Yuantong Temple Introduction
Yuan Tong Zen Temple in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, was established in the 15th year of the Republic of China and took 51 years to complete. In the 13th year of the Republic, Master Miao Qing came from Hsinchu to Zhonghe with the intention of establishing a temple. After two years of searching for land, she found the current site, which overlooks the majestic Wugu Guanyin Mountain. Construction began in the 15th year of the Republic, starting with the Merit Hall, then expanding the foundation. The walls were built using stones from the mountain, combined with crushed stones and sandy soil as materials. After several decades, the Main Buddha Hall was completed. Unfortunately, due to prolonged labor, Master Miao Qing passed away in the 44th year of the Republic at the age of 55. The second abbot, Master Da, passed away in the 65th year of the Republic, and the third abbot, Master Da Jing, along with the head monk Master Da Sheng, planned the unfinished projects of the temple and continued the construction until its completion in the 66th year of the Republic, when the inauguration ceremony was held. The construction of Yuan Tong Temple took 51 years and passed through two generations and three abbots to be completed, which is indeed remarkable. The fourth abbot, Master Ru Hui, was ordained in the 42nd year of the Republic under Master Miao Qing, graduated from the Chinese Buddhist Canon Academy, and enjoyed painting and calligraphy in addition to studying Buddhism. To fulfill her master’s wish to build a scripture hall for Buddhist studies, the Yuan Tong Temple Library was completed in the 71st year of the Republic. The current abbot, Master Xing Hong, took office in the 105th year of the Republic (2016). Yuan Tong Temple adopts a pure Buddhist architectural style, utilizing stones and sandy soil from the mountain, allowing the stone temple to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while exuding a majestic aura. At the entrance of the temple, there are large stone sculptures of a lion and an elephant on either side, creating a solemn atmosphere. Walking through the mountain gate and ascending the steps, one can see the great hall of Yuan Tong Temple. Due to the lengthy construction period, it has incorporated various architectural styles, fundamentally resembling the Tang style while also exhibiting a hint of Japanese characteristics, reflecting Taiwan's history and culture.
