Xingtian Temple

Xingtian Temple is located at the intersection of Minquan East Road and Songjiang Road in Zhongshan District. It is the temple in northern Taiwan with the highest number of visitors and worshippers, with daily visitor numbers reaching tens of thousands. Xingtian Temple primarily enshrines Guan Yu, the Holy Emperor Wenchang from the Southern Heavens (Nantian Wenheng Shengdi Guan Enzhu Yu), as its main deity. It also venerates the other four of the Five Divine Saviors (五恩主): Lü Dongbin, Emperor Fuyou from the Southern Palace (Nangong Fuyou Dijun Lü Enzhu Dongbin); Zhang Dan, the True Lord Sima from the Nine Heavens (Jiutian Siming Zhenjun Zhang Enzhu Dan); Wang Shan, the Celestial Official Huoluo (Xiantian Huoluo Lingguan Wang Enzhu Shan); and Yue Fei, the Valiant and Loyal Prince Wu Mu (Jingzhong Wumu Wang Yue Enzhu Fei). Additionally, it venerates Guan Ping, the Holy Prince Guan (Guansheng Taizi Ping); Zhou Cang, Master Zhou (Zhou Enshi Cang); and sagely gods, immortals, and Buddhas from the three teachings: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Since its completion, it has become the most visited temple in the Greater Taipei area, and even in northern Taiwan. Besides the widespread acceptance of its beliefs among the public, some of its distinctive features include: no donation boxes, no animal sacrifices, no burning of joss paper, no acceptance of gold plaques, no theatrical performances for deities, no use of spirit mediums or planchette writing, no external fundraising, and a prohibition on commercial activities. The temple is located in the city center and boasts a spacious temple plaza. It was also a pioneer in establishing a religious foundation, thereby solidifying its nature as a public welfare organization. Beyond its religious operations, which include the main temple in Taipei and two branch temples in Sanxia and Beitou, and the “Xingtian Temple Culture and Education Development Promotion Foundation” established in 1995, Xingtian Temple also operates two affiliated libraries (located in downtown Taipei and Beitou, respectively) and the En Chu Kong Hospital in Sanxia. Its commitment to public welfare is evident, ensuring that religion not only brings peace to people's hearts but also substantially benefits their daily lives.