Yuantong Chan Temple (Yuantong Temple)

The Yuantong Chan Temple in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, was founded in the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926) and took 51 years to complete. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924), Buddhist nun Miaoqing traveled from Hsinchu to Zhonghe with the intention of establishing a Buddhist monastery. She spent two years searching for a suitable plot of land. Upon discovering the current site, which offered a magnificent distant view of Guanyin Mountain in Wugu, construction began in the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926). Initially, the Hall of Merit was built, followed by the preparation of the foundation. Stones from the mountain were used for the walls, and crushed stone and sand were mixed for other building materials. After several decades, the Grand Hall of Mahavira was completed. Sadly, due to long-term overwork, Nun Miaoqing passed away in the 44th year of the Republic of China (1955) at the age of fifty-five.