Longshan Temple of Tamsui Introduction
Located within the alleys of Tamsui Old Street and hidden amidst the market, Tamsui Longshan Temple is one of the five existing Longshan temples in Taiwan. Built in 1858, Tamsui Longshan Temple is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. The long, narrow layout of the temple once featured a vast courtyard in front and a garden at the back. It serves not only as one of Tamsui's centers of faith but also played roles in local autonomy and self-defense, along with Qingshui Temple, Yinxian Temple, and Fuyou Temple, collectively known as the "Four Great Temples of Tamsui." Tamsui Longshan Temple is the center of faith for the San Yi immigrants from Quanzhou. Since the Qing dynasty, the people from San Yi have been the main group of Han Chinese who came to Taiwan to cultivate the land, controlling various commercial interests across Taiwan while bringing their hometown's religion and architecture, significantly influencing Taiwanese culture. Tamsui Longshan Temple is a branch of the Longshan Temple in Jinjiang, Fujian, and has become an important gathering center for the San Yi people in Tamsui. The statue of Guanyin in the main hall is solemn and intricately carved, and the front architecture of the temple is built using Guanyin stone. Restoration efforts strive to maintain the style of the original construction period, adding to the temple's significance. Tamsui Longshan Temple preserves numerous historical artifacts such as stone tablets, plaques, and stone columns. The plaque "Cihang Pudu" hanging in the temple is a must-visit. During the Sino-French War in 1884, Tamsui became a battleground, where it is said that Guanyin manifested to protect Tamsui residents from the war's dangers. In 1886, Taiwanese Governor Liu Ming-chuan appealed to Emperor Guangxu for a plaque inscribed with "Cihang Pudu" to express gratitude for Guanyin's assistance in safeguarding Tamsui's safety.
