10 Sights & Landmarks in Wenshan That You Shouldn't Miss

In seeking tranquility for the mind and soul, and in hopes of spiritual guidance, the early settlers in Wenshan District transported Qingshui, a Chinese deity from their hometown, Anxi, and built a temple to enshrine it at the confluence point of Xindian River and Jingmei River, an area that was called the “Xizaikou”. “Wanqingyan” was completed in 1831 (the 11th year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign). Qingshui was named Chen Zhao (Yin) in Henan during the Song Dynasty. He was said to have helped alleviate drought in Anxi with his fervent prayers, the locals persuaded him to stay. He then stayed at Qingxi (today’s Anxi, Fujian) and practiced Buddhism for 19 years before attaining enlightenment, and was deified after death. He became one of the important deities in the Anxi region, and is also known by other names: Ancestor, Black-faced Ancestor, Dipped-nose Ancestor, Immortal Qingshui and Master Mazhang. Given its proximity to Jingmei River, “Wanqingyan” was susceptible to floods. Having also experienced multiple road demolition works, it was relocated to the current site at long last, inside the levee, after its reconstruction. At present, in addition to the three statues of the god being treasures of the temple, there are important historical artifacts, such as the century old plaque with the inscription “Kai Men Gan Lu” (Open the door to receive sacred sweet dew) and the stone made “Wanqingyan” censer with “the 18th year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign” (year 1836) inscription. In early times, people used the stone censer as a whetstone, resulting in an obvious arc-shaped dent on its appearance. There is a cultural gallery set up beside the temple displaying photographs of the Jingmei area in the olden days. It is definitely worth your visit for a closer look. 

The Wenshan area of Taipei was first settled by immigrants from Anxi County in China about 400 years ago. They chose this area for its moist mountain climate, which was well suited for growing tea. They also brought their local gods, including Baoyi Zunwang, Baoyi Dafu and Qingshui Zushi. At that time, the settlers came mainly from three clans: the Kaos, Changs and Lins. As their numbers grew, the wilderness receded to cultivated land extending from Jingmei to Muzha, Shenkeng and Shiding. The gods also joined in this migration with the establishment of three temples, one of which is the Jiying Temple at Jingmei Market, established by the Kao clan. Located in the old part of Jingmei, Jiying Temple is designated as a grade three historic site. The temple is imposing both inside and out, with elaborate stone engravings, wooden window frames and other decorative touches adding to its old-world charm.

Located in the Neiwan area of Maokong, Tian'en Temple is a faith center of the rising I-Kuan Tao religious movement. The temple rises four floors and is built in a traditional Chinese palace-style with white outer railings and vermilion pillars adding to its stately appearance. It is said that during the temple's construction, workers worked hard but unsuccessfully to dig a well. Later a water source was found behind the temple purportedly with divine guidance, earning the temple site designation as sacred ground. The spring flows with clear sweet water that is well suited for making tea. Adherents of I-Kuan Tao worship both eastern and western gods and this eclectic spirit is also reflected in the temple. In addition to the statue of the movement founder, visitors will see the Maitreya Buddha, smiling gaily without worries in the main hall, with Guanyin (Avalokite?vara Bodhisattva) and the Taoist deity Guan Gong (Guan Sheng Di Jun) on the two sides. The temple often holds classes for spiritual cultivation and moral guidance and scripture classes for children.