The Most Beautiful Religious Sites In Taiwan

Religion plays an extremely important role in the lives of Taiwanese people, their everyday lives are often dictated by their religious beliefs. With the multitude of gods said to govern over the various aspects of life on the island, it’s little wonder that there are some incredible examples of religious architecture throughout the region. We take a look at some of the most beautiful.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Nan Kun Shen Temple

With over 300 years of history, Nankunshen Temple retains an air of authenticity that is sadly lacking in some of the newer temples in Taiwan. In 1817 it was moved from its original location due to a flood and currently stands in Beimen, Tainan. The temple officially worships five royal lords and is a favorite destination for locals seeking favors or offering thanks for a good year.

Fo Guang Shan

Located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan’s largest Buddhist temple area is a sight to behold. Housing a monastery and a museum along with the main temple, the site is surrounded by 480 gold painted Buddhas.The long walkway with tall monastic structures on either side leading to the statue of Buddha lends this site an air of serenity not witnessed in many of Taiwan’s more boisterous religious sites.

Lotus Pond

There is simply no other religious site in Taiwan to rival Lotus Pond for the huge number of temples within its perimeters. There are 20 temples that each worship a different god located around the large pond.Famous for the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, this site is in the Zuoying District in Kaohsiung. In 2004 the local government made a great effort to make the area more appealing to tourists and the resulting nightlights and bike route make it a great place to visit.

Eternal Spring Shrine

Changchun is one of the most photographed religious sites in Taiwan due to its location in Taroko, one of Taiwan’s most beautiful national parks. Built in 1958, this shrine is a memorial to the 212 workers who died during the building of the Central Cross Island Highway.Also known as The Eternal Spring Shrine, Changchun is located a 20 minute hike along mountain paths and through tunnels in Taroko Gorge making this a breathtaking spot in more ways than one. The waterfall and surrounding mountain flora make for some stunning photo opportunities.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.