Longshan Temple

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Longshan Temple, Taipei, an example of architecture with southern Chinese influences commonly seen in older buildings in Taiwan.

Outside the Longshan Temple at Wanhua, Taipei

Inside the courtyard of the Longshan temple at Wanhua

The Longshan Temple (traditional Chinese: 龍山寺; pinyin: Lóngshān Sì; POJ: Liông-san-sī) is the name of at least five famous temples in Taiwan:

[edit] Longshan Temple at Wanhua, Taipei

It was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China. It served as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers. The temple has been destroyed either in full or in part on numerous earthquakes and fires.

During World War II, on 31 May 1945 it was hit by American bombers during the Raid on Taipei, who claimed the Japanese were hiding armaments inside. The main building and the left corridor were damaged and many precious artifacts and artworks were lost in the ensuing fire.

Taipei residents have nevertheless consistently rebuilt and renovated it, and did so again after the close of the Second World War a few months later. Longshan is seen as an emblematic example of Taiwanese classical architecture.

Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu.