Tung-ho Chan Temple

Tung-ho Chan Temple is located outside Taipei's East Gate. It was originally known as the Branch Temple of the Sōtō Zen School's Head Temple, initially built by a Japanese monk in 1908, with Zentaro Irie, also Japanese, as the designer. By 1916, a Buddhist school was established, providing education for the children of monks and lay followers, where they studied Buddhist doctrines and general knowledge. In 1935, it was renamed Taipei Private Junior High School, and after the war, it was again renamed Taibei Junior High School. A towering bell tower was constructed in front of the main hall in 1930 and still stands today. However, the main hall and other ancient buildings were unfortunately demolished in recent years due to long-term damage from being occupied by military forces and civilians. The bell tower's architecture is highly distinctive; though a reinforced concrete structure, all its details were meticulously crafted. Its roof is a single-eaved hip-and-gable style, covered with Japanese black tiles, and features 'oni-gawara' (demon tiles) at the ridge ends. A large bronze bell hangs inside on the second floor, while the exterior features projecting balconies with railings, imparting a serene and ethereal quality. The first floor uses rough-hewn stone blocks, with arched entrances resembling city gates. This architectural style was originally popular during Japan's Momoyama and Edo periods, evolving into modern Japanese-style architecture by the 20th century. (Source: Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture)