Xingtian Temple Beitou Branch (Zhongyi Temple)

The former Taiwan Railway Zhongyi Station and the MRT Zhongyi Station are named after the temple, which stands nearby. The original temple, 關帝廟行天宮, known to worshippers in the past as the Jiutai Street Enzhugong Temple, stood near today's 新興國中 school in Zhongshan District, Taipei. Its land was later designated for a school, so the temple had to find a new site, and in 1956 it found an auspicious site at Galaobie in Beitou (today's Zhongyishan). Master Xuankong, founder of the three Xingtian temples, funded the building, which was completed on 31 May 1965 as a large temple with three halls. The temple grounds in Beitou cover about 8 hectares, with imposing halls. Besides a library, there are gardens, trees and rich wildlife, trails, landscaping, pavilions, a car park and public toilets, and it is the starting point of the city's Zhongyishan Hiking Trail. Climbing the steps from below, you first see a large lawn, landscaped gardens and a palm-lined avenue. Further up, through the Sun and Moon Gates, is the wide front hall. The temple forecourt is spacious, with red walls and grey stone paving. Beyond the main gate are the Jade Emperor Hall and the bell and drum towers. After the Jade Emperor Hall, the rear hall and Sanyuan Hall, paths lead towards the quiet hill behind, through shaded woods, dense bamboo and weathered rocks. Climbing the 800 steps on the right gives wide views of the Guandu Plain and the Tamsui River.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.