Danshui Longshan Temple Introduction
Located within the alleys of Tamsui Old Street and hidden amidst the market, the Tamsui Longshan Temple is one of the five Longshan temples still existing in Taiwan. Built in 1858, it is primarily dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The temple features a long and narrow building style, with a spacious temple courtyard and a garden in the back. It serves not only as a center of faith for Tamsui but also plays a role in local governance and self-defense, alongside Qing Shui Yan, Yin Shan Temple, and Fu Yu Gong, collectively known as the "Four Great Temples of Tamsui." The Longshan Temple is the spiritual center for immigrants from San Yi in Quanzhou. Since the Qing Dynasty, the San Yi people have been the main force of Han settlers who crossed the sea to Taiwan for cultivation, controlling various commercial interests in Taiwan, while also bringing their native religious beliefs and architectural styles that greatly influenced Taiwanese culture. The Tamsui Longshan Temple is a branch derived from the Longshan Temple in Jinjiang, Fujian, and has become an important gathering center for the San Yi people in Tamsui. The statue of Guanyin enshrined in the main hall is solemn, intricately carved, and the temple's front structure is built with Guanyin stone. During renovations, efforts were made to restore the style of the original construction era, making this ancient temple even more precious. The Tamsui Longshan Temple has preserved numerous historical artifacts, including stone tablets, plaques, and stone pillars. The plaque "Cihang Pudu" hanging in the temple is a must-see. In 1884, during the Sino-French War, Tamsui became a battleground. It is said that the Guanyin Buddha of Tamsui Longshan Temple manifested during the war, protecting the residents of Tamsui from harm. In 1886, the Governor-General of Taiwan, Liu Mingchuan, requested the Guangxu Emperor to grant the plaque "Cihang Pudu" in gratitude for Guanyin Buddha’s protection of Tamsui's safety.
