Zhitian Temple

Northern Taiwan


A charming traditional temple (c1835) dedicated to Guanyin. Notable features to look for include the carved stone pillars, both out front and especially within the main hall, which features tales in relief from The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, a classic work promoting Confucian values.

Also note the painted beams, the carved wood brackets and the panels of excellent cochin pottery to the right and left of the main hall. On the roof, look for an assortment of crustaceans (representing official promotion) and shaggy yellow lions in jiǎnniàn (a mosaic-like decorative style unique to Taiwan).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Taiwan attractions

1. Jiang A-sin Mansion

0.04 MILES

This sumptuous mansion, built in the late 1940s, served as the home and reception hall of wealthy Beipu tea merchant and county councillor, Jiang A-sin…

2. Quanhua Temple

4.99 MILES

The only Taoist temple on the mountain, Quanhua Temple (c 1897) is dedicated to the Jade Emperor. The elaborate main hall is built into a recess in the…

3. Futian Temple

5.02 MILES

This temple is dedicated to the Ksitigarbha bodhisattva, one of the most beloved divinities in Japan (where he is known as Jizō). One level lower down the…

4. Guqifeng Gallery

7.48 MILES

If you're in Hsinchu on a weekend, don't miss this fantastic collection of treasures, which includes a four-poster bed of pure jade, dragon boats made of…

5. Nanzhuang Village

7.87 MILES

The village of Nanzhuang is a low-slung time warp of clapboard houses, shops and tourist stalls that makes for a great couple of hours strolling…

6. Saisiyat Folklore Museum

8.15 MILES

On the shore of Xiangtian Lake, this museum is dedicated to the Saisiyat (賽夏族) and their intriguing Festival of the Short People (賽夏族矮靈祭; Sàixiàzú Ǎlíngjì…

7. Xiangtian Lake

8.17 MILES

Often swathed in mist, this small, high-altitude lake (738m) is sacred to the Saisiyat people, of whom you can learn more about in the Folklore Museum on…

8. Confucius Temple

8.54 MILES

First built in 1810, this is one of Taiwan's most elegant wooden structures. As with any temple, don't rush through: stand in place and tiny treasures…