Yuan Guang Temple Introduction
Yuan Guang Temple, also known as Shiyan Cave, is located in Liuliao, Qixing Village, Emei Township, Hsinchu. It is the oldest Buddhist temple within the Shitou Mountain temple complex and serves as the founding temple of the entire Buddhist realm. The temple is built on a mountain top, at the highest altitude, and is just a line away from Miaoli County, exuding a tranquil and solemn ambiance that seems to connect with the sky. Yuan Guang Temple was founded in the 21st year of the Guangxu Era of the Qing Dynasty (1895) by Master Pu Jie, with land donated by a devout believer, Zeng Xiuchun, to build the hall, which enshrines the Buddha Shakyamuni and Guanyin Bodhisattva in front of the cave. The temple incorporates natural caves, preserving the original terrain while blending nature and Buddhist teachings, creating a sacred atmosphere filled with spiritual significance. Climbing up to Yuan Guang Temple brings visitors closer to the peak of Shitou Mountain. At the summit, there is a moon-viewing pavilion, beside which stands the boundary monument between Hsinchu and Miaoli, making it a popular resting spot for hikers to enjoy the scenery. Standing here, with a cool breeze and picturesque distant mountains, one feels refreshed and uplifted. Yuan Guang Temple is not only a sacred site of religious faith but also a serene place where nature and culture intertwine. Whether for pilgrimage, hiking, or seeking a moment of tranquility, this is a spiritual destination worth pausing at.
