Zhaoming Temple (Lovers' Temple) Introduction
Zhaoming Pure Land Temple (also known as Zhaoming Temple or Lover's Temple) is situated on the hillside in front of the Jinshan Rock in Beitou, surrounded by mountains, with a serene environment and an expansive view. From here, one can see the Guandu Plain in the distance, which brings a sense of openness and relaxation. The architecture here is quite distinctive, with the main temple resembling a steeple, topped with a dragon that gives it a spiritual aura. The main deity of Zhaoming Pure Land Temple is the "Four-faced Thousand-Hand Guanyin," who blesses health, marriage, brightness, and wealth. It is also referred to as the "Lover's Temple" because it used to display wax figures of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl! Inside the temple, there is a popular wishing platform. Visitors write down their wishes on paper or wooden plaques, worship the Four-faced Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and drop the paper into the wish box beside Guanyin. Then, they proceed to the wishing pond, which has six bowls representing different wishes, such as for love, health, and wealth. To make a wish, throw a few coins into the corresponding bowl and hang the wooden plaque on the nearby wishing pavilion as a testimony. It is said to be very effective; those who pray will be blessed! The wishing pavilion in the temple square features the saying, "True feelings are unseen, but false feelings are known by heaven," as a reminder to lovers everywhere to cherish their emotions and not be insincere, hoping that all couples can become good partners.
