Fengshan Longshan Temple, Kaohsiung

Fengshan Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most revered religious sites. Constructed during the early Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest among Taiwan’s five Longshan Temples. Dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin, the temple reflects centuries of spiritual devotion and local legend. One such story tells of a glowing incense pouch hung on a pomegranate tree that inspired early settlers to build a shrine on the spot, marking the temple’s mystical origins. Over the past 300 years, the temple has undergone numerous renovations, yet it retains the spirit and structure of its original design.

Architecturally, Fengshan Longshan Temple is a showcase of traditional craftsmanship from the Qing era. Its layout includes a central hall, worship pavilion (baiting), and side wings, with intricate wooden and stone elements typical of the time. The main gate’s three-bay structure, with projecting side entrances forming a recessed “aoshou gate,” adds a distinctive flair to the façade. Inside, visitors can admire decorative carvings, roof ornaments, and a sense of continuity that reflects historical preservation. Although the side wings were rebuilt in the 1980s, the core of the temple still mirrors its original 18th-century form.

Today, the temple remains a vibrant place of worship and cultural heritage. Visitors are welcome to observe local rituals, offer incense, and even take home traditional “peace cakes” and “fullness zongzi” as blessings. Its central location near the historical East Gate of the former Fengshan County makes it an easy and rewarding stop for travelers interested in Taiwan’s religious and architectural legacy.