Saturday 1 June 2019

TAIWAN KAOHSIUNG - RELIGIONS

1. LOTUS POND
Visitors who come to lotus Pond to appreciate the beautiful view and enjoy the " Lotus Fragrance from The Water", listed as one of old Fongshan County"s Eight Wonders , can quickly find a large number of temples around the pond. In fact, the old community of Zouying has one of the highest temple densities in Taiwan. There are more than 20 temples in the neighborhood , so " temples everywhere" may be the best description for this area.

* Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Ecological District Station (R15)

2. DRAGON AND TIGER TOWER
Dragon and Tiger Tower is one of the most well known temples around Lotus Pond. The dragon's mouth is the entrance, while the tiger's mouth is the exit. entering the dragon's mouth and coming out from the toger's mouth symbolizes turning bad luck to good fortune. Inside the tower are traditional Chinese educational stories and paintings of deities.

3. SPRING AND AUTUMN PAGODAS
The spring and Autumn Pagodas were designed in the Chinese palace style and constructed in 1953. These 2 pagodas, linked by a " nine turns bridge" are examples of traditional Chinese octagonal architecture . Visitors will feel excitement and enthusiasm when overlooking the bridge and the pond from the top of the pagodas.

4. SYUAN TIAN EMPEROR
Rising straight by the pond is a giant 72 meter high Syuan Tian Emperor ( Syuan Tian Shang Di) . It is said that the Jade Emperor ( Yu Huang Shang Di) issued an imperial edict to build the statue via his spiritual medium. The Syuan Tian Emperor's Seven Star Sword has a height of 38.5  meters , so it's worthy of the title , " World Heavenly Sword".

5. KAOHSIUNG HOLY ROSARY CATHERAL MINOR BASILICA
Built during the period of Emperor Sian Fong of the Cing Dynasty , Kaohsiung Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica is the first and largest Cathedral in Taiwan and one of 3 major basilicas in Asia as well. It is an aesthetically pleasing building that integrates roman and Gothic architecture styles, so it is worth a visit to appreciate its elegant and classic design and to feel its solemnity.

* 0900- 1700 , Monday, Tuesday , Wednesday , Friday and Saturday
* 1100- 1700 Thursday ( closed on Sunday)
* Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Central Park Station (R9) and transfer to shuttle bus R20

6. FONGSHAN CHENGHUANG TEMPLE
Built in 1800, Fongshan Chenghuang Temple , located at the rear of Caogong Elementary School, is the oldest temple in Fongshan District. Chenghuang, the city god , is said to be effective and impartial in administrating rewards and punishments. The temple has 2 special cultural and historical relics. One is a tablet inscribed with the phrase , "You are coming ," , which symbolizes that after death everyone must register and report to Chenghuang. The other is a big abacus, which symbolizes that Chenghuang's ability to calculate each person's good and  evil deeds. The 2 relics teach the importance of doing good in one's life.

* 66,  Fongming Street , Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City
* Take the Kaohsiung MRT Orange Line to Fongshan Station (O12) walk along Guanyuan Road , turn left at Jhongjheng Road and then turn left at Fongming Street. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

7. FO GUAN SHAN MONASTERY
Fo Guang Shan Monastery in southern Taiwan is the biggest Buddhist temple complex in the country. The temple buildings are magnificent and spectacular especially the Dafo ( Giant Buddha) Statue. Surrounding the Dafo are 480 smaller golden Buddha statues, which create an atmosphere f solemnity. During the period from the Chinese New Year to the Lantern Festival, Fo Guang Shan is decorated with thousands of lanterns . the sea of lanterns is especially amazing at night.

* 153, Sitian Road, Sitian VII, Dashu District , Kaohsiung City
* 0800-1700 ( Open year around)
* Visitors can take bus 8010 or 8011 at Kaohsiung Main Station directly to Fo Guang Shan

8. NEIMEN ZHIJHU TEMPLE
Located in Neimen District , Kaohsiung City, Neimen Zihjhu Temple is more than 300 years old. The temple holds 3 religious rituals every year, the most remarkable of which is Guanying's birthday that is held February 19th of the Lunar calendar. On that day, the temple swarms with pilgrims and dozens of local folklore performance troupes gather at the square to boast their skills. Among these  troupes is the internationally renowned Songjiang Battle Array whose concept is derived from the Chinese novel. Heroes of Marshes. 

* Address : 18, Lane 115, Jhongjheng Road, Guanting Village, Neimen District , Kaohsiung City
* Take the bus of Cishan Line at Kaohsiung Main Station to Cishan and then transfer to a bus to Tainan.

9. NEIMEN NANHAI ZIHJHU TEMPLE
The Guanying statue of Neimen Nanhai Zihjhu Temple was brought by immigrants from mainland china in the 35th year of the Cing Dynasty Emperor Kangsi . In 1967, believers asked the Guanying whether or not to construct a new temple at the Neipu area. Guanying agreed by giving 6 consecutive positive responses through divination blocks. Construction started in 1967 and was finished in 1976. after the main temple building was completed, a decorated archway, pilgrim building , park and several other facilities were built , making the area not only a religious center , but also a leisure center and tourist attraction.

* 82, neipu , Neifong Vil, Neimen District , Kaohsiung City
* Take the bus operated by Kaohsiung Transportation Co.Ltd from Kaohsiung Main Station to Liouguei Stop and transfer to Bus 8027


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