Guandu Temple

With an ornate cave below and a hillside viewpoint up high, this iconic site is a baroque and historic shrine to an important goddess.

Dating back to 1712, Guandu Temple is a religious haven dedicated to a sea goddess known as Mazu. The curved tiers of its roof produce a rainbow of colors that dazzle the eye, while the dragon sculptures gracing the façade’s pillars call for closer inspection. When you visit Guandu Temple, you’ll walk up a pathway toward the temple passing stalls selling local culinary delights and souvenirs.

Chat with the stall vendors about the importance of the temple to the local community. Consider purchasing some of their spirit money that goes toward religious ceremonies.

Hear the legend of the three banyan trees by the temple that supposedly perished simultaneously one night in 1895. The tale says that this was a warning by the sea goddess Mazu to the people, who were soon conquered by the Japanese.

Approach the entrance to the temple and inspect the pillars that appear to be held up by sculptures of dragons. Along the walls lie other intriguing statues, including the door deities and the stone lions.

Step inside the temple and make out the image of Mazu surrounded by protectors decorating the main altar.

Back outside, head to the cave that is filled with all types of deities and symbols. Climb to the peak of the hillside behind the temple and look down on the picturesque mangrove swamps by the river.

Guandu Temple stands along the eastern bank of the Tamsui River in the western reaches of the Beitou District. Arrive in the center of Taipei and drive northwest for 12 miles (20 kilometers) to reach the temple in about 30 minutes. You can also travel by metro to the Guandu MRT Station, a 15-minute walk away.

While in the area, check out other regional attractions such as the Bali Old Street, the Guandu Bridge and the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park.