Longshan Temple is very close to Longshan station, one minute walk only. It's really convenient for lazy asses like me ! So when I went there, I didn't expect to visit a huge temple because Longshan is in a Capital City after all... but still, I was a bit disappointed.
I did love the entrance. Waterfalls were going down two tall walls of rocks, it was really pretty. We took lots a picture of course, and then we went inside the temple.
There was this typical incense smell, red and golden colors, wonferdully complicated architecture.... and people. A LOT of people (for a temple I mean). I was surprised to see all those people pray, holding books or incense sticks in their hands. We watched for a few seconds then we went to the second busy courtyard. Tables of offerings stood up there. I didn't find Longshan as relaxing as other temples I visited in South East Asia. Even Bongeunsa in Seoul, which is situated in Gangnam, the business district, is way more peaceful and calm than Longshan. Longshan is too noisy, too crowded. I don't know how people can relax enough to pray there.
I did love the entrance. Waterfalls were going down two tall walls of rocks, it was really pretty. We took lots a picture of course, and then we went inside the temple.
There was this typical incense smell, red and golden colors, wonferdully complicated architecture.... and people. A LOT of people (for a temple I mean). I was surprised to see all those people pray, holding books or incense sticks in their hands. We watched for a few seconds then we went to the second busy courtyard. Tables of offerings stood up there. I didn't find Longshan as relaxing as other temples I visited in South East Asia. Even Bongeunsa in Seoul, which is situated in Gangnam, the business district, is way more peaceful and calm than Longshan. Longshan is too noisy, too crowded. I don't know how people can relax enough to pray there.
It's also very small. We took a few minutes only to see everything. So is it worth a visit ? If your accomodation is near Longshan Station and if you have time, why not. It's always interesting to see the contrast between this old temple and the modern neighborhood it is built in. But overwise, I would not recommand to go there. There should be other bigger and more peaceful temples to visit in Taïwan.
Address : Lungshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District
Station : Longshan Temple (blue line) exit 1
Address : Lungshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District
Station : Longshan Temple (blue line) exit 1
Pix provided by Lazy Viruses