Wuji Zhenyuan Temple (Tianyuan Temple) Introduction
Tamsui Tianyuan Temple is located on the northwest side of the Datun Mountain Range, about 5 kilometers from Tamsui City. Established in the 1970s, the main hall enshrines the Supreme Old Ancestor, with the Jade Emperor as the main deity. In 1992, the "Wuji Zhenyuan Tiantan" was added, a five-story sacred hall reaching 200 feet in height, with a circular structure that has a diameter of 108 feet, majestic and grand. Each floor of the temple houses various Buddhas from the Wuji realm, and during cherry blossom season, the magnificent temple harmonizes beautifully with the cherry blossoms, making it a highly recommended visit. Nestled in the foothills of the Tian Mountain and facing the sea, the complex of Tianyuan Temple boasts grandeur. The stepped design, which follows the natural terrain, enhances the layers of the architecture, making the temples visually solemn and imposing. The Tianyuan Temple complex can be divided into three major areas: the Wuji Tianyuan Temple at the foot of the mountain, the Tiantan halfway up the mountain, and the rear mountain park at the highest point, each with its unique features and stunning views at every step. As spring breezes blow, the cherry blossoms at Tianyuan Temple quietly bloom, heralding the most beautiful season of the year. The cherry blossoms at Tianyuan Temple are primarily planted around the rear mountain park and the Tiantan, with different varieties and slightly varying blooming periods. The cherry blossoms on the rear mountain typically bloom from late January to mid-February; the Yoshino cherries around the Tiantan, mainly in pale pink, bloom about a month later, marking the peak of the cherry blossom viewing crowds. At night, the Tiantan is illuminated, complementing the swaying cherry blossoms and offering a unique charm.
