Zhangshan Temple Introduction
Zhangshan Temple, constructed in 1931, has a simple yet solid appearance. Inside the temple, Guanyin Bodhisattva is worshipped. Legend has it that in the early years of the Republic of China, a resident living near Zhanghu accidentally discovered a stone statue resembling Guanyin. As a result, they sincerely worshipped it, and due to the realization of their prayers, the number of devotees increased significantly. The followers then invested in building the temple, which has undergone multiple renovations to take on its current form. The temple is situated at a high location, and the spacious square in front offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Greater Taipei area. There are three hiking trails nearby, making it the most famous temple in the Muzha Tea District, attracting both hikers and worshippers on weekends. Besides Zhinan Temple, Zhangshan Temple is the most renowned temple in the Erge Mountain range. The temple offers a superb view of the Taipei Basin, frequently drawing hikers to pause and admire the scenery. Additionally, the surrounding tea gardens are abundant with tea-tasting visitors, making it an important recreational spot for the public. Centered around Zhangshan Temple, three trails radiate outwards to various leisure spots, including the Feilong Mountain Trail (leading to National Chengchi University's Huanshan Road), the Zhinan Elementary School section of Zhangshan Temple, and the Jiuchian Temple Trail. The endpoints of these trails are all located at the Zhangshan Temple square. The Feilong Trail is characterized by continuous large stones along the entire path, resembling the spine of a dinosaur from a distance, thus earning its name. The trail system connecting to Zhinan Elementary School (No. 2, Alley 34, Section 3, Zhinan Road) features Iron Goddess of Mercy tea gardens along the way, and after finishing the trail, one is enveloped in the aroma of tea. The Jiuchian Temple Trail is steeper, but along the route, in front of Fude Temple, there is a century-old banyan tree with intertwining roots, forming numerous galls, presenting a rather unique sight.
