Le Shan Tang Introduction
Le Shan Hall is located in Dashanbei, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County. This courtyard temple, with a profound historical background, was originally established in the 16th year of the Qing Guangxu era (1890) by local resident Lan Zhengran and was originally named "Shixia Temple." Following the Japanese army's invasion of Taiwan in the 21st year of Guangxu (1895), the temple was burned down. It was later rebuilt through fundraising by local people and completed in the 10th year of Taisho (1921), becoming a center of faith for the local community. The architecture is unique, especially with the use of local sandstone as wall material, showcasing authentic Hakka architectural characteristics. Le Shan Hall primarily enshrines Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and preserves many ancient artifacts and cultural heritage, rich in historical and folk belief significance. In 2006, Le Shan Hall was announced as a county-designated historic site. This site is not only a place of worship but also an important historical witness closely related to the Hakka anti-Japanese history, particularly connected to anti-Japanese martyrs such as Zhong Shimei and Jiang Shaozu. In addition to its historical and cultural value, the natural scenery surrounding Le Shan Hall is also a major highlight. The "Daqidong Tung Flower Trail" behind it is a great spot for viewing tung flowers, and every year when the tung flowers bloom, the entire valley is covered in pure white flowers, creating a beautiful natural landscape. Furthermore, the nearby "Qilong Ancient Path" is famous for its firefly trail, where visitors can enjoy the sight of fireflies dancing along the path in late spring and early summer, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. Today, Le Shan Hall has become a popular shooting location for many photographers, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and family travelers alike.
