Shoutian Temple Introduction
Shoutian Temple is the most prosperous temple in the Gangshan District, located on the north side of Zhongshan Park along Gongyuan Road. Established in the 51st year of the Kangxi era, devotees brought the deity from Tainan's Tianhou Temple to Gangshan, giving it a history of several hundred years. The architecture of Shoutian Temple is resplendent, featuring a Southern Chinese-style three-story palace design with beautifully shaped eaves and intricate decorations. The interior is ornate and detailed, showcasing the colorful works of the famous artist Pan Lishui, making both the architecture and art very impressive. The main hall enshrines the Heavenly Mother and also accommodates Guanyin, the Jade Emperor, and the God of Wealth. Due to its long history, Shoutian Temple contains several historical artifacts, such as the Gu Gong Store's public fighting instruments, the Zhuang'an sequence stone tablet, stone lions and lanterns from the Japanese colonial period, and ceremonial palanquins, among others. Outside the temple, it is integrated with the pavilions and ponds of Zhongshan Park, creating a pleasant scenery. Shoutian Temple serves as the faith center for the people of Gangshan and is worth visiting repeatedly for its traditional architectural aesthetics and historical artifacts.
