Luye Kunzi Hall and Luye Shrine Introduction
Public transportation information can be found at this link >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Zonggu Luye Line information (schedule / fare table) Accessible bus reservation >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle accessible reservation information. Next to the Luyin Longtian Bicycle Path, there is a temple surrounded by ancient trees, known as the Kuncitang, which primarily worships the Queen of Heaven (Yaochi Jinmu). This temple is a center of faith for the local community and a gathering place for residents to socialize. Kuncitang is unique in that it combines the architectural styles of Japanese shrines and Taoist temples. Its current location was once the site of a shrine in an immigrant village during the Japanese colonial period and was also where Master Zhengyan once resided for practice. If you want to understand the history of Longtian Village, Kuncitang is an unmissable cultural site. In the back of Kuncitang lies the Luyin Shrine, which witnessed the history of the Longtian immigrant village. During the Japanese colonial era, it served as the faith center for the village, worshiping the three gods of pioneers and Prince Fushimi Hiroyuki. Each year, it hosts ceremonies such as the Harvest Festival and Taiwan Shrine Foundation Day. Whenever local villagers hold weddings or military call-ups, grand ceremonies are conducted here, making it the most important shrine in the Luye area. After the war, only the foundation of the shrine remained. In 2014, through collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, the shrine's original appearance was restored, featuring a simple torii gate and a small exquisite main hall, giving visitors the feeling of traveling to Japan and making it a popular photo spot. Under the Ciji Tree, residents cool off and chat. After Taiwan's retrocession, the deities worshipped at the Luyin Shrine were invited back to Japan. Subsequently, residents started to worship local gods, such as Tudi Gong, Mazu, and the Queen of Heaven, at the original shrine site. Among them, the old and sturdy kafir lime and neem trees in front of the temple have become a popular spot for residents to relax and converse. This was also where Master Zhengyan, who had not yet shaved his head, practiced under his master and discussed Buddhism with residents. Hence, this tree is referred to as the Ciji Tree by the Ciji community, commemorating the place of the Master’s initial cultivation.
