksitigarbha, the God of Time, and the Eighteen Arhats are also enshrined. In the rear hall, the Heavenly Palace is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, Queen Mother of the West, and the Three Officials, making it a place where numerous gods can be worshipped at once, with sincere faith yielding divine responses! Must-see highlights include the Nine Dragon Wall and the divine tortoise and crane. The Nine Dragon Wall, made of ceramic, is the largest outdoor ceramic art installation in Taiwan, handcrafted by national treasure Liu Mingfu, showcasing a magnificent display of dragons. The divine tortoise in the lotus pond, shaped like a turtle with a dragon head, symbolizes longevity and good fortune, elegantly paired with cranes, rock formations, and water features. It is one of the most popular spots for worshippers and visitors to take photos! Historical artifacts tell stories, and ancient plaques and stone carvings are worth a closer look. The temple preserves several ancient plaques and historical artifacts from the Qing Dynasty, including precious plaques such as "Cifan Guangji" presented by Hada A during the Jiaqing period and "Buddha's Law Has No Bounds" by Lin Wenchang, documenting the construction and renovation of the temple. There are also stone incense burners and cloud boards from the Jiaqing period quietly displayed in a corner of the temple, waiting for travelers to pause and appreciate the history. Temple festivals are lively, with the "Peaceful Tortoise" being the most popular. Celebrations like the "Peaceful Tortoise" on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Guanyin's Birthday on the 19th of the second lunar month, and Guanyin's Enlightenment Day on the 19th of the sixth lunar month are the most vibrant times at Shoushan Rock. Particularly, the Peaceful Tortoise activity symbolizes the wish for a safe and smooth year, attracting many faithful participants and blending religious practices with local culture. A springtime secret cherry blossom viewing spot is located in the back hill garden of Shoushan Rock. The "Shoushan Rock Garden" features blooming mountain cherry and Yoshino cherry blossoms every spring, making it an annual must-visit hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing, beautifully complemented by the ancient temple, stone bridge, and corridors, creating a picturesque spring atmosphere. Strolling and enjoying the flowers in the gentle breeze lets one forget the hustle and bustle, instantly entering a heavenly realm, making it one of the most beautiful relaxation spots in Taoyuan during spring.
