Shoushan Guanyin Temple Introduction
With a blend of beauty in religion, history, art, and traditional culture, a visit to Shoushan Rock can offer profound insights! Shoushan Rock Guanyin Temple is located at the junction of Taoyuan City and New Taipei City, commonly referred to as "Lingding Temple." Established in the seventh year of the Qianlong reign (1742), it has nearly 280 years of history, making it the oldest temple in Taoyuan City. The main hall is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, depicted as a male figure wearing a crown, which is quite different from the typical female representation of Guanyin. The plaque "Cifang Guangji," which hangs in the hall, was inscribed by Ha Tanga, the then Fujian Navy Admiral and Taiwan Governor, in the sixtieth year of Qianlong (1795). The overall structure of Shoushan Rock Guanyin Temple combines the beauty of religious art with the rigor of traditional architectural techniques, showcasing a unique design. The temple entrance features a "Nine Dragon Wall" made of gem ceramics, created by contemporary master Liu Mingwu. The overall landscape was designed by horticultural expert Professor Luo Qingji, extending from the tranquil white jade bridge pool garden in front of the temple to the cherry blossom park behind Shoushan Rock, presenting the meticulous craftsmanship of artisans. Each area is breathtaking. Every spring, the cherry blossoms in Shoushan Rock Park bloom, making it an excellent place for family outings. In 2013, Shoushan Rock Guanyin Temple was selected as one of the "Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan" by the Ministry of the Interior, retaining its historic charm after hundreds of years. From July to August each year, the temple hosts a series of "Guanyin Bodhisattva Cultural Festival" events that replicate the traditional custom of "Carrying Bodhisattva for Blessings," integrating modern art to actively revive the traditional dragon and lantern dance culture that has been absent for fifty years. The "National Dragon Dance Competition" invites outstanding teams from various regions to compete for glory, making it worth exploring and participating in. (Source: Shoushan Rock Guanyin Temple)
