Temples can sometimes seem like an afterthought on trips to Taiwan, particularly if you’re spending most of your time in Taipei. There’s simply so much modernity to step into (even if Taipei 101 itself makes architectural nods to traditional Chinese architecture—but I digress).
Even for travelers who visit Taiwanese temples, it’s easy to get fatigued. They’re stunning, with intricate and detailed designs, and vibrant colors. But they can quickly start to look and feel the same.
Well, unless you use my guide to the best temples in Taiwan to decide which ones to visit. In this case, they definitely don’t!
Taiwanese Temples Are Seriously Underrated
Before I declare the best temple in Taiwan (or rather, a few of them—I don’t play absolute favorites), I want to delve into why I think Taiwanese temples tend to be underrated by foreigners. As I mentioned in the introduction to this piece, there’s definitely the fact that Taiwan is a superficially modern destination. Travelers who aren’t traipsing amid skyscrapers or hiking to skyline viewpoints are often eating their way through night markets.
Another reason? Well, frankly, people are wasting their time in the wrong temples. Look, Taipei’s Longshan Temple isn’t terrible, and neither are the various Confucius Temples scattered around the country. But these places are simply not reflective of the best of Taiwanese sacred architecture, neither in raw terms, nor in the sense of how amazing they can look in context.
The Best Temples in Taiwan
Beigang Chaotian Temple, Yunlin
Although I had seen it in pictures, I didn’t known the name of Beigang Chaotian Temple until early 2025, when it became popularized during an important Mazu pilgrimage. Later that year, I visited it when I was exploring underrated Yunlin County (which is where it’s located) and, well, let’s just say that it lives up to the hype.
Shitoushan Quanhua Temple (Lion’s Head), Miaoli
This obscure temple in Miaoli County (which itself is also rather obscure) was an early entrant on my shortlist of the best Taiwanese temples. Featuring captivating architecture that benefits from the fact that it’s ensconced on a heavily wooded hillside, a trip to Lion’s Head (or Shitoushan Quanhua Temple) quite literally feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, Taipei
I discovered Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, which stands on a hillside north of Taipei’s Wenhu District, when I was trying to extrapolate a picture of the Taipei skyline I’d seen. In it, dragons appeared to be eating Taipei 101. It took me a while to figure out where this temple is, but I promise you: It’s worth the trip.
Sanfeng Temple, Kaohsiung
Another beautiful Taiwanese temple is located right in the center of Kaohsiung, specifically less than 15 minutes by foot from the famous Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. While Sanfeng Temple (which is sometimes written as Sanfong Temple) is stunning anytime of day, it’s especially beautiful when its lanterns are lit-up at night.
Nantian Temple, Yilan
Visiting Yilan County, in Taiwan’s far north, guarantees many surprises and delights. Among them is Nantian Temple, located in Nanfang’ao, itself one of the easiest-to-miss places in this easy-to-miss corner of Taiwan. As you can see, you’ll want to go to great lengths to avoid missing this place.
Other Amazing Sacred Sites in Taiwan
Although I could name runner-up temples in this section, I thought I’d instead highlight sacred sites that aren’t temples, but are still amazing:
- Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: As their name suggests, these towering edifices near Zuoying HSR Station are beastly and amazing.
- Fo Guang Shan: This is one of the world’s largest monasteries, and happens to be just day-trip distance from Kaohsiung.
- Ci’en Pagoda: In addition to providing amazing views of Sun Moon Lake in ancient Taiwan, this pagoda is also architecturally stunning.
- Shrine of the Eternal Spring: Although Taroko Gorge is closed indefinitely, you can still admire this heavenly shrine from afar.
Other FAQ About the Best Temples in Taiwan
Which temple to visit in Taiwan?
I personally like visiting “alternative” temples in Taiwan. These include Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple (which is just outside of central to Taipei), as well as the more obscure Beigang Chaotian Temple, which is in off-the-beaten-path Yunlin County.
Can I wear shorts in temple in Taiwan?
Taiwanese dress codes have basically no dress code. I’ve literally never been stopped for wearing shorts at a temple in Taiwan; you also usually don’t have to take your shoes off, which is nice given how rainy and cold Taiwan can be at certain times of year.
What is the oldest temple in Taipei?
Taipei’s Longshan Temple is said to be the oldest temple in the city, having apparently been founded in 1738. Keep in mind, however, that the current structure has been renovated and re-built many times since then, and is anything but original.
The Bottom Line
My list of the best temples in Taiwan might seem controversial to some. It eschews many popular temples (but boring ones, in my opinion) like Longshan Temple in Taipei in favor of ones that are more interesting, even if they’re more cumbersome to reach. Indeed, the end result of putting in the effort require to visit the Taiwanese temples I’ve recommend is better photos—and, in many cases, fewer crowds, as some of these spots are far off the beaten path. Need personalized help creating a one-of-a-kind Taiwan itinerary? Hire me to plan it for you, and let me take your trip to the next level.
