About Xingtian Temple (Hsing Tian Kong)
Xingtian Temple is one of the most famous and historically significant Taoist temples in Taipei, Taiwan. Located in the Zhongshan District, it is dedicated to Guan Yu, the legendary general and warrior from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Guan Yu is revered for his loyalty, righteousness, and bravery, making him one of the most admired figures in Chinese culture.
The temple was founded in 1967 and has since become a major religious and cultural landmark in the city. While it is not as old as some other temples in Taiwan, it has become one of the most important centers of Taoist worship, attracting both locals and tourists seeking spiritual guidance or simply curious about Taiwanese religious practices.
Architectural Features
Xingtian Temple boasts a traditional Taoist architectural style with intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and beautiful decorations. The temple’s red and gold color scheme gives it a majestic appearance, and its intricate wooden beams and columns are carved with images of Chinese deities and mythical creatures. The temple’s main hall, where the statue of Guan Yu is enshrined, is a focal point of devotion for worshipers.
A prominent feature of Xingtian Temple is its open-air prayer area in the front courtyard, where visitors can light incense, offer prayers, and receive blessings. The temple is unique because it does not have a traditional front gate but instead features a large, open entrance, symbolizing accessibility to all.
Xingtian Temple is the temple with the largest number of pilgrims in northern Taiwan, with up to ten thousand pilgrims entering and leaving every day. It is also popular among many overseas tourists who come to Taipei, who enjoy its architectural beauty and traditional Taiwanese folk religious customs.
Religious Practices and Cultural Significance
Xingtian Temple is a beautiful blend of spirituality, tradition, and cultural heritage in the heart of Taipei. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Taoist practices, seek blessings from the revered Guan Yu, or simply admire the temple’s architecture and tranquility, it is a must-visit destination in the city.
Guan Yu Worship
Devotees visit Xingtian Temple to seek Guan Yu’s blessings, particularly for protection, good fortune, and success in business or personal life. Guan Yu is often seen as a protector of integrity, justice, and loyalty, so people often pray for success in their careers or in maintaining good relationships.
Five Saviors
The principal deity of Hsing Tian Kong is Guan Sheng Dijun (Guan Yu or Guan Gong). Venerated with him are Lu Dongbin, Zhang Dan, Wang Shan, and Yue Fei. Together they are called the Five Saviors (“En Chu Gong“). Also venerated at Hsing Tian Kong are Guan Yu’s son Guan Ping, and Guan Yu’s faithful general Zhou Cang.
Divination with Bamboo Sticks (筊杯, Jiǎo bēi)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the temple is its divination system. Worshippers can participate in a traditional ritual known as “jiǎo bēi,” where they ask a question and toss a pair of wooden divining blocks (bamboo sticks) onto the ground. Depending on how the blocks land, the answer can be interpreted as “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” This practice is popular with visitors seeking guidance on various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or personal decisions.
Shoujing Rituals
One of the most unique rituals at Xingtian Temple is “Shou Jing,” which means “calling back the frightened soul.” In our ancient beliefs, when a person feels scared and terrified, it means their soul has left their body. So we call back our souls through the temple. For this spiritual cleansing ritual, if the patient is unable to attend, they may bring a piece of clothing or other personal item to the ritual. Xingtian Temple is considered a particularly effective place for Shou Jing. On weekdays from 11:20 am to 6:30 pm, you can always see believers of different ages with their elders and children, patiently waiting for the Temple Disciple’s Shoujing Rituals.
Touching the Ppebbles Brings GoodLuck
There is a “landscape boulder” in front of the main entrance of Xingtian Temple in Taipei. It is recorded on the stone that this is the core of a huge stone that was chiseled out when the Sanxia branch temple was leveling the land. Believers burning incense rub their hands on the stones to pray for good luck, which has become another scenic spot of Xingtian Temple.
Which Doors Do I Walk Through?
The left and right doors on both sides of the front hall. When you stand in front of the temple, the right side is the Dragon Gate, the left side is the Tiger Gate, and the middle is the Central Gate. When you enter or leave the temple, you must enter through the Dragon Gate and exit through the Tiger Gate, which means good luck comes and bad luck goes away. The rule allows worshippers to walk in a counter-clockwise direction. If temples have three doors. When you visit Temple, not every door is open to you. You cannot go through the Central Gate because only Gods can enter and exit this entrance.
Dress Code?
Eating upon entering a temple is not permitted. You can enter most Taiwanese temples if you are wearing a vest, shorts, skirt, sandals, sunglasses, etc. There is no special dress code for visiting temples in Taiwan. Just wear normal clothes. In the minds of locals, you can wear whatever you like, but you must dress modestly in the temple.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 04:00–22:00
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
Anytime. Xingtian Temple is conveniently located near Taipei’s bustling commercial areas, making it an accessible spot for both locals and tourists to stop by for a moment of spiritual solace or cultural exploration. The temple provides an atmosphere of peace and reflection. Visitors can experience the rituals, watch locals perform prayers, and enjoy the temple’s serene setting, with the aroma of incense and the sound of chanting filling the air. The temple complex also houses several shops where visitors can buy religious items, incense, and traditional crafts, as well as souvenirs related to Taoist practices. Traditional religions emphasize peace and security – praying for good luck.
How to get to?
From: MRT(O09 Xingtian Temple Exit 3) → walk 300 meters
Google Map: Xingtian Temple
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