Hsianguang Temple Introduction
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the skull relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing and after the war, part of the relic was returned to the Chinese Buddhist Association. In 1955, the relic was brought to Taiwan and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple beside Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is only a few meters away from the lake, with a dock at the bottom of the temple where visitors can take a boat to the dock and then walk up the steps to visit. Inside the temple is a golden statue of Master Xuanzang, with a plaque that reads "National Religious Teacher." Although the skull relic of Master Xuanzang has been moved to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple has become a must-visit destination for tourists traveling to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient waterway access. The architecture of Xuanguang Temple is in the Tang style, built initially as a temporary enshrinement for Master Xuanzang's skull relic, thus it lacks the ornate green tiles and red pillars, appearing simple and elegant, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Additionally, being built near the lake allows for close appreciation of the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, as if one is placed in a beautiful painting. In front of the temple, there is a large rock engraved with "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuanguang Temple," which has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos to commemorate their visit. Especially on weekends, the crowd waiting to take pictures often circles around the small temple courtyard multiple times, forming another interesting scene.
