Taoist

'City God' Temple

61 Tihua St, Sec 1

Small but colorful

Most cities have temples dedicated to the city god (they protect local residents and bring good fortune)

Very active on the city god's birthday, the 13th day of the 5th moon

Short walk from Taipei train station

Confucist

275 Talung St

Take MRT to Yuanshan station using the Tamsui line

Very plain looking compared to Buddhist/Taoist temples, no statues or gods of any kind

Sept. 28th the temple is very active for the birthday of Confucius (the saint of literature) festival (Teachers' Day)

Check with tourism office of Taipei for ticket info.

Taoist

109 Minchuan E Rd, Sec 2 (intersection Sungchiang Rd NE corner)

Dedicated to Kuankung (a general who lived from 162-219 AD), god of war/strength/martial arts & patron saint of businesspeople

Longshan Temple

Taoist

'Dragon Mountain' Temple

211 Kuangchou St

off Kueilin Rd

5am-10pm

MRT available to Shantao Temple station, Longshan is just 2 blocks from 'Snake Alley' and night market.

Major Taiwan temple dedicated to Kuanyin, goddess of mercy.

Originally constructed in 1738, in the old Mengchia-district (now known as Wanhua.)

1815- the area was destroyed by an earthquake, but the Kuanyin statue was saved and a new temple was built around it.

1867- Again destroyed by a typhoon in and again restored.

1945- destroyed during a US bombing raid on Japanese troops (and interestingly was a sanctuary for escaping Taiwanese who survived the bombing within the building confines.) It was again rebuilt.

Taoist

61 Hami St - Close to Confucius Temple

Taiwan's oldest temple, originally built in 1765

Colorful temple, 15th day of lunar month very active

Take MRT to Yuanshan station using the Tamsui line

Buddhist

23 Chunghsiao E Rd, Sec 1

Take MRT to Shantao Temple station

A uniquely constructed temple with a 9-story pagoda housing Buddhist art works.