Zhinan Temple Introduction
The Zhinan Temple is located at No. 115, Wan Shou Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, at the foothills of Zhinan Mountain, with an elevation of 285 meters. It was established in the 16th year of the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu era (1890 AD) by Wang Binlin, the magistrate of Tamsui, who brought the spirit of the Yongle Palace from Shanxi to Taiwan. The temple complex spans several dozen hectares, featuring ancient trees that soar high and provide dense shade. The temple consists of five main halls: the Pure Yang Hall, the Lingxiao Hall, the Da Xiong Hall, the Da Cheng Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Hall. In addition, there are several affiliated halls, including the Tai Sui Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Sanqing Hall, the Doumu Hall, the Shanxi Shengzun Hall, and the Yuantong Hall, totaling more than ten buildings, all built on the mountainside, grand and solemn. The architecture mainly utilizes sturdy stone materials and is covered with copper tiles, allowing it to withstand the test of time. A long corridor connects the two halls, with pavilions and pools surrounded by blooming flowers in all seasons, creating a fresh atmosphere and captivating scenery. It is one of Taiwan's most renowned Taoist temples, acclaimed as the "First Sacred Mountain Under Heaven." Due to its frequent hosting of large religious events and participation in international outreach, it has gained world fame and become a top tourist destination. Zhinan Temple is dedicated to the worship of the Pure Yang Patriarch, Lü Dongbin. The formal Taoist title is "Fu You Emperor," but is commonly referred to as "Xian Gong" or "Lü Zu." Lü Zu was a scholar during the Tang Dynasty who passed the imperial examination and served as a county magistrate. Due to his sincere devotion to the Tao, he encountered the Zhengyang Patriarch, Zhongli Quan, who enlightened him through a significant dream and taught him heart methods, ultimately leading him to attain the Dao and join the ranks of immortals. However, driven by the grand aspiration of "saving all beings," he often manifests in the world to aid people, leaving behind numerous miraculous tales. There are dedicated temples and shrines honoring him throughout the country, and Zhinan Temple is the favorite place for visitors. With the opening of the Maokong Gondola, access has become even more convenient, and tourists are welcome at any time. **Architectural Features:** All structures at Zhinan Temple are primarily built using nanmu wood, blue stone, and copper tiles, blending Northern palace architecture, Minnan traditional styles, and Buddhist design elements. The Pure Yang Hall is a representative late work of Taiwan's traditional master Chen Yingbin, while the Lingxiao Hall is the tallest temple building in Taiwan, adorned with celestial clouds and mythical creatures, exhibiting a solemn grandeur. The Da Xiong Hall is uniquely shaped like a Buddha head. The Ksitigarbha Hall presents a dignified image, surrounded by the Eighteen Arhats, with beautiful scenery. (Source: Wenshan District Office, Taipei City)
