Hsuan Guang Temple Introduction
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the top bone relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing. After the war, they sent part of the top bone relic to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China. In 1955, the relic was welcomed to Taiwan, and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple beside Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is only a few dozen meters from the lake, with a pier below the temple where visitors can take a boat to the pier and then walk up the stairs to visit. Inside the temple, there is a golden statue of Master Xuanzang with a plaque reading "National Master." Although the top bone relic of Master Xuanzang has been moved to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple has become a must-visit attraction for tourists traveling to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient waterway access. The architecture of Xuanguang Temple is in the Tang style. It was originally planned as a temporary enshrinement for the top bone relic of Master Xuanzang, so it lacks the ornate blue tiles and red pillars, appearing plain and elegant, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Built by the lake, visitors can enjoy the clear waters of Sun Moon Lake nearby, making it feel like being in a beautiful painting. In front of the temple, there is a large stone engraved with "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuanguang Temple," which has become a popular spot for tourists to leave their mark with "I was here." Especially on holidays, there are often long lines of people waiting to take pictures, creating another interesting scene around the small temple yard.
