Baguashan Big Buddha, Changhua, Taiwan

Biggest Buddha statue in Taiwan

The Baguashan Big Buddha 八卦山大佛 also known as the Great Buddha of Changhua, is one of the landmarks of Changhua City, as well as whole of Taiwan. The 23m tall Buddha sits on a 4m tall lotus throne, which makes the overall statue 27m tall. The Buddha and most of its surrounding area was constructed between 1956 and 1966 (source). It used to be one of the biggest Buddha statues in Asia upon its completion (source). Today, most visitors in this part of the world choose to visit the 7m taller Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong. I admit, than the latter one has impressed me more, but if you find yourself in central Taiwan, don't miss this one as well.

On top of Bagua Mountain, the Nine Dragons Fountain in front, the Big Buddha at the back.

Zooming in.

Walking closer.

The meditating Buddha.

Side view.

The dark brown color resembles chocolate.

A lawn and a temple.

The size is obvious, when you stand behind the statue.

You can go inside the statue as well - this is the bottom part.

[My TAIWAN TRAVEL page][TAIWAN][All photos by MKL, 2012]

Changhua Confucius Temple 彰化孔廟

One of Taiwan's oldest Confucius temples

The Changhua Confucius Temple 彰化孔廟 was built in 1726 and damaged and restored over the course of a very tumultuous history of Taiwan in the past 3 centuries (read more here). I've visited quite few Confucius Temples in Taiwan and I could say this one was next to the one in Tainan, one of the most impressive I've seen so far. The temple is very well integrated in its surrounding neighborhood, but when you enter its premises, you feel like you've been thrown back to Qing dynasty era. This is definitely a must-see site, if you come to Changhua City.

A protective wall.

You have to pass the oval door to make it to the main hall.

The majestic gate.

The main hall.

Front view.

Beautiful.

The courtyard.

A detail.

Wooden doors with patina.

The altar.

The blessings.

Some hope, that their kid will pass an exam.

The Confucian school.

The doors are closed.

A peek inside shows how abandoned these class room is.

[My TAIWAN TRAVEL page][TAIWAN][All photos by MKL, 2012]

Chishan Confucious Temple, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

One of the most impressive temples in Taiwan

The Chishan Confucious Temple 旗山孔廟 (recently renamed to Kaohsiung City Confucious Temple) is a temple dedicated to Confucious. It is located in Chishan, a lovely small town 1 hour away from Kaohsiung City. The temple was built in 1984 in Song Dynasty style and is currently the largest Confucious temple in Taiwan (source). It was placed on the top of a hill, right above the town and if you go there, you can enjoy some of the best views in the area. But not only that, the structure is truly beautiful. The garden is neat and perfectly maintained and the courtyard is very big. It reminded me of the palaces I saw in Seoul in 2010. Truly an amazing piece of neo-classic Chinese architecture. Take a walk with me and discover this temple.

The stairs.

This is one of my favorite statues in the area. Makes me think about the meaning behind it.

A very beautiful paifang.

Slowly rising above Chishan.

And then we were up there and greeted by another paifang right in front of the temple.

Passing through the first walkway makes you feel like you're visiting a palace.

My wifey posing in the court yard.

A detail on the ceiling: A dragon.

The temple from the side.

A class room, where students are taught Confucian teachings.

Another detail of the temple.

The altar.

The ceiling.

The dragons, guardians of the temple.

The way back to reality.

Read also my Chishan travel post here>>

[My KAOHSIUNG page][My Taipei Confucious temple post][All photos by MKL, 2011]

Baoan Temple, Dalongdong, Taipei

One of the most beautiful temples in Taipei

The Baoan Temple 保安宮 in Taipei (officially Dalongdong Baoan Temple 大龍峒保安宮) is a beautiful temple located in the northern part of Datong district called Dalongdong 大龍峒 (sometimes written as Dalungtung). It's dedicated to Chinese folk religions and it's origins date back to 1742, when the temple was smaller and made of wood. By 1760 it was extended and in 1804 the construction of the current meticulously adorned structure made of bricks, stones and concrete has begun. It was completed by 1830. Later it was renovated and extended several times, but the core of the temple's structure is over 180 years old (source and more about history here). The temple is simply beautiful, nothing could describe it better. There are so many details, so many small things that have deep meaning, it's just amazing (more about architecture here). This temple, in contrast to the very solemn Confucius temple nearby, is very vibrant and every time I've visited, there were aplenty of people praying and burning incense. If you want to experience how Taiwanese worship, go to this temple. It's definitely one of the must see temples in Taipei.

Let me show you some photos of the temple (March, 2011):

One of my best shots from the front side.

Detail from the roof.

People praying.

The backside of the temple.

Baoan Temple on a cloudy day.

[My DATONG overview][My TAIPEI page][All photos by MKL, 2011]

Taipei Confucius Temple

One of the most beautiful temples in Taipei

The Taipei Confucius Temple 臺北孔子廟 (sometimes simply 台北孔廟) is a famous temple in Taipei, located in the northern part of Datong district, commonly known as Dalongdong (or Talungtung). The similarly beautiful Baoan Temple is right nearby. Unlike the Buddhist and Taoist temples, which are colorfully adorned and full of people praying and burning incense, the Confucius temple is more solemn and quiet. Confucianism is not a religion, it's a philosophy, a way of life (read more). The original Taipei Confucian temple was built between 1879 and 1884 during the Qing dynasty and then destroyed by the Japanese in the late 1890s and completely torn down in 1907. It originally stood near the South Gate in today's Zhongzheng, the Japanese built a Girls' high school on the same spot. Some Taiwanese however had the idea to rebuild the temple and they started to raise funds. Construction begun in Dalongdong in 1925 and was completed in 1939 and the temple still stands there today (source and more history here).

For me this beautiful temple represents perfection in every way. It's truly a great piece of architecture. Walking around the area and observing all the fine details and immersing yourself in the beautiful garden makes you calm and focused. If you need to recharge your energy, go and visit this amazing structure. This temple also represents the power of Taiwanese people, the power of solidarity and the high regard for culture and its preservation. I am most certain, that you will be impressed by this temple.

Here are my photos from March 2011:

The courtyard.

Bonsai trees on the floor, pine trees on the right: Their scent is dominant.

A bell.

The altar inside the Taipei Confucius temple.

My best shot of the Confucius temple that day.

[My DATONG overview][My TAIPEI page][All photos by MKL, 2011]