Guandu Temple: Ancient beliefs and stunning scenery along the Tamsui River

#MayGoodPlaces2025 #WalkBeach #ReligiousAttractions #PureSoul Located on the banks of the Tamsui River, overlooking Shezi Island and Guanyin Mountain, Guandu Temple is not only one of the oldest and most popular Mazu temples in northern Taiwan, but also a cultural treasure that combines religion, art and natural beauty. A long history, a major center of Mazu belief Guandu Temple was built in the 51st year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1712 AD), and has a history of more than 300 years. In the early days of Taiwan's development, Mazu belief played an important role in stabilizing the people's hearts, and Guandu Temple, due to its unique geographical location, became an important belief center for traveling to and from Tamsui Port. The temple enshrines the Heavenly Mother (Mazu), as well as many gods such as Clairvoyance, Wind-Ear, Guanyin Buddha, Wenchang Emperor, Jade Emperor, etc., and is very popular, with believers all over Taiwan. A finely crafted art hall Guandu Temple is not only a temple of faith, but also an amazing treasure house of art. The temple building is built according to the mountain terrain, with carved beams and painted buildings, and is extremely gorgeous. Whether it is the main hall, the left and right wing rooms or the bell and drum tower, you can see exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, painted paintings and paper-cut art everywhere. The double dragons fighting for a pearl on the roof, the lifelike dragon pillars, and various auspicious patterns, all show the essence of traditional Taiwanese temple architecture and the ingenuity of craftsmen. In particular, many ancient plaques preserved in the palace, such as the "Cihang Pudu" plaque bestowed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, have witnessed the historical status of Guandu Temple. Unique natural beauty Guandu Temple has a superior geographical location, facing the estuary of the Tamsui River, backed by the Datun Mountains, and has a broad view. Standing in the square in front of the temple, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Shezi Island, Guanyin Mountain and Guandu Bridge. Especially in the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun falls on the Tamsui River, golden and sparkling, the scenery is beautiful. There is also a trail behind the temple that leads to the "Mazu Cave", where the Eighteen Arhats are enshrined, which has a unique sense of tranquility and mystery. Transportation: * MRT: Take the Taipei MRT Tamsui Xinyi Line to Guandu Station, walk for about 15-20 minutes after exiting the station, or take a bus. * Drive by yourself: Guandu Temple has a parking lot. Summary Guandu Temple is not only a religious place, but also a tourist destination full of history, art and natural beauty. Whether you are a believer seeking spiritual comfort, or a traveler who loves historical buildings and natural scenery, Guandu Temple is definitely worth your visit to experience its unique charm.