Recipient of a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities, Bao'an Temple (also called Dalongdong Bao'an Temple) is a magnificent and elaborate complex of 18th-century worship halls that are a kaleidoscope of rich colors. If you’ve only got time to see one temple on your trip to Taipei, then this is it. It’s not just another temple – there’s magic in the air, as everywhere you look, someone is performing a ritual in its smokey labyrinth, including elaborate dancelike prayers. The main resident god is Emperor Baosheng (or Wu), a historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shennong, the god of agriculture.
What you see today is the result of seven years of painstaking renovations by skilled artisans from a structure built back in 1760 by Fujian immigrants. It was executed so well that it won a Unesco award in 2003. Best of all is the annual Baosheng Cultural Festival, a folk-arts festival that includes birthday celebrations for the gods, lion dances, parades and Taiwanese opera performances. It runs from April to June and is entirely free.