Linji Huguo Chan Temple

Linji Huguo Chan Temple is an extension of Zhennanshan Huguo Temple of the Linji School, established during the Japanese colonial period. Its mountain gate and Main Hall are typical architectural styles of Japanese Edo period Buddhist temples. Linji Huguo Chan Temple was founded in 1900 and completed in 1911. It was built in the early years of Japanese rule by Japanese monk Zen Master Tokuan Genshu, who was invited to Taiwan by the fourth Governor-General of Taiwan, Kodama Gentarō, to propagate Buddhism. The Linji School is a branch of Buddhism distinct from the Caodong School. Huguo Chan Temple is situated by a mountain and a river, with the Keelung River winding nearby. The temple covers a vast area, with a grand and well-arranged layout, originally including a mountain gate, Dharma Hall, Main Hall, and an attached abbot's quarters. To this day, the Main Hall remains well-preserved, featuring a complete wooden structure with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof. The architecture of the mountain gate belongs to the Japanese Edo period style. Additionally, the large sharpening stone in front of the temple, the tomb of the founding patriarch behind the temple, and the stone carved Buddha statues also possess historical and cultural artifact value. Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic value, Linji Huguo Chan Temple was designated as a Municipal Historic Site in 1998 in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. (Source: Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government)