Luye Kunzi Hall and Luye Shrine Introduction
Public transportation information can be found here >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Zonggu Luye Line information (timetable/fare table) Accessible bus reservation >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle accessible reservation information Next to the Luyue Longtian Bicycle Path, there is a temple surrounded by old trees, Kunzi Hall, which is dedicated to Yaochi Jinmu. This is the center of faith for the locals and a place for residents to gather and chat. Kunzi Hall is quite special, featuring both Japanese shrine and Taoist temple architecture. The current site is where the shrine in the immigrant village was located during the Japanese colonial period and was also where Master Zhengyan practiced. If you want to learn about the history of Longtian Village, Kunzi Hall is a must-visit cultural spot. Witnessing the history of the Longtian immigrant village is the Luyue Shrine located behind Kunzi Hall. It was the center of faith for Longtian immigrant village during the Japanese colonial period, dedicated to the Three Gods of Development and Prince Nobuhisa of Kitashirakawa. Each year, it holds events such as the annual festival and Taiwan shrine establishment anniversary. When villagers hold weddings or enlist in service, grand ceremonies are also celebrated here, making it the most important shrine in the Luyue area. After the war, only a base was left of the shrine, and in 2014, through cooperation with Japanese craftsmen, the appearance of the shrine was restored, with a simple torii gate and a small exquisite main hall that makes visitors feel as if they are traveling in Japan, becoming a popular spot for photos. Chatting in the shade under the Ciji tree After Taiwan’s restoration, the deities worshiped at Luyue Shrine were invited back to Japan, and thereafter, residents continuously worshipped local deities such as the Earth God, Mazu, and Yaochi Jinmu at the shrine's original site. Among them, the robust and aged old jujube tree and neem tree in front of the hall are great places for residents to cool off and chat. This is also where Master Zhengyan, who had not yet taken monastic vows, practiced with his master and discussed Buddhist teachings with residents under these trees, and thus it is called the Ciji tree by Ciji practitioners, commemorating the place where the master first repaired the teachings.
