Longshan Buddhist Temple
Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan
Longshan Temple Photo Gallery (Downloadable Pictures)
Longshan Temple was built in Taipei in 1738 by settlers from
Fujian, China. It served as a place of worship and a
gathering place for the Chinese settlers. The temple has
been destroyed either in full or in part on numerous
earthquakes and fires.
During World War II, on 31 May 1945 it was hit by American
bombers during the Raid on Taipei, who claimed the Japanese
were hiding armaments inside. The main building and the left
corridor were damaged and many precious artifacts and
artworks were lost in the ensuing fire.
Taipei residents have nevertheless consistently rebuilt and
renovated it, and did so again after the end of the Second
World War a few months later. Longshan is seen as an
emblematic example of Taiwanese classical architecture, with
southern Chinese influences commonly seen in older
buildings.
Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture
of Buddhist,
Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu.
(Wikipedia)
