Tamsui Longshan Temple Introduction
Located in the alleys of Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui Longshan Temple is one of the five existing Longshan Temples in Taiwan. Built in 1858, it primarily worships Guanyin Bodhisattva. The elongated street house-style temple once had a spacious courtyard in front and a garden in the back. It is not only one of the centers of faith in Tamsui but also serves functions related to local governance and self-defense, being collectively known as one of the "Four Great Temples of Tamsui" along with Qingshui Temple, Yushan Temple, and Fuyou Temple. Tamsui Longshan Temple is the religious center for the San Yi immigrants from Quanzhou. Since the Qing Dynasty, the San Yi people have been the main force of Han Chinese who came to Taiwan for land cultivation, controlling various commercial interests across Taiwan while bringing their ancestral religious practices and architecture, significantly influencing Taiwanese culture. Tamsui Longshan Temple originated from the Longshan Temple of Jinjiang, Fujian, becoming an important gathering place for the San Yi people in Tamsui. The statue of Guanyin enshrined in the temple is solemn, with exquisite and delicate carvings, and the temple's façade is constructed from Guanyin stone. Efforts have also been made to restore the original style during renovations, making this ancient temple even more precious. Tamsui Longshan Temple preserves numerous historical artifacts such as stone tablets, plaques, and stone pillars. The plaque "Cihang Pudu" hanging in the temple is a must-visit. During the Sino-French War in 1884, Tamsui became a battlefield between the two armies. It is said that Guanyin Bodhisattva manifested during the war, protecting the residents of Tamsui from the dangers of conflict. In 1886, Taiwan Governor Liu Ming-chuan petitioned Emperor Guangxu to bestow the plaque "Cihang Pudu," expressing gratitude for Guanyin's assistance in safeguarding Tamsui.
