Xuanguang Temple

During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the skull relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing. After the war, a portion of the relic was given to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China. In 1955, the sacred bone was brought to Taiwan, and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple on the shore of Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is located just over ten meters from the lake, with a pier below where visitors can arrive by boat and then ascend steps to the temple. Inside, a golden statue of Master Xuanzang is enshrined, with a plaque above it inscribed "National Grand Master." Although Master Xuanzang's skull relic has since been moved to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple remains a must-visit attraction for tourists to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient water access. The temple's architecture is in the Tang Dynasty style. Because it was originally intended as a temporary resting place for Master Xuanzang's skull relic, it lacks elaborate green tiles and vermillion pillars, appearing instead simple and elegant, which evokes a sense of ancient charm. Built by the lake, it offers close-up views of Sun Moon Lake's pristine waters, making visitors feel as if they are in a beautiful painting. In front of the temple, a large stone inscribed with "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuanguang Temple" is a popular photo spot for visitors. Especially on holidays, the queues of people waiting to take pictures often wrap several times around the small temple courtyard, creating another interesting scene.