Changhua Yuanqing Temple (Tiangong Altar)

Yuanqing Temple is a national historic monument, built in a brick and wood palace style. It is commonly known as Tiangong Altar (Altar of the Heavenly Emperor) because in former times, the Jade Emperor was sometimes referred to as 'Yuèdì' (Emperor of the Sacred Mountains). It is Taiwan's only temple named 'Guan' (a type of Taoist temple) that is dedicated to the Jade Emperor. Founded in the 28th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1763 AD) by immigrants from Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province, who raised funds for its construction, its main gate bears a large plaque inscribed with 'Wenling Blessed Land'. The temple underwent a major renovation during the Guangxu Emperor's reign, and the existing Yuanqing Temple reflects the architectural standards of that era of the Qing Dynasty.