Statues, shrines, carvings, colorful architecture and legends of a powerful deity make this centuries-old temple well worth a visit.
Ji Dian Wu Miao, also known as the Official God of War Temple, honors Guan Di, a Han Dynasty general from the 3rd century.
The temple is believed to have been built in the mid to late 17th century, although there is some debate about the exact date. Over the years it has been restored and added to on numerous occasions.
Among the highlights of the building’s exterior are the long unadorned pink walls. Look at the entrance’s high threshold, originally designed to prevent women from entering the temple. It is decorated with intricate animal carvings as well as lotus decorations that disguise the studs in its beams.
Go to the temple’s main hall and find the statue of Guan Di, which is believed to be more than 300 years old. On its right is a sculpture of his son, while to the statue’s left is a figure of one of his bodyguards. Head to the back of the temple to find a scroll that’s said to have been written by Guan Di himself.
After visiting the main hall, explore the compound’s other shrines, which are dedicated to various gods. Stop by the shrine to Yue Lao, the Chinese god of marriage and love. Check out the statue of Guan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Venture behind the Guan Yin shrine to see a lovely courtyard with a little fish pond and an ancient plum tree.
Ji Dian Wu Miao is located in the northwest part of Tainan. To reach it, take the bus from Tainan’s main train station.
