Luye Kunzi Temple and Luye Shrine Introduction
Public transport points 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 Longtian Cycling Path in Luye, there is a temple surrounded by old trees, known as Kunci Temple, which enshrines the Yaochi Jinxu. It serves as a local religious center and a gathering place for residents to chat. Kunci Temple is quite unique, featuring both Shinto and Taoist architectural styles. The current site was originally the location of a shrine in an immigrant village during the Japanese colonial period and was also where Master Cheng Yen once resided for practice. If you want to learn about the history of Longtian Village, Kunci Temple is a cultural landmark that should not be missed. The Luye Shrine, located behind Kunci Temple, witnesses the history of Longtian immigrant village. It was the religious center of Longtian Village during the Japanese colonial period, dedicated to the Three Gods of Developments and Prince Yoshihisa Kitashirakawa. Each year, it hosts ceremonies such as the Annual Harvest Festival and the Taiwan Shrine Anniversary. When villagers have weddings or enlistments, grand ceremonies take place here, making it the most important shrine in the Luye area. After the war, only the base of the shrine remained. In 2014, through collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, the shrine's former glory was restored, featuring a simple torii gate and a compact, exquisite main shrine, evoking a sense of traveling to Japan, making it a popular spot for travelers to take photos. Under the Ciji Tree, locals gather to relax and chat. After Taiwan's retrocession, the deities enshrined at Luye Shrine were invited back to Japan. Subsequently, residents began to honor local deities such as the Earth God, Mazu, and Yaochi Jinxu at the shrine's original site. Among them, the majestic, aged eggplant tree and neem tree in front of the temple are excellent spots for residents to cool off and converse. This location was also where Master Cheng Yen, who had yet to become a monk, practiced under his master and discussed Buddhism with the residents, which is why it is referred to as the Ciji Tree by Ciji followers, commemorating the place where the Master first cultivated his practice.
