Wan Fo Temple Introduction
Wanfo An, located on Shitou Mountain at the border of Hsinchu and Miaoli, is a Buddhist temple built into a natural cave, hidden within lush mountains and forests. As early as before the Republic era, practitioners had come here to meditate. It was reconstructed in the second year of the Showa era (1917) and officially named "Wanfo An" in the eighth year of the Showa era (1933). In the seventy-first year of the Republic (1982), it underwent a complete reconstruction, taking on the solemn yet friendly appearance we see today. The most distinctive feature of Wanfo An is that it uses a cave as the Buddhist hall, where a natural spring emerges beneath the Buddha niche inside, providing sweet and refreshing water that soothes the spirit, bringing a touch of coolness and tranquility to mountaineers. The main hall enshrines the Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara, embodying compassion and majesty, protecting all beings. Upon entering Wanfo An, one is often greeted by the sight of a group of vividly sculpted little novices. Some welcome guests, others carry water, and some sweep the floors, their movements natural and expressions charming, as if quietly guarding this pure land of Buddhism, adding warmth and childlike wonder to the solemn temple. Wanfo An is not only a place for spiritual practice but also a tranquil space for slowing down, connecting with nature, and engaging in a dialogue with the soul. Whether for pilgrimage, hiking, or simply seeking a serene spot, this is a worthwhile spiritual corner to visit.
