Luye Kunzitang and Luye Shrine Introduction
Public transportation details can be found here >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Zongdu-Luye Line information (timetable/fares) Accessible bus reservation >>> Taiwan Tourist Shuttle accessible reservation information. Next to the Lungtian Bicycle Path in Luye, there is a temple surrounded by ancient trees, known as Kuncitang, which venerates the Queen of Heaven (Yaochi Jinmu). This temple serves as the spiritual center for the local community and a gathering place for residents. Kuncitang is quite unique, featuring both a Japanese shrine and Taoist architectural styles. The current site was the location of a shrine in an immigrant village during the Japanese colonial period and was also where Master Cheng Yen stayed to practice. If you want to learn about the history of Lungtian Village, Kuncitang is an essential cultural landmark. Witnessing the history of the Lungtian immigrant village, the Luye Shrine is located behind Kuncitang. During the Japanese colonial period, it was the spiritual center of the Lungtian immigrant village, dedicated to the Three Deities of Development and Prince Yoshihisa of the Kitashirakawa family. Each year, it hosts events such as the Harvest Festival and the Shrine's Anniversary. Major ceremonies are held here for community wedding celebrations and military enlistments, making it the most important shrine in the Luye area. After the end of the war, only the base of the shrine remained. In 2014, through collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, the old appearance of the shrine was restored. The simple torii gate and the small exquisite main hall evoke a sense of traveling to Japan, making it a popular spot for travelers to take photos. Enjoying the shade under the Ciji tree After Taiwan’s retrocession, the deities worshiped at Luye Shrine were returned to Japan. Subsequently, residents began to honor local deities such as the Earth God, Mazu, and the Queen of Heaven (Yaochi Jinmu) at the original shrine site. The old, robust, and age-old trees, including a large eggplant tree and a neem tree in front of the hall, have become a favorite place for residents to relax and chat. This was also where Master Cheng Yen, before his ordination, stayed to study with his master and discussed Buddhist teachings under these trees, earning it the name Ciji Tree among followers, commemorating the site of his initial cultivation.
