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Lungshan Temple is located in Lukang and was constructed in 1653 by Chao-shan in Yung-li, a Buddhist master in the Ming Dynasty. Lungshan Temple was rebuilt in brick in 1661 and remains the oldest Buddhist temple in Taiwan. Lungshan Temple was moved to its present location in 1786 in the Ching Dynasty at the advice of Chen Pang-kuang, learned court official. Lungshan Temple: Architecture The architecture of Lungshan greatly resembles the palaces in the Northern Sung Dynasty. The palaces featured a line of four important buildings and three inner courtyards followed by large open courtyards facing the main gate and the back gate.
For being an enclosed structure, Lungshan Temple was once known as Taiwan's Forbidden City. Lungshan Temple: A Closer Look Lungshan Temple is decorated with intricately designed carvings. Everything including the doors, beams and pillars bear the stamp of artist’s genius and devotion to the Goddess of Mercy to whom the temple is consecrated. The front hall of Lungshan Temple bears two tall pillars with bronze dragons. Apart from many beautiful wooden carvings, the walls of Lungshan Temple have Chinese poems inscribed on them. Lungshan Temple: Activities Lungshan Temple witnesses many lamp fairs on festivals. The 1st and the 15th of every month of the Chinese lunar calendar draw worshippers in long processions. In the vicinity of the temple there are antique shops and shops which sell religious items.
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