Luye Kunzi Temple and Luye Shrine Introduction
Public transportation click this link >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Zonggu Luye Line information (schedule / fare table) barrier-free bus reservation >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle barrier-free reservation information. Next to the Luye Longtian Bicycle Path, there is a temple surrounded by old trees, known as the Kuncitang, which enshrines the Yaochi Golden Mother. This serves as a center of faith for locals and a gathering place for the community to chat. Kuncitang is quite unique, featuring both Shinto and Taoist architectural styles. The current site was originally a shrine in an immigrant village during the Japanese colonial period and was also where Master Zhengyan once practiced. If you want to learn about the history of Longtian Village, Kuncitang is an unmissable cultural site. Witnessing the history of the Longtian immigrant village, the Luye Shrine is located behind Kuncitang. During the Japanese colonial period, it was the center of faith for Longtian immigrants, worshiping the Three Deities of Development and Prince Narihisa of the Kitabatake clan. Every year, it hosts events such as the prayer festival and the shrine's foundation anniversary. When villagers hold weddings or enlist in the military, they hold grand ceremonies here, making it the most important shrine in the Luye area. After the end of the war, only a base remained of the shrine. In 2014, through collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, the shrine was restored to its former glory. The simple torii gate and the small exquisite main hall transport visitors to Japan, becoming a popular photo spot. Relaxing and chatting under the Ciji Tree after Taiwan was restored, the deities worshiped at Luye Shrine were invited back to Japan. Subsequently, residents began to honor local deities such as the Tudi Gong, Mazu, and Yaochi Golden Mother at the original shrine site. Among them, the robust old eggplant winter tree and the neem tree in front of the hall became a great place for locals to cool off and chat. It is also where Master Zhengyan, before taking monastic vows, practiced under his master and discussed Buddhism with the residents, leading to it being called the Ciji Tree by Ciji followers, commemorating the place of Master Zhengyan's initial cultivation.
