Hsuan Guang Temple Introduction
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the cranial relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing. After the war, part of the cranial relic was given to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China, and in 1955, the relic was brought to Taiwan. In 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple by Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is located just a few meters from the lake, with a dock beneath the temple where visitors can take a boat to the dock and then walk up the steps for a visit. Inside the temple, the golden statue of Master Xuanzang is enshrined, bearing the plaque "Master of the Nation." Although Master Xuanzang's cranial relic has been transferred to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple has become a must-visit spot for tourists traveling to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient water access. The architecture of Xuanguang Temple follows the Tang style, designed initially for the temporary enshrinement of Master Xuanzang's cranial relic, giving it a simple and elegant appearance without the typical blue tiles and red pillars, which evokes a sense of nostalgia. Built by the lake, visitors can closely appreciate the beautiful waters of Sun Moon Lake, resembling a scenic painting. In front of the temple, there is a large stone inscribed with "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuanguang Temple," which is a popular spot for visitors to take photos, especially on holidays, where people often line up to capture the moment, creating another interesting scene.
