June 12, 2017

Nantou Travel: Temples of Sun Moon Lake

Wenwu Temple (文武廟)

One of the most well-known temples here is Wenwu Temple (文武廟). Originally, there were two temples near the lake, but in 1919, the Japanese colonizers decided to construct a hydro power project that would increase the water level. As a result, the temples were replaced and combined into one in 1938.
The temple was rebuilt and expanded in 1969. It has three main halls dedicated to different gods and is guarded by two lions at the entrance. If you climb to the top of the temple, you can enjoy a view of the lake. There are 366 steps, symbolizing the days in a year.

Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Longfeng Temple (龍鳳宮月老廟)

Another temple we visited is Longfeng Temple (龍鳳宮月老廟). Originally located in Shuishe, it was relocated to its current hilltop location in 1934. The name "Longfeng" means "dragon" and "phoenix." The Yue Lao Shrine, dedicated to the Matchmaker God, was also brought here from Lalu Island after being damaged in an earthquake.

Longfeng Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Longfeng Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Longfeng Temple, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔) 

Ci'en Pagoda is a Chinese-style tower built in 1971 on Sabahan Mountain. It was constructed by the Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek in honor of his mother. The pagoda stands 954 meters above sea level and is 46 meters tall. Its top is exactly 1000 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake. To reach the pagoda, you need to climb a 570-meter-long trail from the parking lot. It can be tiring, especially in hot weather, but the view of the lake from the tower is truly worth it.

Ci'en Pagoda, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Ci'en Pagoda, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Madame Wang Tai Memorial Hall

Opposite the tower, there is a two-story Madame Wang Tai Memorial Hall. The first floor houses Mr. Chiang Kai-shek's lounge, displaying portraits and furniture. In April and May, Ci'en Pagoda is a good place to see fireflies, including three species active during the daytime at Sun Moon Lake.

Madame Wang Tai, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Xuan Zang Memorial Hall (玄奘大師紀念館)

We also made a quick stop at Xuan Zang Memorial Hall (玄奘大師紀念館). The Xuanzang Temple was built in 1965 by the Nantou County Government. Xuanzang (602-664) was a Buddhist monk who traveled to India for 17 years in search of Buddhist scriptures.

Xuan Zhang Memorial Hall, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Xuan Zhang Memorial Hall, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Xuan Zhang Memorial Hall, Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, Taiwan

Address: 

1. Wenwu Temple: 555南投縣魚池鄉中正路63號日月潭文武廟
2. Longfeng Temple: 555南投縣魚池鄉中山路291-26號龍鳳宮月老廟
3. Ci'en Pagoda: 555南投縣魚池鄉慈恩塔
4. Xuan Zang Memorial Hall: 555南投縣魚池鄉中正路389號玄奘大師紀念館

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