Hsuan Guang Temple Introduction
During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took Xuanzang's top bone relic from Nanjing and later sent part of it to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China after the war. In 1955, the relic was welcomed to Taiwan and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple by Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is only a few meters from the lake, and there is a pier under the temple where visitors can take a boat to the pier and then walk up the steps for a visit. Inside the temple, there is a golden statue of Master Xuanzang, with a plaque hanging that reads "National Teacher." Although Xuanzang's top bone relic has been transferred to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple has become a must-visit spot for tourists traveling to Sun Moon Lake due to the convenience of waterway transportation. The architecture of Xuanguang Temple is in Tang style, and since it was originally planned as a temporary enshrinement for Xuanzang's relic, it lacks the glossy green tiles and red pillars, giving it a simple and elegant appearance that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Additionally, built by the lake, it offers a close view of the beautiful water of Sun Moon Lake, making visitors feel as if they are 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 take pictures, especially on holidays, where lines of people waiting to take photos often wind several times around the small temple courtyard, creating another interesting scene.
