Tamsui Longshan Temple Introduction
Located in the alleys of Tamsui Old Street and hidden within the market is Tamsui Longshan Temple, one of the five existing Longshan temples in Taiwan. Tamsui Longshan Temple was built in 1858 and is dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The narrow, elongated street house-style temple originally had a spacious courtyard in the front and a garden in the back. It is not only one of the centers of faith in Tamsui but also serves functions of local governance and self-defense. Along with Qingshui Temple, Yin Mountain Temple, and Fuyou Temple, it is known as the "Four Great Temples of Tamsui." The Longshan Temple is the center of faith for the San-yi people from Quanzhou, who were the main force of Han immigrants that came to Taiwan to cultivate land since the Qing Dynasty. They controlled the commercial interests across Taiwan and brought their native religious and architectural influences, significantly impacting Taiwanese culture. Tamsui Longshan Temple is a branch of 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. The temple's front structure is built with Guanyin stone, and efforts were made to restore its original style during renovations, making this ancient temple even more precious. Cihang Pudu Tamsui Longshan Temple preserves numerous historical artifacts, including stone tablets, plaques, and stone columns. The plaque inscribed with "Cihang Pudu" hanging in the temple is a must-visit. During the Sino-French War in 1884, Tamsui became a battleground for the two armies, and it is said that Guanyin manifested during the war, protecting the residents of Tamsui from harm. In 1886, Taiwan's governor Liu Ming-chuan petitioned Emperor Guangxu to grant the plaque "Cihang Pudu" in gratitude for Guanyin's assistance in ensuring the safety of Tamsui.
