Ji'an Qingxiu Temple: The Most Complete Japanese-Style Temple in Hualien

📍 Location 345-1 Zhongxing Road, Ji'an Township, Hualien County ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • By Car: Starting from Hualien City, head south along Provincial Highway 9, then turn onto Zhongxing Road. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes. • Public Transport: Take the Taiwan Railways to Hualien Station. After exiting, you can take a taxi or bus No. 1131 to the temple, which is about a 15-minute ride. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Ji'an Qingxiu Temple, established in 1917 (Taisho 6), was originally a Shingon sect missionary site and served as a religious center for Japanese immigrants at the time. The temple preserves valuable artifacts such as Fudo Myo-o, 88 stone Buddha statues, and the Hyakudo Stone, while maintaining its original Japanese-style garden design. It is the most complete Japanese-style temple in Taiwan, holding significant cultural and historical value. Walking into Qingxiu Temple feels like stepping back into Japan's Edo period. The temple architecture features traditional wooden structures, complemented by "Hōgyō-zukuri" roofs and intricate carvings, exuding a strong Japanese ambiance. The garden landscaping is a highlight, with small bridges, flowing streams, and lush greenery that invite visitors to capture every moment with their cameras. Additionally, the temple offers yukata rental services, allowing visitors to don traditional Japanese attire and immerse themselves in the rich Japanese atmosphere. A highly recommended activity is the "Mini Pilgrimage" experience within the temple. There are 88 stone Buddha statues, each accompanied by a unique stamp. Visitors can purchase a stamp booklet, light incense, pray to the statues, and collect stamps one by one. Upon completing all 88 stamps, you can receive the temple's seal as a souvenir. This is not only a visual journey but also a spiritual retreat. Moreover, don't miss the Maqaw sausage stall outside the temple. The enticing aroma is simply irresistible.