Shoutian Temple

Shoutian Temple is the most popular and incense-filled temple in Gangshan District, located on Gongyuan Road, north of Zhongshan Park. Its history dates back several centuries, beginning in the 51st year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1712), when devotees brought a divided spirit of Mazu (Heavenly Holy Mother) from Tainan's Grand Mazu Temple to Gangshan. The temple's architecture is magnificent and resplendent, adopting a South China-style three-story palace design. Its swallowtail eaves and kien-nien (cut-and-paste ceramic shards) decorations on the roof are exquisitely crafted, and the temple's interior is lavish and intricate. It also features colorful paintings by the renowned artist Pan Lishui. Both its architecture and art are highly noteworthy.